Summer months are a good time to reflect on what we have accomplished in the growth of MusicLink in 2013-14, which includes nearing the 6,000 mark of students reached through the program and climbing past $10 million of in-kind scholarship instruction by our wonderful MusicLink teachers. But that's not all. We see a growing excitement in joining with others to bring playathons and benefit events to communities so students can share their music with the public and help our kids as well. It's always a win-win situation and we love to hear about these events - from a single student, or studio, to a mall event with hundreds of students enjoying themselves through music. Interested in joining us? Easy to do and so rewarding. To request more information about Playathon or Promise to Practice events, click  HERE .

We celebrate our graduating seniors and our senior scholarship winners. It is truly special to see our MusicLink students grow into fine musicians, ready for their next steps in life. Interviews with students 18 years and older who were in MusicLink for 5 years or more reveals that 99% of these students attended college with 39% receiving scholarships of some kind. Indeed, "we create musicians, one student at a time."

Our Senior Award Winners - 2014

Beth Winterfeldt and Christine Schwartz

Christine Schwartz, a student of Beth Winterfeldt (MN), is the recipient of the MusicLink Senior Award of Excellence, which recognizes a graduating senior who has shown outstanding musical progress and commitment through years of MusicLink lessons. The award of $1000 is provided by the Arline and Russell Bridge Endowment Fund. Christine has studied piano with Beth Winterfeldt for the past six years, and has received high distinction in the MMTA's Comprehensive Piano Exams and several times won the MMTA's Contest and Senior Young artist Festival. Her teacher describes her as a "delight to teach because of her dedication to her piano studies, her ambitious goals, her willingness to work hard and her respectful and mature personality."She will be attending Bethel University in St. Paul MN majoring in art and continuing her piano studies. Her thoughts on how music has impacted her life: "I have grown, matured, and been challenged through the discipline of music; I have also been comforted, encouraged and inspired by its melodies. Being given the privilege of studying music by my parents and teachers has been incredible."

Marissa Teetson, a voice and piano student of Jeanne Evans (MS), was also recognized with a MusicLink Foundation Achievement Honors Award of $500 for her achievement in MusicLink lessons. Marissa will seek a career in nursing while continuing her musical training. This award is also provided by the Arline and Russell Bridge Endowment Fund.

Rachel Ginter, a student of Linda Smith (MN), was awarded the Ruth Stenson MusicLink Award. This $1000 award recognizes a graduating high school senior from Minnesota who has shown outstanding achievement in musical training through MusicLink. Rachel will be attending MSU Moorhead majoring in piano performance with a jazz and studio emphasis. She has an appreciation for a wide range of music and also enjoys writing music in her free time. Rachel writes: I know for a fact that I am blessed with this talent to play piano and I thank God for that. If it wasn't for MusicLink, I would be a different person. I will never be able to thank you enough!." (The second shows Rachel as a young girl who received a piano from MusicLink. How time flies!)

Rachel Ginter and teacher Linda Jean Smith Rachel when she started

Josie Reil, a piano student of Heidi R. Zimmerman (MN), received the Ruth Stenson Achievement Honors award of $500. Josie plays the violin as well as piano and has enjoyed learning across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles of music. She performs with the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and enjoyed summers with camp scholarships from the MusicLink Foundation.

Louise P. Zanar Fund
- A MusicLink Legacy Partner

Presentation - Rochelle Granat, Elizabeth McGrail,
Joanne Haroutounian, and Molly Daniels

Corey McGraw
(Photos by Ilene Cutler)

The Louise P. Zanar Fund has provided ongoing funding to support the MusicLink Washington DC Shining Stars program since 2009. Their 2013-14 grant of $10,000 provided lessons, instruments, piano moving, and camp opportunities. Executive Director Joanne Haroutounian recognized their ongoing generosity as a MusicLink Legacy Partner at the annual recital and fund-raiser held at Sidwell Friends School in July. Our thanks to Elizabeth McGrail, Molly Daniels and Rochelle Granat, board members of the Zanar Fund and to Chris Sharp who teaches and inspires our Shining Stars. From Elizabeth:"The Louise P. Zanar Fund greatly values our partnership with MusicLink and its mission to bring the power of creative expression to children. We have been particularly impressed and grateful for the positive impact Chris and MusicLink have had on the students."

The MusicLink Legacy Partner program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses who provide ongoing support for the MusicLink Foundation above $5000 annually. A MusicLink Legacy Partner packet with description and donation information is available at the link below.

MusicLink Sends Kids to Camp

Meredith Ellingworth and teacher Katherine Doe

Each year we are so pleased to help our MusicLink students enjoy a camp experience, sharing and growing through music with new friends. This year provided $4,800 in scholarships to send 19 students to summer music programs in IA, VA, MN, VT, IL, AR, NY, WA, NH, and Washington DC.

MusicLink Student wins Piano Competition

Alejandro Galdo

Alejandro Galdo, a student of Cora Lee Khambatta (VA) won the Nancy Peery Marriot Competition for 2014 which provided the opportunity to perform at the Strathmore Mansion on June 19th. Congratulations to this student and teacher!

Our MusicLink Senior Graduates

Amber Howard

My name is Amber Howard. I'm 18 and have been taking piano lessons for 8 years with Tanya R. Brooks. Six years ago I was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor. Our family had to travel to Shands hospital in Gainesville FL. I had two brain surgeries. After that I had 19 months of chemotherapy. During this time music was still a part of my everyday life. My neurosurgeon was very impressed on how my motor skills were intact. All through chemotherapy I still took piano lessons. Music helps me through anything and everything that I'm going through. I will be starting college in the fall and will be working toward becoming a Music Therapist. I want other kids that are in the hospital to find out how much music can help you feel better and improve your overall health.

Jordan Wall

Jordan Wall has studied with Deborah Ruth (SC) for 14 years. She is reserved and conservative in nature and full of talent! Over her many years of lessons she has developed into a bright, quick learner who is self motivated, mild mannered, creative with a pleasant personality. She has been accepted into the Columbia College of South Carolina Music program for the fall of 2014 and awarded a scholarship for her musical studies.

Alexandra Longley (Abilene, TX) has studied piano for 13 years at the Frush Music Studio. She also plays violin, guitar and sings. She has earned local and state awards for participation in various MTA programs and has consistently earned superior ratings in local and state festivals and Guild auditions. Alexandra was awarded the highest scholarship available at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and will be studying Music Education.

Alexandra Longley

Lynsi Maurer

Lynsi Maurer (Abilene, TX) has studied piano for 12 years—9 of those years at Frush Music Studio. She has participated in numerous festivals and MTA programs earning superior ratings. In addition to music, Lynsi is an excellent artist and has had her work displayed in Washington D.C. and at the local Grace Museum. Lynsi has been awarded a full scholarship to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene where she will major in art.

Joshua Westman (Abilene, TX) has studied piano at Frush Music Studio for 12 years. During that time he has been active in both music and theater. In addition to piano, Joshua is an outstanding percussionist and uses his musical talents to serve his church and community. He has received high ratings in many local and state contests and festivals. Joshua was awarded a full scholarship to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene where he plans on pursing a degree in Music Education.

Joshua Westman

Teacher Reimbursement
and Grass Roots Grants

The MusicLink Foundation provides reimbursement to teachers for student music, materials, and event fees up to $100 per year. This year 28 teachers from 17 states received teacher reimbursements totaling $1,990.

New Teachers & Business Partners

Total current active teachers: 324
Total teachers overall: 2,159

We welcome the following new and returning teachers to MusicLink: AR Pam Werner; CA Hasmik Kotelyan (returning); GA Renee Seawell; MN Caroline Langfeld (returning), Liz Raihala, Audie Rhodes (returning); NC Amy Gardner; OR Janet Harmon, Shirley Brendinger; VA Ann Lee.

We also welcome these new business partners: IL Evanston Band & Orchestra; MN Scott's Piano Shop in Hastings.

Help Keep MusicLink in the
Top Rated for 2014!

The MusicLink Foundation has enjoyed 2013 Top-Rated NonProfit status with GreatNonprofits.org. Help us retain that status by writing a review for us. We need 10 or more new, positive (4 or 5 star) reviews in 2014 to be placed on the 2014 Top-Rated List.

It doesn't matter if you've written a review in the past. Your new review will count toward this goal. Click on the image below to review us today! Don't wait. Deadline is Oct. 31, 2014!