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 2021 Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarships is now closed. Applications for the 2022 scholarships will open in January 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, etc.
There is an application fee of $30.
The application period for the 2021 CMA Young Soloist Competition is now closed. Applications for the 2022 competition will open in January 2022.
2020 Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship Recipients
”Thank you for this scholarship. I plan to use the scholarship for future piano camps at Wartburg College and string camps at Des Moines Symphony.Academy. I am excited to attend these camps when things get back to normal!
Zoe Podlich2020 Scholarship Recipient
Zoe Podlich is a 7th-grade student at Summit Middle School in Johnston, Iowa, where she studies piano, violin, and percussion. She performs with the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestra (Sinfonia, First Violin), Summit Middle School Band (Percussion), and Summit Middle School Choir (Group Soloist).
”I will use this scholarship towards an acoustic-electric guitar to play in the youth band church, as well as some new equipment like a guitar stand and new strap. I would also like to take lessons for guitar and bass.
Tyler Johnson2019 Scholarship Recipient
Tyler Johnson is a sophomore at Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont High School, where he studies trumpet and bass. He has performed with the EBF High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz I and II. He also performs with the youth worship band at church.
Recent Scholarship Recipients
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.
