SPRING 2016 W. CRANE GUY MEMORIAL VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Xiong Shi Yue

Xiong Shi Yue with Vocal Program Chair Debra Byrd

The Vocal Program at Musicians Institute is pleased to announce Xiong Shi Yue (aka “Alex”) as the winner of the W. Crane Guy Memorial Vocal Scholarship for spring 2016.  In winning this prestigious award, the Guangdong GuangZhou, China native demonstrated overall outstanding musicianship, strong vocal skills and the potential for developing her own unique voice.  She describes her musical interest as being in the “Blues, Funk, American Pop, and Fusion genres.”

Asked why she chose to study in the Vocal Program at MI,  Alex states “I want to learn how to be a professional musician, and producer.  Because I think MI’s education is more about bands and working in a group situation, it can help me to be a musician and not just a singer!”

She adds “My dream, goals and aspirations are to be involved and possibly honored with a Grammy.”

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

W. Crane Guy

 

SPRING 2016 D’ADDARIO GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JEONGHUN KANG

Jeonghun Kang with Guitar Program Director, Stig Mathisen

Talented guitarist Jeonghun Kang has been named as winner of the Spring 2016 D’Addario Guitar Scholarship. Coming to Musicians Institute from South Korea, he brings seven years of playing experience in Heavy Metal and Rock styles.

Jeonghun decided to attend MI’s Guitar Program in order to “learn techniques, live performance experience, improvising in any genre, and methods for composing original licks and songs. He added “I chose MI because my favorite musicians have graduated MI, and the school has a high student satisfaction”.

He sees these skills as an important key to achieving his goal of being able to “perform like Andy James, Andy Wood, Marco Sfogli, and play in a Rock band.”

Everyone at MI welcomes Jeonghun to the Guitar Program 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 Jeonghun 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 2016 EVANS DRUM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Gabriel Donate Jr.

 

Gabriel Donate Jr. with Drum Program Chair Stewart Jean

The Drum Program at Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that Paramount, CA drummer Gabriel Donate Jr., (who specializes in Rock and Funk genres) has been named the winner of the prestigious Evans Drumhead Scholarship for spring 2016.

Gabriel stated that he will focus on “learning and mastering my instrument, learn as much as I can about the music industry, and what it is to be a working musician” during his studies at MI.   

Upon receiving his scholarship award, Gabriel acknowledged that he chose to study at MI because “it is a school that complies with my expectations. This school will definitely increase my musical ability and get me ready for better opportunities.”

He described his future professional goals as follows: “My goals are to obtain a degree in something I love doing, to build a strong network in the music industry, and to become a successful professional musician.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Gabriel 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 Gabriel 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 2016 TAKAMINE ACOUSTIC GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: MINSOO PARK

Minsoo Park with Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen

Musicians Institute is pleased to announce that Minsoo Park is the recipient of the Spring 2016 Takamine Acoustic Guitar Scholarship.  Minsoo comes to MI’s Guitar Program from South Korea with several years of fingerstyle guitar experience, and a preference for “acoustic funk and blues”.

Minsoo chose to study at MI because “I really want to study jazz guitar and fusion style music”.   He described his future career aspirations as follows: “I want to record an album of my own original music, and to be a singer-songwriter”!

Everyone at MI congratulates Minsoo 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 Minsoo 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