Embarking on my musical journey in the third grade, the violin initially left me feeling indifferent and confused. I grappled with the placement of the bow and the production of sound, unaware that this small instrument would reshape my life. However, under the guidance of mentors, particularly Mr. Gustus, my musical development soared. Mr. Gustus wasn't just a teacher; he became a mentor who propelled my playing and molded me into the best musician possible. His love for music fueled my passion and set the stage for the transformative experiences ahead. At the age of 12, I embarked on my first solo journey to a music festival in New Hampshire. This experience, though initially nerve-wracking, turned out to be one of the most pivotal moments in my life. The festival pushed me to new heights, instilling courage and perseverance. It provided invaluable life experiences and exposed me to musicians who used their art to advocate for hard-to-reach communities. This exposure broadened my perspective on the power of music beyond personal expression. The music camp I attended further expanded my understanding of diverse musical genres, from chamber music to fiddling, jazz, orchestra, Mariachi, pop, and more. This diversity underscored the importance of individual expression in music. It became evident that music is a universal language that connects souls, with each musician playing what resonates with their innermost being. This realization fueled my aspiration to help students discover and nurture their own musical voices. My ultimate goal is to build and collaborate with symphonies and schools, mirroring a program in which I was fortunate to participate. The Young Strings program, in which I participated, provided children free music education, instruments, and lessons. To involve parents in the musical journey, I plan to establish direct relationships with them, akin to Mr. Gustus's involvement with my parents. Engaging parents in concerts, lessons, and classes is crucial for a child's holistic growth. I am determined to make music education accessible, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede a child's opportunity to play an instrument. Recognizing music’s significant cultural and societal importance, I aim to deepen the relationship between families, students, and music education. In pursuing a performance degree, I carry with me the profound impact music has had on my life. From confusion to a profound passion, my journey with the violin has solidified my commitment to making music education accessible to all. I aspire to help students find their unique voices, break down financial barriers, and foster a deep connection between families and the enriching world of music education. Through these efforts, I aim to create a space where every student can find solace, self-expression, and the joy that music brings. My journey with the violin, guided by exceptional teachers and transformative moments, has shaped my commitment to making music education accessible. Through collaboration with symphonies and schools, direct engagement with parents, and a dedication to breaking down financial barriers, I aim to pass on my love of music to others. My journey, marked by perseverance and a deep connection to the transformative power of music, propels me toward a future where every aspiring musician can find support, encouragement, and the opportunity to share their unique voice with the world.

My journey with the violin began in the third grade. Initially, I felt indifferent and confused, unsure where to place my bow or produce sound. Little did I know then how this small instrument would reshape my life. My teachers, especially Mr. Gustus, played a pivotal role in my musical development. Mr. Gustus wasn't just a teacher; he was a mentor who propelled my playing and aimed to mold me into the best musician possible. He had regular conversations with my parents and other music teachers to ensure that I was being challenged in all aspects of my life. His profound love for music fueled his desire to cultivate my passion. At the age of 12, I embarked on my first solo journey to a music festival in New Hampshire. Although initially nerve-wracking to be without my family in a new environment, the experience turned out to be one of the most transformative of my life. The festival pushed me, instilling courage and perseverance. It provided invaluable life experiences and opened my eyes to musicians using music to advocate for hard-to-reach communities. The music camp I attended exposed me to diverse ways of creating music. While I preferred chamber music, others gravitated towards fiddling, jazz, orchestra, Mariachi, pop, and more. This diversity underscored the importance of individual expression. Music, I discovered, connects souls, with each musician playing what resonates with their innermost being. I aspire to help students find what feeds their souls. My goal is to build and collaborate with symphonies and schools, similar to a program in which I was fortunate to participate, providing free music education to children. This model involves symphony members going to schools to provide lessons, effectively breaking down barriers to access. To involve parents, I plan to establish a direct relationship with them. Like Mr. Gustus, I want parents to participate in concerts, lessons, and classes. Engaging them in the process is crucial for a child's holistic growth. My commitment extends to providing free lessons, opportunities, and instruments. I am determined to make music education accessible, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede a child's opportunity to play an instrument. Recognizing music's significant cultural and societal importance, I aim to deepen the relationship between families, students, and music education. I want students to find their voice and a sense of safety through music. My journey with the violin has evolved from confusion to a profound passion. Guided by exceptional teachers and transformative moments, my commitment has solidified towards making music education accessible. I am dedicated to helping students find their unique voices, breaking down financial barriers, and fostering a deep connection between families and the enriching world of music education. Through these efforts, I aspire to create a space where every student can find solace, self-expression, and the joy that music brings.

From the first moment I cradled a violin, I knew that music was more than just a passion—it was my true calling. As a young Latina deeply rooted in my heritage, I understand my community's unique challenges. My mother's brave journey from Jalisco, Mexico, and the struggles of my undocumented family members have ignited an unwavering desire within me to create a world where every Latino individual can thrive and follow their dreams. The deportation of my uncle during my middle school years struck a powerful chord in my heart, propelling me to wield the power of music as an instrument of change. The violin quickly became a symbol of empowerment for me. Fueled by the lack of representation for Latino musicians in classical music, I embarked on a personal quest to break down barriers within the world of classical music. During my performances, I infused classical masterpieces with the vibrant sounds of my Latino culture, blending the harmonies of Beethoven and Brahms with the soul-stirring beats of my Mexican heritage. Through my music, I hope to inspire others from similar backgrounds to embrace their artistic passions unapologetically, just as I have. The challenges faced by my family have profoundly shaped my journey. Watching my mother's determination in a new country, I realized the transformative power of education. However, I also witnessed firsthand how the undocumented status of my relatives placed obstacles in their paths. My uncle's deportation left an indelible mark on my heart, igniting a fierce determination to create a more just and equitable world where every individual's dreams are nurtured and celebrated. In my pursuit of music, I discovered a powerful tool to uplift marginalized communities. I wholeheartedly sought ways to make music education more accessible to Latino students who, like me, might have limited resources but endless dreams. Through community outreach programs with my local symphony, I worked alongside other Latino students, exploring their artistic talents without financial constraints. Witnessing the impact of music on their lives, I firmly believe that music has the power to transcend socio-economic boundaries and inspire greatness in every aspiring Latino artist. Receiving this scholarship would support my growth as a musician and give me the tools necessary to extend my outreach initiatives. With this support, I would have the opportunity to reach underserved communities and foster a love for music among Latino youths. Amplifying my voice, I would share my experiences with a wider audience, encouraging others to stand up and pursue their passions without hesitation. In my future career, I aspire to continue advocating for the empowerment of my Latino community through music education. My ultimate dream is to establish music programs in schools with diverse student bodies, providing platforms for talented young Latino musicians to thrive and share their stories through music. Moreover, I plan to use my performances to educate audiences about Latinos' unique experiences and struggles, fostering understanding and promoting empathy. In conclusion, my journey as a Latina violinist is deeply intertwined with my commitment to diversifying classical music and making music education accessible to all. My family's struggles have fueled my passion for creating a world where every Latino individual has the chance to embrace their dreams and shine brightly. With its mission to empower Latina students, this scholarship would catalyze a harmonious and equitable future for my community—one where the transformative power of music knows no bounds.

My path as a classical violinist has been a symphony of challenges and triumphs, resonating with the melody of my dreams, harmonized by the support of my community, and crescendoing with the triumphant overcoming of adversities. Growing up in the heart of South Dallas, my artistic roots found nourishment in the love and connection music provided within my small Baptist church. With limited resources, I embarked on a musical journey, determined to pursue my passion despite facing financial and social barriers. However, life composed an awful interlude during my college years when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. This deeply personal essay explores the profound impact of my church community, the challenges of limited resources, and how my dad's illness influenced my musical pursuits. The foundation of my musical journey was lovingly woven within the walls of my church, where gospel pieces and the guidance of Ms. Ambra, our choir director, nurtured my early passion for music. Those experiences were more than mere performances; they were heartfelt expressions of love and unity. I discovered the transformative power of music, witnessing its ability to unite souls from diverse backgrounds. This sense of community and purpose ignited a relentless drive to pursue my musical aspirations. As a musician of color from a community with limited resources, the soaring costs of classical music education presented formidable challenges for me and my family. Nevertheless, I embraced my passion with unwavering determination, seeking scholarships and grants to support my dreams. Though the road was bumpy, my commitment to the violin and the pursuit of my musical dreams remained resolute. Amidst the crescendo of my musical journey, life composed a heart-rending variation when my dad was diagnosed with cancer in college. The harmony I had known was suddenly disrupted, and I faced new and daunting challenges. The emotional and financial burden weighed heavily on our family, leaving me torn between my artistic aspirations and being present for my loved ones during these trying times. Though music became my refuge during these tumultuous moments, I struggled with feelings of guilt. Every hour spent in the practice room felt like an hour lost with my father. Witnessing my dad's vulnerability for the first time in my life was heart-wrenching. Classical music had always been a source of connection between us, from car rides to rehearsals where we would listen to WRR's classical music station and sing Dvorak's New World Symphony together. The violin held precious memories of my dad. However, it was precisely the power of music that brought my family closer during these trying times. My love for the violin and the unwavering support of my church community served as pillars of strength during those challenging days. With every stroke of my violin, I am reminded of my dad's unyielding spirit. I find solace, hope, and a profound sense of purpose through music. Looking to the future, I am determined to empower others to find their voice in classical music regardless of their background or circumstances. My journey has taught me that music transcends barriers and has the power to unite and heal. My heart is set on using my music to uplift others and make classical music more inclusive and accessible. As I continue my musical journey, I will embrace the challenges with courage and gratitude, knowing that every note played carries the essence of my dad's unwavering spirit and the love of my church community.

Itzhak Perlman embodies the hardship and beauty of art; diagnosed with Polio at the age of four, Perlman never allowed his illness to affect the way he lived life and the beauty in how he played the violin. Perlman's most notable performance is the Theme from Schindler's List, a memoir to Oskar Schindler; this piece shows the emotional complexity of Perlman's musicianship. Perlman's playing in the Theme from Schindler's List taught me the power, history, and vulnerability of music. Perlman's will to persevere through sickness to create beautiful art makes Perlman a true artist.

Although I am a classical violinist who’s had multiple training from chamber musicians, orchestral players, and soloists from around the world, the roots of my musicianship was nurtured by the members of a small baptist church in the heart of South Dallas. In other words, the ghetto. We as a church have had to overcome many obstacles and stereotypes, but the only thing that we have never had a problem with was the love and connection that music gave us. Before I even picked up a violin, thought about the wonderful development in Beethoven’s 6th symphony, attempted to play a Paganini caprice, or even learned what a minor scale was, I had to sing solos to Kirk Franklin’s gospel pieces every fourth Sunday alongside my friends, and conducted by my idol, Ms. Ambra. I have vivid memories of looking around at the audience before I sang, every face was familiar. Every face was filled with love, pride, and joy. My mother was always in the second row filming me with her iPhone. My dad was always looking up at me with the other deacons worried that I would forget my lines but proud that I had the courage to sing in public. Brother Coin and Brother Cary would vaguely smile up at our children’s choir, slightly nod their approval and prepare for the terror that would happen once I began to sing. Big Mama and Sister Nixon would give me a thumbs up and comfort me with their loving eyes. Michele and Miss Pam would mouth the words “break a leg” and I knew they would give me a big hug after I sang. After I made my visual overview of the church, I looked at Ms. Ambra and was ready for her to lead me. Although the church gave me the power to begin, Ms. Ambra gave me the comfort to continue singing. She always emphasized the importance of finding our voice, and employing it in the music. She always said, “Your music is your voice, your voice is your heart, and your heart is your meaning.” As my musical abilities matured throughout the years, I continued performing at the church. I grew out of singing (singing was never a strength of mine), and I became engrossed with the violin. Every time I became wary before a big performance I imagine my church and Ms. Ambra. The church inspired me to continue music; they gave me the strength and courage to continue performing even when times were tough. This is why I want to pursue a career in classical music and continue to study it in college. I strive to enlight, enrich, and encourage others through the beauty of music, just like the church did for me. Violin is my voice, heart and meaning.