FALL 2017 PRESIDENT’S AWARD KEYBOARD SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Seulgi Chae

 

Seulgi Chae (lt) with Rachel Yoon, Dean of Performance Studies and Chair of Keyboard Program

The inaugural President’s Award Keyboard Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Keyboard Program student: Seulgi Chae.  The Busan, South Korea native earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of his specialized musical performance and composing skills in the K-Pop genre.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Seulgi states, “I think MI is the best college to satisfy my desire because there are various styles of music I can study at MI.”  While at MI, he will focus on “studying various genres such as Jazz, Pop, and Film scoring. I graduated university with a major in classical music composition, and I want to continue to study multiple music genres. Also, I want to learn other instruments such as electric keyboard, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums and classical instruments.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals of being able to “continue to develop, study, evolve and truly discover my own musical style. I want to continue to compose pop, perform and do orchestration. I want to make people to feel the full range of human emotion thru my music; and I hope that I can cure and open people’s minds with my music. It is my goal.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Seulgi on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to MI’s longtime owner Histake Shibuya for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Seulgi with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

FALL 2017 PRESIDENT’S AWARD VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Yuan Fang

Yuan Fang (lt) with Vocal Program Chair Debra Byrd (rt)

The 2017 President’s Award Vocal Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Vocal Program student: Yuan Fang.  She comes to MI by way of China, having earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of her musical skills and specialization in singing ballads.

Describing her reasons for coming to MI, Yuan states, “Because I have heard about this school in China, I’m very excited to study at MI. I know that I can get a great education here.”

She sees her education as an important pathway to achieving her career goals of being able to “perform on the biggest stage, and to win a Grammy award in the future.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Yuan on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to MI’s longtime owner Histake Shibuya for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Yuan with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

Fall 2017 President’s Award Bass Scholarship Winner: Isaac Derosa

Bass Program Chair Maurice Verloop (lt) with Isaac Derosa (rt)

The 2017 President’s Award Bass Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Bass Program student: Isaac Derosa.  The talented Portland, OR bassist earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of his diverse musical skills in the rock, metal and jazz genres.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Isaac states, “I hope to learn as much as I possibly can! I’m excited to learn how to play new genres, learn new techniques, and just anything MI has to offer. MI has been my end game since I was in 8th grade, and I knew from an early age that I was meant to be a performer. After delving into the school’s history, I learned that a lifelong favorite band of mine: Avenged Sevenfold’s vocalist and guitarist Synyster Gates had graduated from MI. That information helped me to manifest the desire and willpower to push myself to grow as an artist and pursue my dream school.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goal and dreams of being able to “create, become part of the recording process, and to build a strong foundation with a band in which we can create and perform music that will hold the same power and meaning that drove me to pursue music. I want to be a part of an art that will evoke all emotions and that people can find their own meaning in.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Isaac on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to MI’s longtime owner Histake Shibuya for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Isaac with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

FALL 2017 BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN COMPOSITION SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Nolan Sloan

Nolan Sloan with Dean of MI Bachelor’s Program Rachel Yoon

Guitarist Nolan Sloan is the winner of the third annual Bachelor of Music in Composition Scholarship at Musicians Institute.  The newly enrolling Bachelor’s Degree in Composition Program (Scoring for Visual Media) student comes to MI by way of Moses Lake, WA., having performed and composed music in the instrumental funk/fusion, acoustic singer/songwriter and rock genres. Nolan has been composing, editing and recording music for the past 6 years.

Upon learning about his award, Nolan explained that he chose to study at MI because “MI is located in the entertainment capital of the world, so opportunities for competent musicians abound (as much as they can for musicians), and all the instructors are experienced musicians, so I know I can trust any advice they would give me.”

During his studies, he plans to focus on “gaining a better ability to create songs, I would like to become better at writing funk and R&B songs.”

After MI, Nolan’s career aspirations are to “become a great songwriter, performer, and musician so that I don’t have to do anything other than create and play music to make a living.”  

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

Fall 2017 President’s Award DJ Scholarship Winner: David Ontiveros

DJ Program Chair Charles Chemery (lt), David Ontiveros (rt)

The 2017 President’s Award DJ Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute DJ Program student: David Ontiveros.  The Bakersfield, CA native earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of his seven years of mixing experience and skills in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) particularly Deep House and Dub Step genres.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, David states, “I chose MI because I enjoyed meeting the instructor at open house and felt that the instructors have a lot of experience and knowledge to offer. I am excited to learn how to mix on vinyl, which will help me to become a better DJ. I like how the halls are buzzing with different types of musicians and you can feel the love of music all around the school.”

While at MI, he will focus on “mastering the skills of mixing, learning the history behind it, learning the basics of Ableton and production and creating an original song.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals and aspirations to “become a world reknown DJ and Producer. I have a dream of getting signed by Owsla. I’d like to travel the world and play at a variety of festivals and clubs.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate David on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to MI’s longtime owner Histake Shibuya for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like David with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

FALL 2017 PRESIDENT’S AWARD DRUM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Timmy Manson

 

Timmy Manson (lt) with Drum Program Chair Stewart Jean

The 2017 President’s Award Drum Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Drum Program student: Timmy Manson.  The Gilbert, Arizona native earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of his versatile musical skills spanning the Funk, Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop genres.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Timmy states, “I chose to study at MI because I felt like the staff wanted to see me succeed more than any other school. They didn’t just want my money every semester, they want to see me exceeding my goals.” While at MI, he wants to focus on “gaining more discipline on the drums as far playing in the pocket is concerned, and on being more versatile.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals and aspirations of  “touring the world with a group/singer and to also music produce for a major artist.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Timmy on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to MI’s longtime owner Histake Shibuya for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Timmy with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

Fall 2017 MELODIC SOLOING GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Cole Fredrick

Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen (lt) with Cole Fredrick (rt)

Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that Cole Fredrick is the recipient of the Fall 2017 Melodic Soloing Scholarship.

Cole comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Newport Beach, CA with 11 years of playing experience and in possession of solid melodic soloing skills with a specialization in Pop and Funk genres.

When asked why he chose to study at MI he added “I went to Cal Arts last year but wanted a more intense and defined music program.” While studying at MI, he plans to focus on “learning to shred some Jazz, get my songwriting and vocals dialed in and dedicate myself and time to music and my band.”

He describes his professional goals and aspirations as “my band is going to become famous. We’re going to keep learning from the best teachers and working to evolve until we do. We already have a huge surprise airing in the Fall on a new Ryan Seacrest show, and my band just hired Larry Fridie (James Brown’s manager for 12 years) to manage our career.  I’m really looking forward to taking my academics and skills to the next level at MI.  Super stoked!”

Everyone at MI congratulates Cole 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 Cole 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, and HERE

 

 

FALL 2017 PRESIDENT’S AWARD INDEPENDENT ARTIST (IAP) SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Beatriz Cabral

 

IAP Program Chair Charles Chemery (lt), Beatriz Cabral (rt)

The 2017 President’s Award Independent Artist (IAP) Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Independent Artist Program student: Beatriz Cabral.  The São Paulo, Brazil native earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of her versatile musical skills in the Pop-Rock, Classic Rock and Brazilian music genres.

Describing her reasons for coming to MI, Beatriz states, “I look forward to learning how the music industry works and I want to improve my performance and my songwriting skills. MI seemed to be the best place for it, becoming the best place to me.”

She sees her education as an important key to achieving her career goals and aspirations; she added “music is my life, and the idea of my music becoming a part of other people’s life is incredible, it moves me!  I want to write, play and sing for as many people as I can reach.   I believe in what I do and I want to make more people feel as good as I do when I write, play and sing.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Beatriz on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to MI’s longtime owner Histake Shibuya for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Beatriz with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

 

Fall 2017 PAUL REED SMITH (PRS) GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Magnus Dagsson

Guitar Program Chair, Stig Mathisen (lt) with Magnus Dagsson (rt)

The fall 2017 PRS Guitar Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Guitar Program student Magnus Dagsson.  The Seltjarnarnes, Iceland native earned the prestigious award with a strong demonstration of his eclectic and versatile musical skills.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Magnus states, “I chose to study at MI because of the recommendations from friends who could vouch for the school’s quality and also its location in the heart of a bustling music scene.”

During his studies at MI, he will focus on “expanding and honing my skills while filling in the gaps in my playing.  I hope to be influenced by the players I come in contact with and learn as much as possible from every performance, be it a failure, a success or somewhere in between.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career and future goals of being able to “release music I’m proud of and to never stop improving.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Magnus on winning this prestigious award.

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, Paul Reed Smith Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Magnus 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.

 

Fall 2017 D’ADDARIO GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Will Horton

Guitar Program Chair Stig Mathisen (lt) with Will Horton (rt)

Talented guitarist Will Horton has been named as winner of the Fall 2017 D’Addario Guitar Scholarship.  Coming to Musicians Institute’s Guitar Program from Conway, Arkansas, Will brings a versatile array of playing skills and six years of playing experience in the classic rock, progressive rock and metal genres.

Will decided to attend MI in order to “get a better sense of understanding when it comes to songwriting from an orchestration point of view. I’m also determined to find my personal voice on my instrument that is unique and different from my biggest influences. At MI, I feel as though I can achieve these things and more. I want to study at MI because I feel that it would be a great environment to learn music and it is a way for me to find common interests with other musicians. The vast amount of opportunities are overwhelming, and I’m prepared to take advantage of all I can.”

He sees his education and these skills as an important key to achieving his dream of one day being able to “pursue a career in music and be in a touring progressive rock band. I’m ready to take my musicianship to the next level, I’ve written a lot of music that I feel is exceptional and would like to share these ideas with other musicians who can give their part in it.”

Everyone at MI welcomes Will to the Guitar Program 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 Will 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