Hats off to our graduating MusicLink seniors! This year was especially challenging and we are so pleased to recognize the achievements of these students as they complete their schooling and head off to college or other post-secondary adventures. This issue also highlights our MusicLink senior winners who have been recognized for their outstanding achievement over the years of MusicLink lessons.

We are "almost" back to normal as we look forward to summer activities and upcoming fall lessons in studios across the country. We thank all of our performers in our MusicLink Virtual Playathon that took place on May 1st and is still available for viewing on our MusicLink YouTube channel. As we head into a new school year, we encourage those who would like to support MusicLink's goal of reaching $100,000 by the end of 2021 to donate through our website. Our current total as of July 20th is $55,362.

Amazon Smile and Facebook Donations

  

When was the last time you ordered something from Amazon? Yesterday? An hour ago? We all find it so convenient to use Amazon for purchases of all kinds. If you simply navigate to Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com) instead of Amazon and have MusicLink Foundation chosen as a designated charity, we receive a small donation with EACH purchase made on Amazon. Easy to do and very helpful to MusicLink students!

Many people are using Facebook to establish fundraisers connected to birthdays or other events that are shared with Facebook friends. Again, you can designate these fundraisers for the MusicLink Foundation with a few clicks on Facebook. Easy and helpful! Of course, donations can still be made through our website if that is more convenient for you:

MusicLink Senior Award Winners

The MusicLink Foundation established the Senior Award of Excellence of $1000 to recognize a graduating senior who has shown ongoing commitment in lessons and has made significant progress in musical studies, performing at an outstanding level. This year the MusicLink Foundation also presented a MusicLink Achievement Honors Award of $750 for outstanding achievement in lessons as well as a MusicLink Honorable Mention Award of $500. All of these awards are made possible through the Arline and Russell Bridge Endowment Fund.

Jesse Nieman -
MusicLink Senior Award of Excellence

Jesse Nieman of Portland, Oregon, has been a MusicLink piano student for seven years, studying five years with Pauline Eidemiller and the past two years with Julia Lee. He has won numerous competitions, including the Beaverton Symphony Concerto Competition and the MTNA Oregon State Competition in piano duo. In addition to being a competition winner in his piano studies, he also played violin with the Portland Youth Philharmonic for 6 years. Jesse is active as a pianist at his church as well as performing at retirement homes. Jesse also has young students from five years old to thirteen on both violin and piano.

He explains a significant experience he had when traveling internationally. "I was on a mission trip in Mexico visiting a men's rehabilitation center where I expected to meet hardened drug users. The first surprise came when I found a violin workshop at the center where these men learned to make violins and knew the mechanical details of the violin but were unable to play themselves. They had not heard the incredible sounds that these instruments could make. As I played violin for these men, tears began rolling down their eyes as the strains of music reached their ears."

Jesse will be attending Westmont College, where he will study biochemistry. At Westmont College, he was invited to participate in the Augustinian Honors Program and competed in the Guild Music Scholarship Competition. He was also nominated as a National Merit Scholarship recipient. Jesse plans to continue studying violin and piano in college, play in ensembles and hopefully teach.

Kai Frueh -
MusicLink Senior Achievement Honors Award

Kai Frueh of Corvallis, Oregon, has studied piano with Mary Ann Guenther for the past 8 years. She describes Kai as "the most self-directed and independent learner I have ever had the pleasure of teaching throughout my 60+ years of working with students at all levels, from grade school through university." Kai has accomplished an impressive amount of advanced repertoire and has also taught several piano students for the past 3 years. He formed a duo with his brother, Ben, a fine violinist. The duo has performed widely throughout the state of Oregon. Kai will be attending the Lawrence Conservatory of Music associated with Lawrence University, located in Wisconsin.

Kai states: "When I was 13, I began collaborating with my brother, starting with a violin sonata by Bach leading to the second movement of Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1. This experience transformed who I knew myself to be as a pianist because it taught me how to practice in a way that showed that I could play difficult music. Since then, I have jumped on every opportunity to play piano collaboratively, whether in orchestras, trios, or as an accompanist.

At this point, it looks to me like we will adapt to a post covid world well and I have no doubt that I want to continue my musical studies at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. I believe this education will strengthen my musicianship as well as expand my understanding of the broader world which will support me in having a successful, music-filled career. After I complete studies at Lawrence, I hope to study conducting or collaborative piano in a masters program with the goal of becoming a professional collaborative pianist and/or conductor."

Case Coker -
MusicLink Senior Honorable Mention Award

Case Coker graduated fourth in his class from Wylie High School in Abilene, Texas, and has studied piano with Sherry Frush for six years, beginning in seventh grade. Case has been active in many local and state competitions, winning numerous piano performance awards. Case loves performing in a variety of local events: multi-piano ensembles, senior living recitals, community performances and fundraising opportunities. He has won state composition awards in solo and ensemble in the Texas Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Original Composition Contest as well as honorable mention for the TMTA Senior Participation Award. Case has been active in band, playing trumpet with his high school's honor band and jazz ensemble, as well as church celebrations. He will attend Texas Tech University in the fall, majoring in biochemistry. With the help of MusicLink funding, he will be able to continue his love for composition through studies with Dr. Peter Fischer at Texas Tech.

Case said, "Performing has allowed me to grow as an individual and taught me important lessons that encompass all aspects of my life: confidence in academics, social relationships, and composing. All of my musical tastes and personal nuances go into making a musical piece, making it only mine. In essence, composition is a celebration of my uniqueness as a person."

Rachel Przybilla -
Ruth Stenson MusicLink Award

The Ruth Stenson MusicLink Award recognizes a graduating high school senior from Minnesota who has shown outstanding achievement in musical training through the MusicLink program. The $1000 award is made possible by the Minnesota MusicLink program honoring the memory of Ruth Stenson, a dedicated MusicLink teacher.

Rachel Przybilla of Tracy, MN, has studied piano with Anna Jeanne Flesner for 11 years. Her teacher describes her as a student who is very disciplined and conscientious in piano technique, performance, and music theory. "It has been a joy to guide her in musical artistry and developing musical knowledge. A student of this quality rarely comes through a teacher's studio."

Rachel has performed in piano in various styles in solo, duet, and piano duo performances in local and state events. She used her piano skills as her talent in the 2021 Miss Tracy pageant, winning second runner-up. Her musical accomplishments also include being lead clarinet in her high school band and being a member of her school's chamber choir. She received the John Phillip Sousa Award for Musical Excellence voted by band members at her school.

Rachel will be attending Winona State University studying biology as a pre-physician assistant student. She plans to continue her musical studies. In her words, "Music has and always will be an integral part of my life. I plan to take the skills and knowledge I developed as a musician and use them to enrich my life and the lives of those around me as I partake in the next season of my life."

MusicLink Foundation Research
Featured at NCKP

The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy held its annual event virtually this year from July 13 - 31. It included a session titled "MusicLink and its 25 Year Legacy: The Significance of Music in the Lives of Disadvantaged Students." The session provided an overview of the interview research completed in 2013 that included MusicLink students who were 18 years or over along with their parents and teachers. The session included short videos by several MusicLink teachers and alumni along with an explanation of the research by Executive Director Joanne Haroutounian. The research showed the significance of the relationship between teachers and students over many years of instruction and revealed how music currently plays a role in the lives of these adults. The session is available to view on the MusicLink Foundation YouTube channel. The interview research was also published in American Music Teacher in 2019.

Teacher Reimbursements and
Grass Roots Grants

Each year the MusicLink Foundation provides reimbursement to support MusicLink teachers who have personally paid for student music, materials and event fees. The program provides reimbursement up to $150 annually and provides three deadlines throughout the year. Teachers provide receipts for these expenses and the reimbursement cannot be used for tuition. This year MusicLink reimbursed 14 teachers from 12 states, totaling $1,367.

The Grass Roots Grant program assists MusicLink programs by providing a grant up to $300 to support new programs or specific projects of our alliance partners for MusicLink students. This year grants were awarded to Minnesota Music Teachers Association, Rebekah Carter (OR), Saving Grace Music School (SC), and Hopewell Music Cooperative North (MN) totaling $1,600.

Congratulations to MusicLink
Graduating Seniors

Caralyn Hartman (TX)

Caralyn Hartman was an honor student at Anson High School in Anson, Texas, where she was in varsity band, cheerleading, cross country, track, tennis, FFA, National Honor Society and UIL. She was in the top ten percent, A honor roll, top student in BIM I & II All-American nominees, and track area qualifier, 2019 and 2021. Her numerous offices include flute section leader for 3 years, uniform officer for 2 years, drum major for 2 years, National Honor Society President, Sophomore Class Vice-President and Senior Class Vice-President. Her many musical awards and honors in band are impressive. She has earned All-District Band: 3 years, All-Region Band: 3 years, All-Area Band: 1 year, State Marching Contest: 2020, Sweepstakes: 2018, 2021, State Solo & Ensemble Contest: 2021 and has received a 1st Division on a Class 2 Solo and four different Class 1 Solos. She has been named Top Freshmen, Top Sophomore and Top Junior. Caralyn studied piano with Sherry Frush, NCTM, for 11 years. She presented excellent public performances in various venues and has won multiple awards for solo and ensemble performances and music theory. She earned superior ratings in local piano festivals, state theory medals and performed in various public recitals and concerts. Caralyn received third place for the Abilene Music Teachers Association Senior Participation award. She will attend San Angelo State University and continue as an instructor at Frush Piano Studio via Zoom.

Duncan Hughes (IL)

Duncan Hughes has been a piano student of Judy Zylstra since 2017, but he also plays the guitar. His parents said, "He has been playing the piano since he was 4 years old. Duncan has a gift in music. He loves to play and loves music. We love listening to him practice." Duncan will be studying cellular & molecular biology at Parkland College in Champaign, IL.

Carlee Lamb (TX)

Carlee Lamb studied piano with Sherry Frush, NCTM, for 11 years and received honorable mention for the Abilene Music Teachers Association Senior Participation award. She was an honor student at Abilene High in Abilene, Texas, graduating 14th in her class. She will attend Texas Christian University and study business and marketing. At AHS, she was co-captain of the varsity cheerleaders, secretary of the varsity choir and Thespian Board member. Performance is her passion and she starred in many outstanding musical theater productions including Little Women. As a piano student, she earned multiple awards for state theory and local performance and earned NFMC gold cups. She often performed in public recitals and events and was a student instructor for Frush Music Studio. She was a Philharmonic Belle, serving as a volunteer in various capacities for the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. She also performed prior to Philharmonic concerts and for the Philharmonic guild meetings. Carlee received honorable mention for the Abilene Music Teachers Association Senior Participation award.

Julia Melson (TX)

Julia studied piano with Sherry Frush, NCTM, for 13 years. In June she received 1st place for the Abilene Music Teachers Association Senior Participation award and the state Texas Music Teachers Association 12 Year Theory Award. She graduated 9th in her class at Abilene High School in Abilene, Texas where she was an honor student, all district volleyball player, in varsity choir, varsity band, and was in several musical theater productions. As a Philharmonic Belle, she was a volunteer in various capacities for the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. She also performed prior to Philharmonic concerts, for the Philharmonic guild meetings, and for the Philharmonic Open House fundraiser. She has also played at local retirement centers. As a piano student, she earned multiple state and local awards for performance contests, theory tests, and was on the Abilene Piano Ensemble performing at state for three years. She has performed as a featured piano soloist for the AHS varsity band and in numerous recitals and other public performances. She performed prior to movies at the historic Paramount Theater and at the Abilene Center for Contemporary Art for community Artwalk events. She was a valuable instructor for Frush Music Studio and an active member of her church. She will attend Texas A&M and plans to major in forensic science.

Sadie Miller (TX)

Sadie Miller was homeschooled in Abilene, Texas, and will work for a year before hopefully beginning collegiate studies. She took piano from Sherry Frush, NCTM, for five years and earned numerous awards at the local and state level. She was an Abilene OPERAtor, serving as an usher for the Abilene Opera Association productions. She performed prior to movies at the historic Paramount Theater and at the Abilene Center for Contemporary Art for community Artwalk events. She performed prior to the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, at numerous retirement centers and was named 2nd place in 2021 and 2022 Abilene Music Teachers Association Local Piano Solo Contests. She earned state awards for music history and theory tests and performed in the TMTA All Star Festival. She was very active in NFMC events and earned gold cups for piano solo and theory exams. She also served as an instructor in Frush Music Studio and helped with various studio events. Additionally, Sadie received honorable mention for the Abilene Music Teachers Association Senior Participation award.

Maya Muckatira (TX)

Maya Muckatira studied piano with Sherry Frush, NCTM, for 12 years. She graduated with honors from Wylie High School in Abilene, Texas, placing eighteenth in her senior class. Maya also received honorable mention for the 2021 Abilene Music Teachers Association Senior Participation award. During her 12 years of piano, Maya earned multiple NFMC Gold Cups for piano solo and superior ratings in the Abilene Music Teachers Association Fall Festivals, Abilene Music Teachers Association Springer-Manly Festivals and also for the District 8.3 Texas Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festivals. She took the Texas Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate state theory test for 12 years earning medals almost every year. She performed in many local recitals and at retirement centers and was an instructor for Frush Music Studio. Maya will attend the University of Texas.

Additional MusicLink Senior Graduates

Chelsea Robinson (VT) was a cello student of Linda Galvan for nearly 8 years. Linda said, "Chelsea was a dedicated student and a real pleasure to work with."

Heidi Schmidt-Rundell (IA) was a piano student of Nancy Cree for eight years.

Spotlights Feature
MusicLink Senior Winners

The student spotlight featured on the MusicLink Foundation homepage features Senior Achievement Award winner Jesse Nieman. Enjoy reading about this special student as you look through recent website features:

MusicLink continues to share Video Spotlights of MusicLink students via the internet. Our current video spotlight features MusicLink Senior Honors Award winner Kai Frueh performing a movement of a Beethoven Sonata with his brother, Ben, in a beautiful Oregon setting. The brothers formed a duo that has performed widely throughout the state of Oregon. Enjoy the music and the scenery in this video spotlight:

MusicLink Provides
Instruments to Students

This year the MusicLink Foundation had a banner year in instrument donations, totaling over $31,000 in instrument and music donations. We are always pleased to see instruments in the homes of our students and teachers tell us that the commitment to lessons and eagerness to practice makes a world of difference to our MusicLink students. Instrument donations can be made through either website:

Marlan Flores, a student of Jenniffer Campbell (NC) received a full-size violin from the MusicLink Foundation for her studies. We wish her well in her ongoing lessons!

MusicLink Camp Scholarships

This year we again saw the impact of limited camp experiences for music students; however, we did receive applications for camp scholarships for 12 students to attend camp in Illinois and South Carolina totaling $1,990 in scholarships. We look forward to a full roster of students for next summer's camp scholarships.

New MusicLink Teachers

We welcome the following 12 teachers who joined or returned to MusicLink over the past two months. This brings the total of active teachers to 267 with our overall total = 4,137.

ME: Mairead Guy, Jordan McKinnon-Cote; MN: John Ondich-Batson; MI: Lynn Zwinck (returning); NJ: Nancy Vanderslice; NY: Jared Pick; ND: Jared Cahill; OR: Lisa Hansen; PA: Felicia Lohidajet, Geena Jung; SC: Daniel Reinhart; VA: Tia Norris

Meet a New Business Partner - AdagioX

AdagioX is a music education company that provides professional, on-demand, and online masterclasses for classroom and in-home needs. Students are able to watch masterclasses of different orchestral instruments and learn about repertoire, solos, and technique. A 50% discount on memberships is being offered for MusicLink teachers and students. To learn more about AdagioX, go to https://www.adagiox.com.