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 Moines 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.
Awards
High School Scholarship (Grades 10-12)
$500
Middle School Scholarship (Grades 6-9)
$500
How it Works
The scholarship may be used toward expenses necessary for the student to advance their 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 2023 Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarships is now closed.
The Young Artist Scholarship & Excellence in Teaching Award
CMA + Marian W. Sharp Revocable Trust
A generous gift received from the Marian W. Sharp Revocable Trust in 2022 allows CMA to annually offer $7500 in scholarships and awards for four students and one exceptional teacher.
Young Artist Scholarship
Presented annually to four students, two graduating high school and two currently in college, this scholarship is available to those who plan to further pursue the study of music.
Awards
High School Scholarship
1st Prize $1500
2nd Prize $1000
College Scholarship
1st Prize $1500
2nd Prize $1000
How it Works
The scholarship may be used toward expenses necessary for the student to advance their 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 2023 Young Artist Scholarships is now closed.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Presented annually to one exceptional teacher, this award is available to an Iowa K-12 music educator to assist with professional development opportunities.
Award
1st Prize $2500
How it Works
The award may be used toward fees and costs associated with the event(s)/project(s) as outlined in the proposal, including tuition, registration, travel, lodging, food, supplies, incidentals, etc. Funds must be used within one year of receipt.
The application period for the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award is now closed.
CMA Young Artist Scholarship Recipients (College)
2023, 1st Place
Megan Bennett
Sophomore Trumpet Player and Music Education Major, UNI
2023, 2nd Place
Courtney Johnson
Freshman Flute Player and Music Education Major, Drake University
CMA Young Artist Scholarship Recipients (High School)
2023, 1st Place
Campbell Helton
Roosevelt HS
2023, 2nd Place
Marisa Cravero
West Des Moines Valley HS
CMA Excellence in Teaching Award
2023
Brandon Waring
Iowa Falls-Alden CSD 6-12 Choir Director
Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship Recipients
2023
Lilah Sidon
Merrill Middle School
2023
Georgia LaBounty
Waukee HS
2022
Minerva Cao
Waukee Middle School
2022
Jack Stremlow
Davenport Central High School
2021
Vivian Shanley
Cedar Rapids Washington High School. Used scholarship toward private lessons and summer camp.
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.
CMA Young Soloist Scholarship Recipients
2022
Joshua Feldt, organ
2022
Hugo Kaut, violin
2022
Harbour Buchanan, oboe
2022
Vivian Shanley, bass
2021
Madeline Scheve, organ
2021
Zach Dixon, piano
2021
Bethany Kallio, horn
2021
Daylen De Raad, piano
