2021 D’ADDARIO WOMEN IN GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE WINNER: KENZA HAIZE

Kenza Haize

Talented guitarist Kenza Haize has  been named as winner of the 2021 D’Addario Women in Guitar Scholarship. The French and Senegalese guitarist comes to Musicians Institute with five years of playing experience in alternative rock, hard rock and metal genres.

As a current Bachelor’s degree and MI Guitar Program student, Kenza decided to attend MI because “I saw that many guitarists that I admire went there, like Jennifer Batten, Paul Gilbert and Synyster Gates.”  

She added, “Since I’ve been at MI I discovered and learned to play so many other styles of music, and I started to really enjoy playing jazz.  I really hope to be a well-rounded musician by the time I graduate from the Bachelor’s program, so that I can get hired to play any style of music.”

Kenza sees these skills as an important key to achieving her dream of one day being able to “to go on tour, either with a band or as a supporting musician for other artists.”

“I’m very proud and honored to have received this scholarship. To me, it’s a sign of progress, and it is largely due to all the wonderful teachers I’ve had at MI.”

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Kenza on winning this very prestigious award!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, D’Addario and The D’Addario Music Foundation for  generously sponsoring this scholarship as a part of its ongoing  Music Education for Girls Initiative, which helps to provide talented students like Kenza 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

The Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 Chuck Silverman Memorial Drum Scholarship at Musicians Institute Winner: Dhruv Mittal

Dhruv Mittal

The Drum Program at Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that talented multi-stylist drummer Dhruv Mittal has been named the winner of the prestigious Chuck Silverman Memorial Drum Scholarship. The scholarship was created to honor the memory, exceptional talent and artistic career of longtime MI Drum faculty member Chuck Silverman.

Dhruv came to MI from Kanpur, India with 10 years of playing experience specializing in Funk, Prog-Rock and Modern Fusion. During his ongoing studies as a current AA Drum program student at MI, he will focus on “improving and mastering my craft, meeting musicians from all over the world and learning about the different music cultures of the world.”   

Upon receiving his scholarship award, Dhruv acknowledged that he chose to study at MI “because of its state-of-the-art facilities, curriculum and infrastructure; and because it offers an Associate’s degree and is conveniently located in Hollywood.”

When asked what winning the scholarship means to him, Dhruv shared “as someone wanting to gain proficiency in playing Latin-Jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, being awarded with this scholarship is in line with my quest for excellence. I feel extremely fortunate and honored.” 

He describes his future professional goals and aspirations as follows “My biggest goal is to compose music with other musicians as well as playing as many gigs and tours as I can. Having graduated from IIT Kanpur, which is one of the most competitive and prestigious universities of India, I come from a very technical background. In some ways, the change from science to music is considered fairly unorthodox by many. Which is why I want to work on my social media presence, make quality drumming content, and share my journey with other musicians.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Dhruv on the achievement of this prestigious award. We look forward to seeing him reach his full potential as he continues his studies at MI.

Special thanks to the family and friends of Chuck Silverman for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Dhruv with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

Chuck Silverman

The Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 President’s Award Bachelor of Music in Performance Scholarship at Musicians Institute Winner: Ben Tran

Ben Tran

The 2021 President’s Award Bachelor of Music in Performance Scholarship has been awarded to Musicians Institute Bachelor of Music student, Ben Tran.  The talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist earned the prestigious scholarship award with a strong demonstration of his musical skills and specialization in performing Pop ballads.

Describing his reasons for coming to MI, Ben states, “I chose to study at MI because I really love music, and I have been interested in this school for many years. I’m surrounded by successful musicians, including my parents and my whole family. I love to be connected with other musicians and share it with the world. While at MI, I hope to learn how to make a living from being a musician and how to work with other talented musicians.”  

He added, “This scholarship means a lot to me. My family doesn’t have a lot, they have sacrificed everything for me to chase my dreams of being a successful musician.”

He sees his education as an important pathway to achieving his career goals of being able to “follow in my mother’s footsteps. My mother is a famous global Vietnamese singer, and she travels a lot. I want to perform at big concerts and stadiums, join a pop band and collaborate with other amazing musicians that are successful.”

Everyone at MI would like to congratulate Ben 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 Ben with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

The Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 Schecter Nick Johnston Guitar Scholarship at Musicians Institute Winner: Hunter O’Dore

Hunter O’Dore

The 2021 Schecter Nick Johnston Guitar Scholarship, named in honor of the talented and versatile Rock guitarist; has been awarded to Hunter O’Dore.  

Hunter comes to Musicians Institute from Tucson, Arizona with ten years of guitar playing experience with specialization in Progressive Rock, Jazz and Blues genres, and is currently enrolled in MI’s Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance program.

While attending MI, Hunter continues to focus on gaining the skills needed to “learn my instrument the best I can, but really dial in on my note choice and fretboard knowledge. I’d also love to expand my vocabulary across all genres of music.”  

He added, “I chose to study at MI for the school’s reputation, having educated some of my favorite players. The staff and exceptional musicians I’ve met through the school is also a huge factor, not to mention the connections they have to the music industry outside of the institute.”

When asked what winning the scholarship meant to him, he shared, “This scholarship is very nice reassurance that I’m on the right path. With the huge influx of social media, it is very easy to get stuck comparing yourself to all the other musicians out there. I think it’s important to stay true to your own sound and having this under my belt is a gentle reminder of that.”

Hunter described his long term career goals as follows, “my dreams as a musician are to become the best player I can be, release music that I am proud of, land a gig as a touring artist, and maybe front my own band someday!”

Everyone at MI congratulates Hunter on winning this prestigious award that supports the education and of a talented, evolving, and very deserving guitarist!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, Schecter Guitar Research for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Hunter 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 Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 Schecter Michael Anthony Bass Scholarship at Musicians Institute Winner: Bryan Blew

Bryan Blew

The 2021 Schecter Michael Anthony Bass Scholarship, named in honor of the world-renown Van Halen, Chickenfoot and Sammy Hagar bassist has been awarded to Bryan Blew.  

Bryan comes to Musicians Institute from Kansas City, Kansas by way of Las Vegas, NV with more than 30 years of bass playing and performing experience specializing in Jazz, Funk, Rock, Worship/Gospel/Church music, and is currently enrolled in MI‘s Bass Performance program.

When asked why he chose to study at MI, Bryan shared “I chose MI because of the reputation and location, and I want to make a step-up in both my playing and my career path.  I hope to learn as much as I can at MI, including the newer recording technologies; learning from the instructors (and also the younger students), networking, auditions, and getting “pro” gigs.”

He added, “this scholarship means a lot because it gives me more financial flexibility at MI.  Plus, I just like winning, setting a goal and meeting it.  To be awarded a scholarship with Michael Anthony’s name and Schecter on it is pretty cool.”

Bryan’s shared that his long term career goals include, “to be the best, as well as being a musical director and bassist of a large Pop act while having a small Jazz combo on the side, writing and recording my own music and teaching at Musicians Institute.” 

Everyone at Musicians Institute congratulates Bryan for winning this prestigious scholarship!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, Schecter Guitar Research for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Bryan 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 Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 Takamine Acoustic Guitar Scholarship at Musicians Institute Winner: Varad Sahasrabudhe

Varad Sahasrabudhe

Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that MI Bachelor’s Program student Varad Sahasrabudhe is the recipient of the 2021 Takamine Acoustic Guitar Scholarship.  Varad comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Pune, India with seven years of guitar playing and performing experience in multiple genres including Jazz, R&B, Blues, Rock, and Indie music.

Varad shared that his primary areas of focus during his studies include: “Musicianship skills, theory, arranging, technique in order to become a well-educated musician.”

When asked what does winning this scholarship award mean to you?  Varad shared “This scholarship is a sort of milestone to me in this period of my music career. This is definitely a help financially and for me to gauge my level of understanding of things. I am stoked to win this and now on to next thing.”

He sees his MI education as an important key to achieving his dream of one day being able to “…find my own sound, as well as performing live, teaching, and becoming a session player. If I can inspire people by my own music, that would be the ultimate accolade.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Varad on winning this prestigious scholarship award, as he continues his studies 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 Varad 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.

The Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 ESP ROCK GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP at Musicians Institute Winner: Brian Lopez

Brian Lopez

Musicians Institute and The Musicians Foundation are pleased to announce that current MI student Brian Lopez  is the recipient of the Fall 2021  ESP Rock Guitar Scholarship.  Brian comes to MI’s Guitar Program from Los Angeles, with 9 years of guitar playing experience and a versatile array of playing skills in multiple genres and a strong focus in Rock.

Brian shared a bit with us about his experience prior to becoming a student at MI, “I’ve had many opportunities to perform at my middle school and at my high school. My local middle school’s music program (called LACER) was kind enough to actually book me and my rock band gigs to perform at the House Of Blues, the Grammy Museum, and other small venues. I was able to gain a lot of performing experience, developed a passion and truly fell in love with playing guitar.”

When asked why he chose to study at MI, he stated, “When I came to MI, I did not know what to expect, beyond knowing that this is the place in which I will grow the most and learn the most from other musicians and from my teachers. I came to MI hoping to learn a lot about technique, theory, rhythm reading, and songwriting. Now that I’ve attended MI’s online program for 2 quarters, it’s seriously all I’ve ever wanted as a musician and more.  I’m committed to be better at what I do, and while this school has been the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, it is (by far) the best choice of my life.”

“My parents can’t afford college or provide finances for me (and my siblings) due to having a low income. I’m entirely grateful to my parents, they saw my dreams and desires in music, and they’re the reason why I’m attending MI. This ESP scholarship means a lot to me because it will help me continue my studies at MI and encourage me to keep working as hard as possible.”

Brian sees his education as an important key to achieving his dream of one day being able to “help young musicians like myself have a chance at what they love to do in music. I’ve always wanted to give back to those who have helped me all along the way. Something that’s been tugging at me is to go back to the LACER program I mentioned and help young students gain a fountain of music education and to  provide instruments for them. Another goal I have is to join a CCM band and tour the world as a musician representing MI.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Brian on winning this prestigious scholarship award!

Special thanks to our longtime industry partner, ESP Guitars for generously sponsoring this scholarship, which helps to provide talented students like Brian 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 industry partner: Takamine Guitars  to learn more their full line of guitar products.

 

The Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

2021 STEVE FOX MEMORIAL GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AT MUSICIANS INSTITUE WINNER: TAINAN AYRES

Tainan Ayres

Talented guitarist Tainan Ayres has been named as winner of the inaugural Steve Fox Memorial Guitar Scholarship at Musicians Institute. Tainan comes to MI from Brasilia, Brazil, possessing a wide array of guitar playing skills and versatility that spans from Brazilian music to Classic Rock, Soul and several other genres.

As a current MI Bachelor’s Degree student, Tainan decided to attend MI’s Guitar Program because “I had heard good things about MI through friends and musicians that I admire, who are MI alumni. I hope I can benefit from the knowledge and experience shared by my teachers and my classmates. I believe that an environment where everybody is passionate about music is the best possible scenario for life-changing exchanges to take place.”

When asked what winning the scholarship meant to him, he shared that “It feels great to receive recognition and praise by winning this scholarship. Being selected amongst very talented colleagues makes me realize I’m on the right path and inspires me to keep learning and improving. Furthermore, the financial aspect is also very welcome, being an international student from Brazil.”

He sees his education as an important key to achieving his career goals, which include “working as a full-time musician, creating good music and helping shape the music scene.  I hope to carry my Brazilian roots and unique influences and, through music and performance, build a career out of something I’ve been passionate about my whole life.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Tainan on winning this very prestigious award!

Special thanks to the family and friends of MI (GIT) alumnus Steve Fox for generously sponsoring this memorial scholarship in his honor, which helps to provide talented students like Tainan with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

 

Steve Fox

The Musicians Foundation
2020-2021

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2020 George Duke Keyboard Scholarship WINNER: Ben Xu

Ben (Hongbin) Xu

Keyboardist Ben Xu is the winner of the prestigious George Duke Keyboard Scholarship at Musicians Institute.

The multi-talented Bachelor of Music Performance student comes to MI by way of China having performed and studied a wide array of musical genres including: Classical, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Neo-Soul and Pop music on the piano and keyboard.

Ben explains that he chose to study at Musicians Institute because “two years ago I decided to study music professionally and I found MI’s official website.  I learned that the MI keyboard program not only had performance courses but also DAW courses such as Logic and Protools, that helped me to decide to come to MI.”

During his studies, he plans a continued focus on “understanding harmony as many ways as possible and to improve the phrasing in my improvisations. Barry Harris once said “You don’t think about the chords. You just play a melody.”

After MI, Ben’s career aspirations are to “become a professional musician eventually, be a gigging keyboard player and producer.”

Everyone at MI congratulates Ben on this achievement.   We look forward to seeing him reach his full potential while at MI.

Special thanks to Rich Buchanan and James Chesser on behalf of the Stanley Clarke Scholarship Foundation; who generously funded this scholarship to honor the exceptional talents and artistic career of the legendary George Duke. The scholarship provides talented students like Ben with the support, tools and recognition they need to launch successful and creative careers in the music industry.

Stanley Clarke announces the creation of the George Duke Keyboard Scholarship in 2019

The Musicians     Foundation:2019-20 GuideStar Platinum Seal