CMA Scholarships

CMA Music Scholarship Opportunities

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 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)
$750

Middle School Scholarship (Grades 6-9)
$750

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 2024 Application period 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 2024 Application period 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 2024 Application period is now closed.

CMA Young Artist Scholarship Recipients (College)

2024, 1st Place
Ruby Hummel
Junior Clarinet Player and Music Education Major, Drake University
2024, 2nd Place
Martin Hachmann
Freshman Bass Player and Music Education Major, UNI
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)

2024, 1st Place
Ryleigh Pinion
Ankeny High School
2024, 2nd Place
Caleb Burke
Waukee Northwest High School
2023, 1st Place
Campbell Helton
Roosevelt High School
2023, 2nd Place
Marisa Cravero
West Des Moines Valley High School

CMA Excellence in Teaching Award

2024
Jennifer Hillman
Perry Middle & High School 6-12 Choir Director
2023
Brandon Waring
Iowa Falls-Alden CSD 6-12 Choir Director

Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship Recipients

2024
Annabelle Barrett
Winterset Middle School
2024
Jacob Forney
Valley High School
2023
Lilah Sidon
Merrill Middle School
2023
Georgia LaBounty
Waukee High School
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