CMA Scholarships
The Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship
Marjorie Spevak was a long-time supporter of CMA, serving many years on its Board of Directors and contributing generously of her time and financial resources to ensure its success. Marjorie had a passion for education, having served for fifteen years on the Des Public School Board and championing fine arts education in the schools.
In 2016, CMA established the Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship to honor Marjorie by awarding two $500 scholarships annually to two students – one attending middle school and one attending high school – wishing to further pursue the study of music.
How it Works
The scholarship may be used toward expenses necessary for the student to advance his or her music study, including but not limited to: music lessons, instrument rental or purchase, or a summer music camp or program.
The application period for the 2022 Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarships is open through March 31, 2022.
The CMA Young Soloist Competition
In 2021, CMA announced the CMA Young Soloist Competition. Iowa High School seniors who plan to pursue a music degree will annually vie for one of four scholarship awards.
Awards
1 Grand Prize Winner ($5,000 Scholarship)
3 Finalists ($2,500 Scholarships)
To enter the competition, students submit performance videos (up to 25 minutes).
How it Works
The competition focuses on piano, woodwinds, strings, and brass instruments. The scholarship may be used toward expenses necessary for the student to advance his or her music study, including but not limited to: college tuition, room and board, instrument purchase reimbursement, etc.
There is an application fee of $30. Financial assistance available upon request.
Applications for the 2022 competition are open through March 15, 2022.
CMA Young Soloist Scholarship Recipients
2021
Madeline Scheve, organ
2021
Zach Dixon, piano
2021
Bethany Kallio, horn
2021
Daylen De Raad, piano
Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship Recipients
2021
Vivian Shanley
Nevada High School. Used scholarship toward tuition to major in instrumental music education.
2021
Adalyn Sidon
Merrill Middle School. Used scholarship to attend music camp.
2020
Zoe Podlich
Summit Middle School in Johnston, Iowa. Used scholarship to attend piano camps at Wartburg College and string camps at Des Moines Symphony Academy
2020
Tyler Johnson
Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont High School. Used scholarship to purchase an accoustic-electric guitar and take lessons.
2019
Jhoanna Hernandez
Harding Middle School. Used her scholarship to purchase a new trumpet.
2019
Lucy Gannon
Waukee Middle School. Used her scholarship to purchase a new flute.
2019
Beau Henson
Ames High School. Used his scholarship to help pay music school tuition.
2018
Amara Door
Indian Hills Junior High. Used her scholarship to purchase a professional trumpet, to replace her student trumpet that frequently malfunctions.
2018
Joanna Kim
Ames High School. Used her scholarship to pay tuition to attend the summer 2018 Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra camp.
2017
Emma Mostek
Gilbert High School, saxophone. Used scholarship to repair father’s professional-grade saxophone to replace her student model.
2017
Andrew Gersjik
Southeast Polk High School, percussion. Used scholarship to pay tuition at percussion and jazz combo workshops at Interlochen Center for the Arts and at the University of North Texas.
2016
Avi Gedler
Stillwell Junior High School, viola and oboe. Used scholarship to purchase a new viola bow.
