Valeria Lopez is nine years old and has been a MusicLink student for the past seven months. Valeria is taking lessons at Dr. Lily Diehl's studio in Loma Linda CA. Her mother explains that Teacher Lily (as her students call her) is goal-oriented, disciplined and with a loving and enthusiastic character. These qualities have increased Valeria's self-understanding and personal growth. Valeria is starting her adventure in the piano world. She practices every day and loves to play her instrument, even through these difficult times we are all facing due to the pandemic. She is taking virtual piano classes and she has already completed her first performance.

Abigail Bremseth of Plymouth, MN, is the 2020 winner of the Ruth Stenson MusicLink Award which provides a scholarship of $1000 sponsored by the Minnesota MusicLink program. Abigail has been a MusicLink piano student of Kathleen Van Doeren for five and half years. Abigail attends Saint Louis University pursuing Engineering and will continue her musical studies in some capacity.

Abigail explains: "Piano has become one of the most steadfast pillars in my life. Music has given me an outlet to express myself when words fall short. Not only has piano affected me emotionally, but it has also taught me many valuable life skills. It has taught me discipline, persistence, creativity and focus. It has trained me to pay attention to detail, manage my time well, and exercise my memory. In a performance, I do not play notes but attempt to express meaning and convey a message to the audience. I know that music will always play a huge role in my life. I have learned so much these past fourteen years, but I know there is infinitely more to study and understand."