FALL 2015 W. CRANE GUY MEMORIAL VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Tanner Howe

Tanner Howe with Vocal Program Chair Debra Byrd

The Vocal Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce Tanner Howe as the winner of the W. Crane Guy Memorial Vocal Scholarship for fall 2015.  In winning this prestigious award, the Huntington Beach, CA native demonstrated overall outstanding musicianship, strong vocal skills and the potential for developing his own unique voice.  He describes his musical interest as being in the “pop/rock and R&B genres.”

Asked why he chose to study in the Vocal Program at MI,  Tanner states “I hope to master the skills of singing and performing, meet other artists, make connections with people that are in the music business, and become a greater songwriter.”

He adds “My dream, goals and aspirations are to become a singer/songwriter and to make music that inspires other people.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Tanner 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 Tanner with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

W. Crane Guy

FALL 2015 TAKAMINE ACOUSTIC GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: Jintao Yao

Jintao Yao (l.) with Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen (rt.)

Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that Jintao Yao is the recipient of the first-ever Takamine Acoustic Guitar Scholarship.  Jintao comes to MI’s Guitar Program from China with several years of fingerstyle guitar experience.

Jintao chose to study at MI because “this is the best school in California for music, I also hope to learn some rock styles while at MI.”   He described his future career aspirations as follows: “my dream is to make my own band and become famous!”

Everyone at MI congratulates Jintao 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 and Takamine Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Jintao with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful careers in the music industry.

Be sure to visit Takamine Guitars  to learn more their full line of guitar products, and their exciting partnership with ESP Electric Guitars

 

FALL 2015 HARD CAFE HARD ROCK BASS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: John Murphy

John Murphy (l.) with Bass Program Chair Maurice Verloop

The Musicians Foundation is pleased to announce the first-ever Hard Rock Cafe/Hard Rock Bass Scholarship, which has been awarded to MI Bass Program student: John Murphy.  The Minnesota native enters Musicians Institute with 10 years of bass playing experience, with a focus on metal and rock genres.

Asked why he chose to study in the Bass Program at MI, John states: “I’m looking to vastly improve my technical skills in playing bass. However, the most important thing I’d like to improve upon is my overall musicianship. How I play, how I write, and how to create beautiful works.”  He added “I want to meet people who will influence and assist in my path of life and in music.”

John’s professional goals and musical aspirations include “having a career as a successful performing artist. I love to sharing my music with people I know, and will love it (even more) to share it with the world.”

Everyone at MI congratulates John 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, The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like John 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 2015 Music Business Program Entrepreneur Scholarship Winner: Tamara K.R. Meyer

Tamara K.R. Meyer (l.) with Music Business Program Chair Stacy Turner (rt)

The first-ever Music Business Program Entrepreneur Scholarship at Musicians Institute as been awarded to Tamara K.R. Meyer.  The newly enrolling Music Business Program student is a native of Berlin, Germany.

Upon learning about her award, Tamara explained that she chose to study at MI because “I was looking into schools offering training in music management. If you plan on getting into the industry in Germany, you either have to study musicology (but it lacks the business side) or you have to study business administration, which in turn has nothing to do with music at all. I happened to come across MI, read through the course description, and I guess you could call it love at first sight, because I instantly knew that this would be the perfect place for me!”

She added that while at MI “I am looking forward to gaining insight into, and to learn more about topics such as music law, distribution, publishing, licensing etc. as well as meeting likeminded people.”  She added “I also hope to get an insight into the US music market.”

After MI,  Tamara’s career aspirations include working in the following sectors of the music business: “marketing and the impact of music service providers and how artists and license holders can make the most out of them in the future. I’m interested in getting further involved in that topic, working out ways how all players involved can profit the most in these difficult times the industry is currently facing.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Tamara 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 Musicians Foundation for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Tamara with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

 

FALL 2015 SHEILA E. DRUM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Marcella Dreith

Marcella Dreith with Drum Program Chair Stewart Jean

The Drum Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that rock drummer Marcella Dreith from Studio City, CA has been named the winner of the first-ever Sheila E. Drum Scholarship for Fall 2015.

Upon receiving the prestigious scholarship award, Marcella acknowledged that she chose to study at MI because “the teachers are realistic as well as willing to help every student thrive and give the honest feedback and instructions that are needed to succeed as a musician. I also love the variety the school has to offer in classes and rehearsals as well as practice time”.

Marcella will focus on “time, groove and rudiments as well as sight reading” during her studies at MI. 

Her future professional goals are “to be a working musician as well as touring. I love studio work but I love live performances and playing in bands. Long term goal would be to find a steady band to tour with and record in the studio”.

Everyone at MI congratulates Marcella on this achievement, which marks a great beginning to her studies. We look forward to seeing her reach her full potential while at MI.

The Sheila E. Drum Scholarship at Musicians Institute has been created to honor the exceptional talents, trendsetting artistic career of recording artist and drum virtuoso: Sheila E. The scholarship is made possible by the generous support of MI’s Alumni to provide opportunities for talented, emerging musicians to further their education, and realize their own creative vision.

 

 

 

 

FALL 2015 MELODIC SOLOING SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Matthew Kusnick

Matthew Kusnick (l.) with Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen (rt.)

Musicians Institute and the Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that Matthew Kusnick is the recipient of the fall 2015 Melodic Soloing Scholarship.  Matt comes to MI’s Guitar Program from New Orleans, LA in possession of solid melodic soloing skills with a specialization in classic rock and rock styles.

While studying at MI, he plans to focus on “furthering my skills as a guitarist, and bettering my knowledge of music theory while learning about the business side of music. I chose MI because of the many benefits available and the outstanding track record the school has.”

When asked about his professional goals he adds, “my goals and career aspirations are to be able to support myself as an actively touring and working musician, as well as make a name for myself in the industry.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Matt 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 Matthew 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

 

FALL 2015 DAISY ROCK BANGLES/VICKI PETERSON GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP: Giulia Marta Vallar

Bangles Guitarist Vicki Peterson (l.) with Giulia Marta Vallar (rt.)

We are extremely pleased to announce that Giulia Marta Vallar is the winner of the fourth Annual Daisy Rock Bangles/Vicki Peterson Scholarship at Musicians Institute. With 10 years of classical guitar training and 3 years of electric guitar playing experience, the multi-talented Giulia specializes in various funky rock and riff-oriented styles.  She comes to the MI Guitar Program from Italy (by way of London) with the dedication and commitment to be the best at what she does.

Giulia states that while at MI, “I hope to become the best guitar player I can be and to express my full potential, to learn and master a lot of different techniques, meet new band mates and develop my self as a professional musician”.

When asked why she chose to study at MI she adds, “I studied guitar in London but I have always wanted to live and play in L.A.  MI is located in the heart of Hollywood and its vibrant and competitive environment is just charming for me. There is such a great energy, inspiration and motivation flowing around this school”.

She describes her future goals as: “my main goal is to develop and discover myself and my intimate sound on my instrument, my beloved electric guitar.  I’d love to become a professional artist, able to make people happy with my original music”.

The Daisy Rock Scholarship is awarded to a newly enrolling female guitar student at MI who demonstrates outstanding musicianship, band performance skills and originality in the Rock/Pop genre.  The award is named in honor of Vicki Peterson, who has been the guitarist for the groundbreaking multi-platinum, all female band The Bangles since their inception in 1981.

Everyone at MI welcomes Giulia to the fall class of the Guitar Program (GIT), and congratulates her on winning this very prestigious award!

Special thanks to our industry partner Daisy Rock Girl Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented female students like Giulia with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.  To learn more about Daisy Rock Guitars and products click here:  http://www.daisyrock.com/

 

 

FALL 2015 SCHECTER SYNYSTER GATES GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Jimena Fosado

Jimena Fosado with Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen

The fall 2015  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 Jimena Fosado.

Jimena comes to MI from Mexico City, and is entering the Associate of Arts in Performance (Guitar) Program having demonstrated outstanding musicianship in the metal genre (she also has a background in jazz, classical and blues).

While attending Musicians Institute, Jimena will specifically focus on “learning as much as I can and developing my skills to a new level. I’m interested in sharing my love for music with people who understand that it is not a hobby; it’s a passion and a way of life!”

Jimena described her longterm future goals as follows “I want to innovate and inspire people as my favorite musicians have inspired me. I want to be on tour my whole life hearing the crowd singing my songs.”

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

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, Schecter Guitar Research for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Jimena 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 

 

FALL 2015 HOSA TECHNOLOGY AUDIO ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Clifton Harris

Clifton Harris (l.) with Audio Engineering Program Chair Jonathan Newkirk (rt.)

The Audio Engineering Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce Clifton Harris as the winner of the third annual Hosa Technology Audio Engineering Scholarship at MI.  In winning this prestigious award, the Victorville, CA native convincingly and clearly articulated his career goals in his scholarship essay submission.  He comes to MI with six years of audio engineering experience, with a focus on R&B, hip hop, folk, and jazz genres.

Asked why he chose to study in the Audio Engineering Program at MI, Clifton states “I want to learn a lot of technical aspects of mixing, as well as tricks of the trade in the multiple ways you can mix certain elements (with bass in particular). I’d also like more experience mixing live instruments.”

He describes his future professional vision as “to mix for music, TV and film productions. I’d also like to write songs and produce albums along with scoring films and movie sound tracks.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Clifton on winning this prestigious award, and we welcome him as he begins his 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 Clifton with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

 

FALL 2015 ESP ALEX SKOLNICK GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: Rasmus Bjorlund

Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen (l.) with Rasmus Bjorlund (rt.)

Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that Rasmus Bjorlund is the recipient of the first-ever ESP Alex Skolnick Guitar Scholarship. Rasmus comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Norrköping, Sweden with 12 years of  guitar playing experience and a specialization in rock, AOR, fusion genres.

Upon learning of his award, Rasmus explained that he chose to study at MI “because I wanna be in Los Angeles, where everything happens”.  While at MI, he will focus on “getting great insight into the music industry, as well as improving all my musical skills”.

He also shared his future career aspirations, which include: “becoming a session musician, being able to play as many styles and genres as possible, (and most importantly), to work with music”.

Everyone at MI congratulates Rasmus 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 Alex Skolnick and our longtime industry partner, ESP Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Rasmus 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 newly announced partner: Takamine Guitars  to learn more their full line of guitar products.