Henry McDaniel IV in Tokyo with Stanley Clarke and George Duke
Henry McDaniel (Musicians Institute Scholarship winner) featured in Drum Magazine Article!
Month: April 2014
Fall 2014 Scholarship Opportunities at Musicians Institute Announced!
We’re proud to announce the Fall 2014 scholarship offerings funded by The Musicians Foundation at Musicians Institute!
More opportunities will be posted in the coming weeks from Schecter Guitars, PRS Guitars, Seymour Duncan, and more!
Click HERE for the full list!
Spring 2014 Jennifer Batten Independent Artist Scholarship Winner: Natalie Hosseini
Natalie Hosseini with Independent Artist Program Chair Lisa Harriton (rt)
The winner of the inaugural Jennifer Batten Independent Artist Scholarship is talented Camarillo, CA native Natalie Hosseini, who comes to Musicians Institute as a singer/songwriter specializing in contemporary and blue-eyed soul genres.
Natalie explained that she chose to study at MI because “The Independent Artist Program offers everything I need and want to be a successful artist (songwriting, singing, keyboard, Apple Logic, and performance classes). The location of MI is also in the heart of entertainment, where I know I belong and the connections and opportunities offered are remarkable.”
While at MI she intends to “gain a better perspective on production as well as performance and music business. I also hope to obtain perfect pitch through the help of MI’s professors in order to help me create a more sophisticated sound with my music.”
Natalie’s dreams and career aspirations are to “tour the world and inspire others to pursue their dreams. I want to write, produce, and perform my own albums.” She also shared that her goals include “reaching a worldwide fan base, write/produce an album that includes an EDM/dubstep sound, and to be a role-model to other young girls that are struggling with the same issues I struggled with.”
Everyone at MI congratulates Natalie on this achievement, which marks a great beginning to her studies. We look forward to seeing her reach her full potential while at MI.
Special thanks to Jennifer Batten and The Women’s International Music Network for generously sponsoring this scholarship which helps to provide talented students like Natalie with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.
Jennifer Batten, Guitar Icon and MI Alumnus
Spring 2014 GHS Strings Bass Scholarship Winner: Riley Castillo
Riley Castillo with Bass Program Chair Maurice Verloop
Aiea, Hawaii native, Riley Castillo is the talented winner of the first-ever GHS Strings Bass Scholarship at Musicians Institute. He specializes in reggae, hip hop and R&B styles and comes to the MI Bass Program with ten years of bass playing experience under his fingers.
Riley states that while at MI, “I am looking forward to learning new techniques that will make me a better bass player as well as a performer”.
When asked why he chose to study at MI he adds, “I chose MI because I felt that it would be the best way to get my career as professional musician started”. He describes his future goals and vision as: “to be the best at my instrument and be able to live comfortably having a career in the music industry”.
Everyone at MI welcomes Riley to MI and congratulates him on winning this very prestigious award!
Special thanks to our industry partner GHS Strings for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Riley with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.
To learn more about the full range of GHS strings, accessories, artists and news click HERE.
Spring 2014 Ryder Buck Memorial Independent Artist Scholarship Winner: Sarstan Noice
Sarstan Noice
The winner of the inaugural Ryder Buck Memorial Independent Artist Scholarship is talented singer-songwriter Sarstan Noice, who comes to Musicians Institute from Kalidpell, Montana, having written songs since the age of 13, and has recorded, orchestrated and arranged her own original material from the age of 16.
Sarstan describes her music as “singer-songwriter, ethereal, blues, jazz, and hip hop influenced, experimental pop”. Her future dreams and aspirations are to “record countless albums in my own studio, tour the word and spread the light, collaborate with other artists and musicians in a wide array of styles. I want to promote my visual art through the music via merchandise and art installations for live performance while creating awareness and raising funds for organizations I believe in”.
Upon learning about her award, Sarstan explained that she chose to study at MI because “of it’s focus on performance, and because LA is an epicenter for art music and culture in general”. While at MI she will focus on “increasing my skills as a performer, producer and writer and gain a business-savvy perspective on my art, and career”.
Everyone at MI congratulates Sarstan on this achievement, which marks a great beginning to her studies. We look forward to seeing her reach her full potential while at MI.
Special thanks to the family and friends of Ryder Buck for generously sponsoring this scholarship (in honor of the memory and creative talents of MI student Ryder Buck), which helps to provide talented students like Sarstan with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.
Ryder Buck
Spring 2014 W. Crane Guy Vocal Scholarship Winner: Marlene Munoz
Marlene Munoz with Vocal Program Chair Debra Byrd (rt)
The Vocal Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce multi-stylist Marlene Munoz as the winner of the W. Crane Guy Memorial Vocal Scholarship for spring 2014.
In winning this prestigious award, the Chicago native (who comes to MI with 15 years performing experience as a Pop/Latin/Jazz vocalist) demonstrated overall outstanding musicianship, strong vocal skills and the potential for developing her own unique voice.
Asked why she chose to study in the Vocal Program at MI, Marlene states “I hope to become a better vocalist, performer and more diverse artist. I chose MI because this school has all of the opportunities, great faculty members and the networks I need to become successful in the music industry.”
She also shared that “I am delighted to have won this scholarship!!! It’s an honor and privilege to receive this award. I’m humbled and it gives me great pleasure to thank you for this opportunity. “My dream is to become a famous singer/songwriter/producer. I want to make an impact both in English and Spanish language music. My goal is to become an influential International performing artist.”
Everyone at MI congratulates Marlene on winning this prestigious award that honors the memory and multiple talents of Musicians Institute alumnus W. Crane Guy (class of 2010); and supports the education of a talented vocal student.
Special heartfelt thanks to the family of W. Crane Guy for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which will help to provide students like Marlene with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.
W. Crane Guy
Spring 2014 D’Addario Guitar Scholarship Winner: Gage Backert
Gage Backert
Talented guitarist Gage Backert has been named as winner of the spring 2014 D’Addario Guitar Scholarship. Coming to Musicians Institute from Elkhart, IN, he possesses an array of guitar playing skills honed over the last ten years in progressive rock and metal styles.
Gage decided to attend MI’s Guitar Program “for it’s wide range of courses, diverse students, and location. My main goal is to become a successful touring musician and hopefully gain some endorsements from my favorite brands“!
He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals of being able to “hope to better understand my instrument and music in general”.
Everyone at MI welcomes Gage to the Guitar Program (GIT) at MI, and congratulates him on winning this very prestigious award!
Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, D’Addario Strings and The D’Addario Music Foundation for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Gage with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.
To learn more about the full line of D’Addario Products click here: http://www.daddario.com
Spring 2014 Melodic Soloing Scholarship Winner: Joseph Yun
Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen with Joseph Yun
Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that Joseph Yun is the recipient of the first-ever Melodic Soloing Scholarship. Joseph comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Korea with ten years of guitar-playing experience and possession of solid melodic soloing skills in various genres, with a specialization in the blues.
While studying at MI, he plans to focus on “learning how other players have great feel and solo techniques”.
When asked about his future aspirations he adds, “I will compose and play guitar in my own band. I’m actually already doing this now, but I want to make it bigger”!
Everyone at MI congratulates Joseph on winning this very prestigious scholarship award, and we welcome him as he begins his studies and the many great experiences ahead at MI!
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 Joseph with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful careers in the music industry.
To learn more about the MI Alumni Community click HERE
Spring 2014 Evans Drum Scholarship Winner: Stephen Haaker
Stephen Haaker with Drum Program Chair Stewart Jean (rt)
The Drum Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that pop, funk and rock drummer Stephen D. Haaker from Paradise, CA. has been named the winner of the prestigious Evans Drumhead Scholarship for spring 2014.
Stephen will focus on “filling in the gaps of my knowledge about the roots and history of influential music and beats, to perform as much as possible in new situations, and to eventually achieve total command over my instrument so that I’ll be ready when the big gig presents itself.” during his studies at MI.
Upon receiving his scholarship award, Stephen acknowledged that he chose to study at MI because “it’s the only school where I can focus solely and completely on the music and it’s located in an area that fosters the relationships I will need. Also, I just really wanted to study with Chuck Silverman”!
His future professional goals are “to forge meaningful, long-lasting relationships that will serve as the backbone of my career. I wish to further develop a reputation as a dependable, knowledgeable, talented, flexible professional touring/recording sideman musician. I want to play for major artists/bands, performing at big venues and recording in professional studios”.
Everyone at MI congratulates Stephen on this achievement, which marks a great beginning to his studies. We look forward to seeing him reach his full potential while at MI.
Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, Evans Drumheads and The D’Addario Music Foundation for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Stephen with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry. Evans has been a pioneer in drumhead design for over 50 years and is a committed supporter and advocate of music education.
To learn more about the full line of Evans Drumhead products click here.
Spring 2014 ESP Guitar Scholarship at Musicians Institute Winner: Eduardo Pimentel
Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen with Eduardo Pimentel
Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that Eduardo Pimentel is the recipient of the spring 2014 ESP Guitar Scholarship. Eduardo Pimentel comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil already in possession of serious blues guitar skills and experience.
Eduardo chose to study at MI because “it is a modern school that focusses directly on what students need nowadays with great networking, open counseling classes, being able to play and study with other students, awesome teachers and the incredible location Los Angeles, (the best city in the world for the arts)”. While at MI, he plans to “learn a lot of other styles like jazz, fusion, funk, soul and R&B. I want to gain experience in these styles thru improvisation, recording and live performances”.
He also shared his future career aspirations, which include: “playing live, touring, recording, supporting artists and producing. I want to do all the things as much as possible that a professional performer can do, living the dream”!
Everyone at MI congratulates Eduardo on winning this prestigious scholarship award, and we welcome him as he begins his studies and the many great experiences ahead at MI!
Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, ESP Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Eduardo with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful careers in the music industry.
To learn more about ESP Electric Guitars, and their full line of guitar products, visit http://www.espguitars.com
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