Scholarships

Mary H. (Lib) McNeely Scholarship — Ella Joy Higham, harp, from the studio of Christine Van Arsdale

The Mary H. (Lib) McNeely Scholarship was established by the McNeely family as a celebration of the late Lib McNeely and her love of music. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving music student in voice, piano, or harp based on three criteria: (1) the student’s audition, (2) the student’s demonstrated love of music and understanding of music’s power to transform lives, and (3) the student’s character and willingness to share the gift of music with others. The recipient receives a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

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David J. Heath Memorial Scholarship — Liana Zhang, violin, from the studio of Angela Stanciauskas

The David J. Heath Memorial Scholarship was established by Heather Heath Ryan in memory of her father, David, who had a passion for all types of music, from Beethoven to Miles Davis to the Beatles. Heather credits her father for her love of music and vocal successes, for he always supported her musical ambitions and was present for each and every one of her performances. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional musical ability and/or potential through the audition process. The recipient will be selected solely on the basis of audition and will receive a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

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Sylvia Newman Memorial Scholarship — David James Rybak, cello, from the studio of Victoria McLaughlin

The Sylvia Newman Memorial Scholarship was recently established by her family in honor of her musical talents and generous personality. This scholarship is awarded to a string or piano student who demonstrates exceptional musical ability and/or potential through the audition process. The recipient will be selected solely on the basis of audition and will receive a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

Click here to contribute to the Sylvia Newman Memorial Scholarship.

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Southminster Scholarship — Saiya Larsen, violin, from the studio of Nora Smilovici -AND- David McCann, violin, from the studio of Marissa Keener

The Southminster Scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional musical ability and/or potential through the audition process. The recipient will be selected solely on the basis of audition and will receive a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

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The Willie Hudson Memorial Scholarship — Lucia Delgado Rojas, voice, from the studio of Erica McGee

The Willie Hudson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2020 to celebrate the life and legacy of Willie Hudson and his 25 years teaching music for Arts+. Willie was an integral member of the Arts+ faculty, teaching guitar, bass, keyboard, percussion, and preschool music programs from 1995 to 2020. Willie was passionate about music, loved teaching students of all ages, and had the ability to put a smile on the face of every person who interacted with him. This scholarship is awarded to any deserving music student, with special consideration given to students in the Arts+ Rock ‘n’ Blues program performing commercial music genres. This student will demonstrate exceptional musical ability, potential, and dedication through the audition process and will receive a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (any lesson length including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

Click here to contribute to the Willie Hudson Memorial Scholarship.

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The Dzidra Reimanis Scholarship — Kris Wilkerson, piano, from the studio of Nancy Tabb

The Dzidra Reimanis Scholarship was established to honor the incredible legacy of Dzidra and her decades of dedication to music education at Arts+. As one of the organization's earliest piano instructors, teaching alongside founder Henry Bridges, Dzidra has inspired generations of musicians with her passion, talent, and unwavering love for her students. In celebration of her retirement and the profound impact she has made on the Charlotte music community, this scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving piano student.

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Arts+ Exemplary Young Musician Scholarship — Arthur Guile, cello, from the studio of Victoria McLaughlin

The Arts+ Exemplary Young Musician Scholarship is funded by generous donors, supporters, and stakeholders of Arts+'s initiatives for excellent arts education. We established this scholarship as part of our commitment to high-quality education for Charlotte youth, in celebration of our long legacy of music education since 1969.

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Arts+ Distinguished Musician Scholarship — Alexys Shivers, piano from the studio of Nancy Tabb -AND- Cooper George, violin, from the studio of Marissa Keener

The Arts+ Distinguished Musician Scholarships are funded by generous donors, supporters, and stakeholders of Arts+'s initiatives for excellent arts education. We established these scholarships as part of our commitment to high-quality education for Charlotte youth, in celebration of our long legacy of music education since 1969.

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If you would like to provide a scholarship for an outstanding student through either a multi-year annual contribution or a permanent endowment, please contact Director of Philanthropy Haley Rafferty at hrafferty@artsplus.org or 704.887.0297.