THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION DRUM SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: ZITENG ZHAO

Ziteng Zhao

The Musicians Foundation Drum Scholarship has been awarded to Ziteng Zhao, who comes to Musicians Institute from China, with 13 years of drumming experience and a specialization in the Funk/fusion genre. He’s currently enrolled in MI’s Bachelor of Music in Drum Performance program.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Ziteng shared “MI has teachers I like and I like the West Coast. During my studies, I hope to learn about audio engineering and specifically recording drums.”

Ziteng described his long-term career goals as follows, “My goal is to be professional session player, and I want to have my own progressive metal band.” 

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Ziteng for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to The Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented and deserving students like Ziteng with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: CHEN CAO

Chen Cao

The Musicians Foundation Vocal Scholarship winner, Chen Cao comes to MI’s Master of Music in Vocal Performance Program from China with a lifetime of vocal experience and 5 years of professional performing experience with a specialization in R&B, rock and jazz genres. 

When asked why she chose to study at MI, Chen shared “MI has a high honor in the music industry and is a well-known center for music education in the United States. This is a prestigious institution in the contemporary music industry, with a long history and a unique educational style, MI has gathered the best teachers in the world, all of whom are well-known artists and professionals in the music industry, and I was able to learn a lot about music here.”

During her studies at MI, she intends to focus on “finding the most suitable music style for me, and discovering my own unique music performance style. I also want to learn a lot about arranging music here, and have a lot of original works of my own.”  

Upon learning of her scholarship award she added, “This scholarship not only represents the recognition of the school, it has helped me reduce the burden on my parents and allows me to focus more on my studies. I will continue to explore in my musical journey, and it also encourages me to work harder to gain music knowledge.”

Chen described her long-term career goals as follows, “In the future, I want to be a musician with my own unique style and have a lot of original works of my own. At the same time, I also hope to become an excellent music teacher, and I want to share my unique music insights with every student who loves music, which can help them explore in their musical journey.”

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Chen for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to the Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Chen with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: HUI YANG

Hui Yang

The Musicians Foundation Guitar Scholarship winner, Hui Yang comes to Musicians Institute from Macau, with 9 years of guitar playing experience and a specialization in Rock. He’s currently enrolled in MI’s Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance program.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Hui shared “I chose to study at MI because many of my guitar heroes have graduated from MI, and the school has a very high reputation. I hope to learn some different styles of music such as jazz, blues during my studies at MI.” He added, “Winning this scholarship is a recognition of my music skills and provides an energy and motivation for me to get better.”

Hui described his long-term career goals as follows, “My dream is to become a more comprehensive and influential musician.”

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Hui for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to The Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented and deserving students like Hui with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION STUDIO RECORDING PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: YIWEI CHEN

Yiwei Chen

The Musicians Foundation Studio Recording Program Scholarship for spring 2024 has been awarded to Yiwei Chen.

Yiwei comes to Musicians Institute from China with three years of audio engineering experience and an eclectic interest in engineering several genres, with favorites that include Hip Hop, Rock and Pop music. 

When asked why he chose to study at MI, he shared, “I want to learn more advanced skills and the art of recording. The reason I chose MI is because it has the best location and the environment is the very close to the real-world heart of the industry.”

Yiwei described his long-term career goals as follows, “My dream is to be a full-time mixer and make great records for artists.” 

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Yiwei for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to The Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Yiwei with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION MI ONLINE PERFORMANCE PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: SHEM REUEL ACENA GUEVARA

Shem Guevara

Shem Guevara comes to Musicians Institute from Hong Kong with 12 years of guitar playing experience and a specialization in Alternative, Blues, Gospel, Contemporary Christian music genres. He’s currently enrolled in MI’s Online Performance Program (Guitar).

When asked why he chose to study at MI and what he intends to focus on during his studies, Shem shared, “I chose MI online for the flexibility it offers me, while this scholarship is truly a blessing and helps me a lot, I will still have to keep a steady flow of income to finance this study and to make sure that I don’t compromise my responsibilities in my personal life during my studies. Hong Kong does not have any contemporary music programs available, so MI is a perfect fit for my situation and goals. Apart from that, the long list of well- respected and accomplished faculty members and alumni is second to none; I know that I will be in the best hands and will be receiving an education that I just can’t find anywhere else. At a more micro/superficial level, I hope to get better in my improvisational skills and get more into fusion/ jazz guitar playing. Overall, what I truly aim to learn at MI is to be a confident musician that has the right tools to share my music.” 

Upon learning of his scholarship award, he added “This scholarship genuinely means so much to me. Having graduated with a completely unrelated degree to music and have worked in the corporate field ever since I graduated, I built up a decently comfortable career and routine for myself. Making the decision to put that on pause and start from scratch in a completely different field was not just a scary risk for me, but I’ve also had to wrestle with the pervasive thought that at my age, I’ve passed my time to try and pursue music. So apart from the financial help I will be receiving, which is truly a huge help for me, this scholarship has given me such a much-needed boost in confidence and affirmation that maybe this wishful dream of mine might be closer to reality than I let myself believe most times.”

Shem described his long-term career goals as follows, “I want to be a session guitar player and work to a point where my music/ guitar playing makes for a significant portion of my income, I also want to experience going on tour at least once. I have hopes to bring a bigger platform to other Filipino artists in Hong Kong (like myself) who are truly talented and have beautiful music to share. My dream is that through studying this program, I’ll be able to use the tools and knowledge I acquire to create more platforms and opportunities for these talented artists to share their music.” 

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Shem for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to The Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented and deserving students like Shem with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

THE SCOTT BENNETT MEMORIAL GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: CHAITANYA NANDA

Chaitanya Nanda

Scott Bennett Memorial Guitar Scholarship winner, Chaitanya Nanda comes to MI from Delhi, India with 6 years of guitar playing experience and a specialization in the Rock-Fusion genre. He’s currently enrolled in MI’s Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance program.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Chaitanya shared “I want to become more fluent on my instrument and learn about how to succeed in the music industry. I chose to study at MI because it is located in the heart of the music industry, and it also has many teachers that I look up to.”

Upon learning of his scholarship award he added, “This scholarship reduces a lot of stress for my parents, and is also going to help me buy some equipment that will help in my career.”

He described his long-term career goals as follows, “My dream is to become a professional guitarist and have a career in music.”

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Chaitanya for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to the family of MI (GIT) alumnus Scott Bennett for generously sponsoring this memorial scholarship in his honor, which helps to provide talented students like Chaitanya with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

Scott Bennett

THE MUSICIANS FOUNDATION GUITAR CRAFT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: SHAWN BOWLING

Shawn Bowling

The Musicians Foundation Guitar Craft Scholarship at Musicians Institute (Nashville) has been awarded to Shawn Bowling, who comes to Musicians Institute’s Guitar Craft Academy Program from Nashville, TN with more than 30 years of guitar playing and performing experience, with a specialization in rock, pop, Americana, and blues genres.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Shawn stated “studying at Musicians Institute’s Guitar Craft Academy (GCA) is an easy choice for me due to its state of the art facility, world-class instructors, and ideal location in Music City – Nashville, TN.”

While studying at GCA, his focus will be on ”gaining the top-level skills necessary to build and repair guitars. I am also excited to learn the “why” behind the craftsmanship of truly great instruments.” 

He added, “This scholarship is a great encouragement for me to continue following my passion and put in the work to get the most out of the opportunities that come from attending Guitar Craft Academy. My future career goals are to work for a well-established builder after graduation, and ultimately, I would like to have my own line of guitars.”

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Shawn for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to The Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented and deserving students like Shawn with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

MUSICIANS FOUNDATION MASTER OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: JUJIE DENG

Jujie Deng

The Musicians Foundation Master of Music in Performance Scholarship at Musicians Institute has been awarded to Jujie Deng.

A native of Tianshui, Gansu, China, Jujie comes to MI’s Master of Music in Performance Program with 12 years of drumming experience and a specialization in Funk, R&B, and Jazz Fusion genres.

When asked why he decided to pursue his Master’s Degree in Drum Performance at MI, Jujie shared “I chose MI because many of my favorite artists studied at MI, which is the best proof. I also want to learn more about how to manage myself as a musician.”

Regarding future career goals and aspirations, he added, “I want to find my unique music and influence more people, let people fall in love with music and discover the fun and vastness of music. This scholarship is a recognition for me and gives me motivation to continue working hard.”

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Jujie for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to The Pat Hicks Endowment fund for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented and deserving students like Jujie with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

2024 ESP ROCK GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: MAMOUN BOUAB

Mamoun Bouab

Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that Mamoun Bouab is the recipient of the 2024 ESP Rock Guitar Scholarship.  

The currently enrolled Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree student comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Morocco with 14 years of guitar playing experience and a strong focus as a Rock/Fusion player.

When asked why he chose to study at Musicians Institute, he stated, “I chose to study at MI for the overall experience and knowledge I’ll have access to; to be around some of the best musicians in the world, the networking, and to be in Los Angeles. During my studies, I hope to learn how to transcend the barriers of technique and gain enough knowledge so I can become one with the music, make all the sounds that are in my head become reality and communicate it to other fellow musicians.”

Upon learning of his ESP scholarship award, Mamoun shared that “This scholarship means the world to me, it gives me hope and confidence about my future. Unfortunately, my parents are not able to afford my full tuition so they place their hope in me so I can win scholarships like this one and achieve my dreams. 

Mamoun sees his education as an important key to achieving his dreams of one day being able to “Create or be in a world-famous band to tour with them and to contribute to the world of music. I’d also love to create a school of music in my home country because we have so much talent in Morocco that does not have the opportunity to travel to the US to pursue their dreams.” He added, “One of my biggest career aspirations would be to create my own musical identity. I feel like in the Moroccan culture we have a very interesting rhythmic and harmonic approach that is yet to be seen in Western music. I would love to find the right blend of both so it can be consumed and appreciated by everyone. 

Everyone at MI congratulates Mamoun on winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, ESP Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Mamoun with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful careers in the music industry.

Be sure to visit ESP Electric Guitars, and their industry partner: Takamine Guitars  to learn more their full line of guitar products.

MELODIC SOLOING GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: EVRIM TAO OZEN

Evrim Tao Ozen 

Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that Evrim Tao Ozen  is the recipient of the Spring 2024 Melodic Soloing Guitar Scholarship.

Evrim comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Turkey with 6 years of playing experience and in possession of solid melodic soloing skills in a variety of genres, with a primary focus as a fusion player, eclectically mixing classic rock, blues, jazz, prog metal, glam, instrumental rock, country, Latin, Turkish and Indian music.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Evrim added “MI is the best place for me to realize my full potential. I expect to develop my unique voice and overall musicianship while studying at MI. I’ll be working harder and harder every day to achieve my dreams and I know I’m in the right place, meeting the right people.”

Asked what the winning this scholarship award means to him, he shared “This scholarship means that if you’re in the right place and giving all the effort, you’ll feel a powerful wind behind you that raises you up in support of art, struggle and passion.”

He describes his professional goals and aspirations as follows: “I’ve got big goals and desires as a young musician. In the first place, I want to break thru all my technical limitations and hesitations in order to achieve the music in my head without thinking about technique. I want to record and gig with great musicians and big artists and create a good reputation as a musician by serving others with session and live work. But my greatest goal is to speak with sensitive souls by composing and performing my own music.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Evrim on winning this very prestigious scholarship award!

Special thanks to an anonymous MI Guitar Program alumnus (GIT class of 1980) for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Evrim with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful careers in the music industry.

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