Fall 2014 PRS GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Christopher Eklund

Stig Mathisen (Guitar Program Chair) with Christopher Eklund

The fall 2014 PRS Guitar Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Guitar Program student: Christopher Eklund.  The Swedish native earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of his rock and (overall) versatile musical skills.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Christopher states, “I’ve heard great things about the institute from people who went there.  MI has a lot of international students and I think that it would be fun to meet and play with people from all around the world.  I hope to learn much more about the guitar and about music in general. I hope that I will become a great musician while studying at MI.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals of being able to “make a living in doing what I love to do: play music and my goal is to make my dream become reality. I want to be able to work as a session musician.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Christopher on winning this prestigious award which includes a scholarship (tuition credit) and beautiful new PRS guitar.

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

To learn more about PRS Guitars and products, click here.

 

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2014-15 MI & MF SPONSORED Free CLASSES @THE GRAMMY MUSEUM FOR LAUSD STUDENTS ANNOUNCED

The Grammy Museum at LA LIve

The Musicians Foundation, Musicians Institute (MI) and The Grammy Museum are proud to present the 2014-2015 series of co-sponsored Grammy Museum Music Education classes for LA Unified School District high school students and select GrammyU students in the Museum’s intimate Clive Davis Theater.

The Grammy Museum has become an important gateway for supporting and preserving music education as a major sponsor of school tours and music classes for LA area middle and high school students who are suffering from severe cuts in arts education in their own school’s budget.

During 2014-15, the classes are taught exclusively by MI’s world-class faculty, and MI will be the Museum’s sole Education Class sponsor for the month of March, with a focus on Music and Technology.

This unique hands-on MI course series (now in its 6th consecutive year), has inspired and delighted thousands of high school students while imparting valuable knowledge and experience that are at the heart of making, understanding and appreciating both music and the music industry.  Some classes may be available to the public, contact The Grammy Museum directly for more details.  All classes start at 11am.

Musicians Institute has been a major sponsor of The Grammy Museum since its inception in 2008.

November 2014: Exploring Music and Technology

Darryl Swann

Beat Making and Samples: Darryl Swann

Date: Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 

Ronen Gordon

Today’s Drummer: Creating Abelton Live Loops and the Drum Set: Ronen Gordon

Date: Tuesday, November 18th, 2014

DJ Charlie Sputnik at The Grammy Museum

Intro to Today’s DJ Techniques:  Charlie Sputnik

Date: Tuesday, November 25th, 2014

  

March 2015: Exploring Music and Technology

Appu Krishnan

Sampling Across Genres – Introducing Students to Sample Based Music Production Using Logic Pro: Appu Krishnan

Date: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015

Mehdi Hassine

Introduction to Foley Recording and Editing: Mehdi Hassine

Date: Tuesday, March 10th, 2015

Linus Lau

Make and Edit Your Own Music Video: Linus Lau

Date: Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

Darryl Swann

Beatmaking and Samples: Darryl Swann

Date: Tuesday, March 24th, 2015 

 

May 2015: Learning the Business of Music

Anika Paris

Hook, Lines & Sinkers – A Pop Lyric Writing Workshop: Anika Paris

Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2015

 

Aaron Meza 

Dan Kimpel

Music Business Careers: Dan Kimpel & Aaron Meza

Date: Tuesday, May 12th, 2015

Mark Cross at The Grammy Museum

Writing Music for Film and Television:  Mark Cross

Date: Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

Dan Kimpel

Networking Strategies: Dan Kimpel

Date: Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

 

To learn more about the Grammy Museum educational course offerings for 2014-2015 please Click here

 

 

To visit Musicians Institute online, click HERE

FALL 2014 MI 35TH ANNIVERSARY BASS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Austin Callender

Maurice Verloop (Bass Program Chair) with Austin Callender

Redondo Beach, CA native Austin Callender has been named as the winner of the Musicians Institute 35th Anniversary Bass Program Scholarship.  He comes to Musicians Institute having played bass for seven years, in jazz, R&B/funk and blues rock styles.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Austin states: “because it is a contemporary music school with instruction in all genres with lots of networking opportunities.” While studying at MI, Austin will focus on “learning everything I can regarding theory and groove, and anything else that will help me in my musical career.”

His future career goals are “to do lots of session work and hopefully go out on the road and play.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Austin 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 MI’s family of Alumni, whose generous donations fund this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Austin with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

 

FALL 2014 MITCH FABER MEMORIAL BLUES GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Justin Meyers

Stig Mathisen (Guitar Program Chair) with Justin Meyers

The fourth annual Mitch Faber Memorial Blues Guitar Scholarship, created to honor the memory, talent and artistic career of Musicians Institute alumnus Mitch Faber (GIT class of 1981), has been awarded to Justin Meyers.  Justin hails from Chicago, IL and Columbus OH areas and is entering the Associate of Arts in Performance (Guitar) program at MI having demonstrated outstanding musicianship and the potential for developing a unique voice in the blues style.

While attending Musicians Institute, Justin will focus on “learning to be the best musician I can possibly be and make connections to have a successful musical career.”

Upon learning of his award, Justin states: “I am beyond honored to be receiving the Mitch Faber Memorial Blues Guitar Scholarship. I have been playing guitar for about 8 years and enjoy performing Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz, and many other genres. I just love playing music!” 

Justin adds “my dreams and goals are to become a professional touring musician performing with well-known artists and to play with many different artists in order to expand myself as a musician.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Justin on winning this prestigious award that honors both the legacy and career of a Guitar Program alumnus (Mitch Faber) and supports the education and growth of a talented, evolving, and very deserving guitarist!

 

Mitch Faber

FALL 2014 HARD ROCK CAFE/HARD ROCK VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Jed Morrison

Jed Morrison with Debra Byrd (Vocal Program Chair)

The first-ever Hard Rock Cafe/Hard Rock Vocal Scholarship has been awarded to MI Vocal Program student: Jed Morrison. The Sedona, Arizona native enters Musicians Institute with 14 years of experience singing and performing in the country/rock style.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Jed states, “I chose MI because the school has the best teachers out there.  I attended Summer Shot program 2014 and had a great experience!”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals of being able to “master my craft of being a singer/songwriter.  I want to make a career out of performing music and be known globally for my talent.”

Everyone at MI welcomes Jed to the Vocal Program at MI, and congratulates him on winning this very prestigious award!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Jed with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

To learn more about the great philanthropic work of the Hard Rock click HERE.

 

FALL 2014 SCHECTER SYNYSTER GATES GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: George Patmas

Stig Mathisen (Guitar Program Chair) with George Patmas

The fall 2014 Schecter Synyster Gates Guitar Scholarship at Musicians Institute (created to honor the successful career of GIT grad and Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates), has been awarded to George Patmas.

George comes to MI from Eagle, Idaho and is entering the Associate of Arts in Performance (Guitar) Program with 14 years of guitar playing experience and having demonstrated outstanding musicianship in the metal and classic rock genres.

While attending Musicians Institute, George will specifically focus on gaining the skills needed to “master the instrument and transform it into a career.”  He decided to attend MI “after visiting many music schools and colleges, because MI made me feel welcome and appreciated.”

George described his longterm future goals as “to get good enough to be on the same stage as my inspirations like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and one day form my own Progressive Metal band.”

Everyone at MI congratulates George on winning this prestigious award that honors both the growing legacy and career of a Guitar Program alumnus (Synyster Gates) and supports the education and of a talented, evolving, and very deserving rock guitarist!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, Schecter Guitar Research for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like George 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 Schecter Guitar and Bass products click here 

 

THE 2014 STANLEY CLARKE SCHOLARSHIP FINALS CONCERT – NOV. 23, 2014

Sunday, Nov. 23rd  |   8-9:30pm

Musicians Institute Concert Hall

1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood

FREE ADMISSION – OPEN TO ALL, NO RSVP NEEDED!

Stanley Clarke, Liberator of the Electric and Acoustic Basses

The Stanley Clarke Band will perform, and the celebrity judges will be in the house as FIVE of MI’s most talented students will take the stage to perform two songs each for the prestigious Stanley Clarke Scholarship Finals Concert at the MI Concert Hall on Sunday Nov. 23rd at 8pm. This annual event is co-sponsored by The Stanley Clarke Scholarship Foundation and Musicians Institute and managed by The Musicians Foundation.  

Stanley Clarke, (and his band featuring Ruslan Sirota, Ronald Bruner Jr., and Paul Jackson Jr.) will perform and a panel of well known music industry judges (Doug Webb, Sunnie Paxson, Kennard Ramsey, and more to be announced) will choose TWO finalist winners who will each receive a scholarship prize package of $9,000 from Stanley and MI, on the basis of musical talent, performing ability, stage presence, musicianship and charisma during the Final Performance Event.  Three runners-up will receive a scholarship (tuition discount) award of $2,000 each.

Stanley Clarke performs at 2012 scholarship event

Stanley Clarke

Bassist, composer, producer Clarke, whose prodigious talent, 40+ albums and 60 film scores, multiple Grammys, Emmys, critics’ and readers’ polls, and gold and platinum records have made him one of the most recognized and respected names in the annals of contemporary music, has selflessly and generously created opportunities for talented, emerging musicians to further their education and realize their own creative vision.

For more than a decade, the Stanley Clarke Scholarship at Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music has provided substantial financial assistance to outstanding student performers since its inception and creation by Stanley in 2002.  In recognition of his exemplary and extraordinary support of music education, Stanley was awarded the first-ever honorary Doctor of Music degree from Musicians Institute in 2009.

The Stanley Clarke Band and Judges:

Ruslan Sirota

Ronald Bruner Jr.

Paul Jackson Jr.

Doug Webb

Sunnie Paxson

Kennard Ramsey

 Nearby pay parking lots and on-street parking are available:

FALL 2014 SEYMOUR DUNCAN GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Luke Villegas

Stig Mathisen (Guitar Program Chair) with Luke Villegas

The winner of the fall 2014 Seymour Duncan Guitar Scholarship at Musicians Institute is talented, Tustin, CA native Luke Villegas.  While proficient in many styles, the rock guitar stylist explains that he chose to study in MI’s Guitar Program because “I’ll be able to learn a wide variety of styles under many different accomplished instructors.”  

He also sees LA and the Hollywood area as the perfect place to achieve his dream,“along with the amazing learning opportunities, the location could not be more prime, the heart of Los Angeles.  I plan to make new connections at every moment possible, and I know that at MI I will learn so many new techniques, styles, and grow immensely as a musician.”  He adds “MI has the tools and resources to allow me to reach the level of success I am striving for as a musician.”

Luke’s longterm goals include: “writing, playing, creating music with a band and performing as well as writing scores for films or fine tuning the minute details of music in a recording studio. I want to be knowledgable in as many different areas of the business as I can, so that I am extremely well rounded and super marketable as a musician, composer, and sound architect.  I wish to pursue music as a career because it is my passion.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Luke 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 very special industry partner, Seymour Duncan for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Luke with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry. The scholarship was created thru the generous support of Seymour Duncan Pickups and Pedals to honor innovative guitar legend Seymour Duncan.

To learn more about the full line of Seymour Duncan Products click here

FALL 2014 HOSA TECHNOLOGY AUDIO ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Danica Renee Garcia

Jonathan Newkirk (Audio Enginnering Program Chair) with Danica Garcia

The Audio Engineering Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce Danica Renee Garcia as the winner of the second annual Hosa Technology Audio Engineering Scholarship at MI.  In winning this prestigious award, the Santa Paula, CA native convincingly and clearly articulated her career goals in the music industry in her scholarship essay submission.

Asked why she chose to study in the Audio Engineering Program at MI,  Danica states “My education has always been extremely important to me. Knowing that MI has a 12:1 student to teacher ratio is one of the main points that sold me on MI.  The teaching staff is incredible and the quality of education is phenomenal.  They set you up for nothing but success and all you have to supply is the effort and drive. And that, is what makes MI one of the most unique schools in my eyes; it’s why I invested my future here.  I absolutely adore the vibe around campus, the networking and connection opportunities, and the fact that everyone there is also chasing their biggest dream with no boundaries, the possibilities are limitless.”

While at MI, she will focus on “absorbing as much as I can, I want to learn it all. I want to become knowledgeable, not just educated. I want to become certified in Pro-Tools and know how to track, record, and mix songs and eventually demos and albums. I want to learn the tips and tricks of live sound, and learn how to brand myself and still be humble. I want to turn my “wants” or “wishes” into I WILL.”

She describes her future professional vision as “pursuing my dream of scoring a movie and dubbing audio into a music video or TV show.  I want to open my own recording studio one day, be a lyricist and also tour the world (and get paid to do it)!  I have many dreams and aspirations, and MI is the school I trust to set me up for success.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Danica on winning this prestigious award, and we welcome her as she begins her studies and enjoys the many great experiences ahead at MI!

Special thanks to our industry partner, Hosa Technology for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide students like Danica with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

 

 

FALL 2014 PAISTE CYMBALS SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: Kenneth Major Wynn

Kenneth Major Wynn with Stewart Jean (Drum Program Chair)

The winner of the fourth annual Paiste Cymbals Scholarship at Musicians Institute is talented San Diego, CA native Kenneth Major Wynn who enjoys playing hard rock, heavy metal, alternative, and “basically anything that gets your head pounding” styles of music.  His expressive cymbal technique and mature musical approach helped him to garner the prestigious 2014 Paiste scholarship award. 

The award includes a tuition discount for his studies at MI and also four new cymbals from the Paiste Signature Precision line (1 set of H.H.s, 2 – Crash, 1 Ride), to be hand-picked by Kenneth at the Paiste Factory.

Asked why he chose to study in the Drum Program at MI, Kenneth states: “because it is one of the leading music institutes in the country and is located in the heart of the entertainment community which will give me the best chance for a career in music.” While at MI, he will focus on ” becoming a better performer, I feel that MI is the best school to teach me to take it to the next level.”

Kenneth’s goals for the future are: “to find a band and travel the world playing to people. Eventually, I would like to start a night club for under age kids to play shows with their bands to hopefully give them their big break.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Kenneth on winning this scholarship award, and we welcome him as he begins his studies and enjoys the many great experiences ahead at MI!

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

To learn more about Paiste Cymbals, visit:  http://www.paiste.com/