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Josiah Richardson

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General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Acting And Theater
  • Art
  • Piano
  • Saxophone
  • Singing
  • Choir
  • Church
  • Theater
  • Education
  • Animals
  • YouTube
  • Youth Group
  • Volunteering
  • Voice Acting
  • Violin
  • Tutoring
  • Travel And Tourism
  • Theology and Religious Studies
  • Teaching
  • Studying
  • Social Media
  • Self Care
  • Spending Time With Friends and Family
  • Songwriting
  • Reading
  • Art History
  • Babysitting And Childcare
  • Bible Study
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Concerts
  • Coffee
  • Dog Training
  • Foreign Languages
  • Forensics
  • French
  • German
  • Music
  • Music Composition
  • Music Production
  • Music Theory
  • Italian
  • Baking
  • Band
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Movies And Film
  • Mental Health
  • Psychology
  • Writing
  • Orchestra

Reading

  • Adult Fiction
  • Science Fiction
  • Thriller
  • Realistic Fiction
  • Fantasy

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

Josiah Richardson is a senior at Sabetha High School. He is a dedicated pianist and vocalist who has earned high ratings at Regional and State competitions in vocal and piano solos, as well as ensembles. Josiah has been a member of the Kansas All-State Choir for two years and placed 1st in the Topeka Symphony Young Artist Competition Vocal Division his junior year. He is actively involved in his church, serving on multiple worship teams and volunteering as a Sunday school teacher for the two-year-old class. Josiah currently runs a private piano studio with roughly 15 students, and plans to major in Piano Pedagogy and Vocal Performance at Wheaton College in Illinois.

Education

Wheaton College (IL)

Technical bootcamp

2026 – 2026

Majors:
  • Music

Highland Community College

Associate's degree program

2025 – 2027

GPA3.9 GPA

Wheaton College (IL)

Technical bootcamp

2025 – 2025

Majors:
  • Music
GPA4.0 GPA

Sabetha High School

High School

2023 – 2027

GPA3.9 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Music, Visual and Performing Arts, General
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No
Test scores:
  • ACT27

Career

  • Kitchen Staff

    Food & Beverages · Sabetha Clubhouse

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Cashier

    Retail · Sabetha Greenhouse

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2024

  • Private Piano Teacher

    Music · Independent

    Jan 2021 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Music, Music Education
Dream career goals:
Music Professor/Private Music Instructor/Freelance Pianist/Freelance Classical Singer
Work experience:
5 years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Military

Military status:
No military service
Parent/guardian service:
No
ROTC:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Begho Ukueberuwa Creative Impact Scholarship
The moment I knew music was more than a hobby came unexpectedly. I had finished playing the piano at a local nursing home and was mingling with the residents. As I was about to leave, a man in a wheelchair came up to me with tears in his eyes and grabbed my hand. He never said a word, but I knew my music had touched his heart. It had never occurred to me that my own playing could affect someone’s emotions so deeply. From that moment on, my musical goals were transformed. I was no longer playing only for myself; I could play for the sake of others. I could serve, connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire through music. That realization drives me to create. Every practice session, worship service, and performance is a chance to hone my skills and reach my audience emotionally. Music can reach when words cannot, and I want my performances to help people feel seen and encouraged. Many residents of the nursing home have greatly enjoyed my playing as a result of my pursuing this goal. Through my church worship team, I have used my musical abilities to bring people together in worship. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to organize and perform in two community concerts. Many people came to support me and to enjoy music and fellowship. Continuing to put on events like this is a dream of mine for the future. My vision for the future is to expand on what I do now: using my musical passion to serve and impact my community. I will keep performing at local establishments like nursing homes and hospitals, because so many people are blessed by someone just being there and showing that they care. I plan to continue playing for churches to serve them and bring them closer to God and each other in worship. Opportunities to put on events like my community concerts are also something I hope to expand on in the future. But I don’t want to stop with inspiring people on my own. My music instructors have shaped my passion and confidence, and I will motivate and encourage my students the way my teachers encourage me. The joy of watching a student gain confidence spurs me to be both a better musician and a better teacher. I have even had students tell me they want to become pianists when they grow up! My goal is not only to use my own art to influence people, but to inspire the next generation of musicians to uplift their communities. My private teaching studio will be fun and encouraging, where musical passion is cultivated. I will guide the next generation of musicians to keep on the path of using their talents to better the world, so the creative impact will continue for centuries to come. With this scholarship, it will be possible for me to attend Wheaton College. There, I will receive professional training and new skills to serve my community. Wheaton College has a distinctly tight-knit, community-centered campus. The community there will provide opportunities to develop the skills and ideas necessary for making a difference. Ultimately, my greatest aspiration is for my music and teaching to do more than entertain or give knowledge. I want it to connect and uplift people, and inspire others to use their own gifts for their community. With the support of this scholarship, I can commit my life to creating a ripple effect of creative impact through every note I play and every student I teach.
J&Y Law Yahouda Yahoudai Service Scholarship
I love being involved in my school, church, and local community. My deepest involvement is in my church. I serve on my church’s second service worship team multiple times per month, singing, playing keyboard, or both. On the fourth Sunday of each month, I play the hymns and “quiet meditation” for the first service. More recently, I have begun to lead worship at the local youth group. Beyond music, I also volunteer once a month as a teacher for the two-year-old class during the service hour, and have served as both a group assistant and leader for our Vacation Bible Schools. I plan to continue this involvement in the church communities I am a part of in the future. I have also served as a musician in my local community. In the past, I have regularly performed at the local nursing home and organized community concerts. Community concerts have been an excellent way to bring people together by providing music and fellowship. I plan to expand my local service by looking for volunteer opportunities outside of church and school, such as participating in community clean-ups or volunteering for Meals on Wheels. As for my involvement in future communities, I will support arts/music events and organizations, and work with local music and education businesses to create a positive impact for the arts. In my school community, I participate in National Honor Society volunteer opportunities. One of these opportunities includes packing donated food and delivering it to elementary school students in need. NHS members can also volunteer with the Harvester’s Food Truck program. There, we help hand out palates of food for people in the community to feel blessed and cared for. Furthermore, I am involved in Bluejay Buddies, a mentoring program between high school and elementary-aged students, where we play games and have fun conversations! I love my community, and I am proud of the good that I have done to give back, help, and inspire others. All of these opportunities have helped me grow as a leader and contributing member of society. Whether I am sharing music, volunteering, mentoring, or teaching, I aim to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I hope that my involvement not only affects immediate needs, but also inspires others to serve and share gifts of their own. I look forward to continuing to give back to my church, school, and local community, and finding new ways to support communities in my future.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
The moment I knew music was more than a hobby was unexpected. It was after I finished playing the piano at a local nursing home that I was mingling with the residents. As I was about to leave, a man in a wheelchair came up to me with tears in his eyes and grabbed my hand. He never said a word, but I knew my music had touched his heart. It had never occurred to me that my own playing could affect someone’s emotions this much. From that moment on, my musical goals were transformed. I was no longer playing only for myself; I could play for the sake of others. It was a way to serve and connect with people. My music could comfort, encourage, and inspire without saying a word. This was the moment I knew that music was the path I must take. This is exactly the impact I want to make in my future performances as a pianist, vocalist, and accompanist. That realization has also changed the way I think about teaching. If music can have such a profound impact on people, I want to equip others to create that same impact. As a piano teacher, I hope to help my students develop confidence, discipline, creativity, a genuine love for music, and a passion for sharing that love. I want my students to understand that no matter how young they are, their music can impact others. My goal is not only to develop skilled musicians, but also to develop students who understand the responsibility and opportunity that comes with sharing music. I want my own education to prepare me to serve my community in many different ways. Seeing what music could do for someone in a nursing home from my small town made me want to keep finding places where my music can continue to do that. I can do this by organizing community concerts, creating a fun learning environment in my teaching studio, and creating musical content that appeals to multiple generations. Through performing, teaching, and accompanying, I hope to meet people where they’re at and make music more accessible. The people who have inspired me the most are the many music teachers who have encouraged me throughout my journey. I am also continually encouraged by students gaining confidence, audience members moved by a piece, and members of my community who thank me for my playing. The man from the nursing home continues to remind me that I may never know the full effect my music has on someone else. These inspirations also pour into how I reach students. My goal as a teacher is to give them the same inspiration and encouragement my teachers gave me. Ultimately, I want my education to prepare me for a life centered on using music as a tool for others, and this scholarship will help immensely. My dream is to go to Wheaton College to study piano and voice. The only obstacle between me and my dreams is cost. Wherever I end up, I hope to gain experience and knowledge not only as a performer, but also as a teacher and mentor who helps guide the next generation on the journey of spreading the joy of music. Whether I am performing, accompanying, or training, my vision is to leave people encouraged, connected, and inspired. The man from the nursing home will forever be my reminder that even a simple performance can matter deeply to someone. I want to spend my life creating and seeking out those moments, and leading others to create those moments as well.
Mad Genius Scholarship
"Stargazing" captures the supernatural-like feeling of ideas flowing through your mind. Sometimes, the greatest ideas and accomplishments seem to come to us out of nowhere, almost as if they came from something beyond ourselves. Embark on a journey through the creative mind while listening to this piece. Imagine the thoughts, visions, and possibilities forming within your mind, gradually becoming clearer. Whether it be a piece of art, music, literature, or developing something that can help a community, every project starts with an idea. The creative process is a magical adventure, full of discovery and adventure, and "Stargazing" elegantly expresses the feeling of your own ideas emerging and transforming into something real.
Joe Gilroy "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan" Scholarship
“Plan your work and work your plan” is a quote from Napoleon Hill, and a quote I choose to live by. I have always been fascinated by the thought of having a career. Since the sixth grade, I have intently researched, evaluated, and mapped out my future life. Since then, I’ve changed my career choice about a dozen times! From scientist to psychologist, teacher to actor, and even therapist, my personality and desires for myself changed so much over the years. Through exploring different possibilities, I learned what truly excites me and what kind of work environment I am most drawn to. After careful consideration, I have decided on a path for good now. My long-term goal is to build a sustainable career as a multidisciplinary classical musician. I want to remain an active performer while developing a private teaching studio and potentially teaching at the collegiate level later in my career. This was a difficult decision to make at first. The “starving artist” stereotype had always pulled me away from the idea of actually becoming a musician. But after doing more research and planning, I have realized that it doesn’t have to be that way! I plan to attend the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. I am considering either a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with a Piano Pedagogy Certificate or the other way around . During my first year, I will have the time to decide which pathway will best equip me for future opportunities. During college, I plan to pursue vocal and piano instruction, participate in opera and ensembles, perform recitals, accompany other musicians, and keep building teaching experience. I plan to reestablish my private piano studio on campus to help pay for college. Hopefully, this will also get me opportunities to play for churches and local events. After college, I plan to pursue professional vocal opportunities including summer festivals and Young Artist Programs. Because classical performance is competitive, I will not depend on one path to employment. During the academic year, I will focus more on private teaching and piano. During the summer, I can focus more heavily on vocal festivals and opera. I plan to maintain substantial piano solo repertoire and perform recitals while developing collaborative skills. Collaborative piano, accompanying, church music, and coaching will most likely be a steadier form of performing. Private teaching will be my main source of stability. I plan to teach piano from beginner through advanced levels, including repertoire, technique, theory, musicianship, and audition preparation. As my qualifications develop, I may add voice teaching. A flexible studio would allow me to adjust my teaching schedule around opera contracts, festivals, and recitals. The resources required include high-quality vocal and piano instruction, practice facilities, scores, recordings, coaches, performance opportunities, transportation, professional clothing, accompanists, and networking opportunities. My college and professional budgets will include tuition, housing, books, lessons, audition and application fees, travel, music purchases, instrument maintenance, and other professional expenses. I will prioritize scholarships and financial aid during college. After graduation, teaching and steady piano work will help offset the unpredictability of performance income. My plan also includes alternatives. If opera becomes my strongest opportunity, I will emphasize opera and festivals. If not, I can increase another area of my career. Perhaps I will flourish as a solo artist, performing recitals around the world. Collegiate teaching may become most of what I do. Ultimately, I want a career that is artistically ambitious but financially stable. I didn’t think it would be possible to do something like this, but actually, it’s quite possible and fairly common for musicians to be multi-faceted.
Kay Sykes Arts Scholarship
The moment I knew that music was more than just a hobby for me was after I had finished playing the piano at the local nursing home. I was mingling with the residents, but as I was about to leave, a man in a wheelchair grabbed my hand. With tears in his eyes, he simply held my hand. He never said a word, but my music had touched his heart. It had never occurred to me that my own playing could affect someone’s emotions this much. From that moment on, my musical goals were transformed. I was no longer just playing for myself; I could play for the sake of others. Previously, music had been just a hobby. The melodies had an effect on my emotions, but that’s where it stopped. It was something I loved to escape into during practice, but certainly not something that could actually influence others as well. This experience helped me to understand that music was a way to serve and connect with others. My music could comfort, encourage, and inspire without saying a word. Music has taught me infinitely valuable lessons. I’ve become more confident in performing and leading. I’ve learned to try new things, like playing at weddings or church. I’ve learned the importance of hard work, preparation, and dedicated practice. I’ve discovered a passion for teaching through running my own private studio. The relationships I’ve made through music have helped me grow as both a musician and a person. Another significant way the arts have shaped my life is through the Wheaton College Summer Music Camp. I had the incredible opportunity to study with top musicians and educators and grow both technically and artistically. Beyond that, I was able to create deep connections and meaningful friendships with other musicians. Those people inspire and encourage me to continue to pursue music, and have reminded me that music is best experienced with a community. More importantly, the campus’s dedication to faith transformed why I choose music. Through worship, devotionals, and prayer, I deepened my relationship with God, and came to see music as more than a skill, or even a career. Music is a gift to glorify and serve Him and the people in my life. The Wheaton Summer Music Camp not only strengthened me as a musician. It revealed my purpose. It is my belief that God has called me onto this path. Through the relationships I’ve made, the ways I’ve been stretched personally and musically, and all my successes and failures, He has been good! I plan to continue this passion, teaching and inspiring others, because music is more than just notes on a page. I will glorify God with my music and encourage those around me, just like one silent moment in a nursing home that forever changed me.
Lydia Fray Music Scholarship
The moment I knew that music was more than just a hobby for me was after I had finished playing the piano at the local nursing home. I was mingling with the residents, but as I was about to leave, a man in a wheelchair grabbed my hand. With tears in his eyes, he simply held my hand. He never said a word, but my music had touched his heart. It had never occurred to me that my own playing could affect someone’s emotions this much. From that moment on, my musical goals were transformed. I was no longer just playing for myself; I could play for the sake of others. Previously, music had been just a hobby. The melodies had an effect on my emotions, but that’s where it stopped. It was something I loved to escape into during practice, but certainly not something that could actually influence others as well. This experience helped me to understand that music was a way to serve and connect with others. My music could comfort, encourage, and inspire without saying a word. Music has taught me infinitely valuable lessons. I’ve become more confident in performing and leading. I’ve learned to try new things, like playing at weddings or church. I’ve learned the importance of hard work, preparation, and dedicated practice. I’ve discovered a passion for teaching through running my own private studio. The relationships I’ve made through music have helped me grow as both a musician and a person. Another significant way the arts have shaped my life is through the Wheaton College Summer Music Camp. I had the incredible opportunity to study with top musicians and educators and grow both technically and artistically. Beyond that, I was able to create deep connections and meaningful friendships with other musicians. Those people inspire and encourage me to continue to pursue music, and have reminded me that music is best experienced with a community. More importantly, however, was the impact on me from the campus’s dedication to faith. Through worship, devotionals, and prayer, I deepened my relationship with God, and came to see music as more than a skill, or even a career. Music is a gift to glorify and serve Him and the people in my life. The Wheaton Summer Music Camp not only strengthened me as a musician. It revealed my purpose. It is my belief that God has called me onto this path. Through the relationships I’ve made, the ways I’ve been stretched personally and musically, and all my successes and failures, He has been good! I plan to continue this passion, teaching and inspiring others, because music is more than just notes on a page. I will glorify God with my music and encourage those around me, just like one silent moment in a nursing home that forever changed me.
William Smith Scholarship
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've been singing my entire life; I used to gather my parents in the living room and perform songs I had (partially) memorized for them! However, when my parents signed me up for piano lessons when I was eight, I cried! I did not want to do piano lessons. How was I supposed to do all the fun things I liked to do at eight years old when all my time was spent trying to learn an instrument I had no interest in? Little did I know that piano lessons would change my life. Throughout the first year of lessons, I wanted to quit, but my amazing parents and teachers supported me, and I wouldn't be where I am now without them. Music has been an instrumental part of my educational journey as well as my life journey. I firmly believe that taking part in private lessons and music classes at school has greatly increased my educational value. Music has enriched my school experience, and brought students, teachers and I together. I finally decided I wanted to pursue music after volunteering to play the piano at the nursing home in my community. After I had finished playing, an elderly man in a wheelchair came up to me with tears in his eyes. He didn't say a word but extended his hand to me. When I took it, he didn't let go. Again, he didn't speak, but his eyes said everything. My music had touched his heart. From then on, I knew music was what I must do. In addition to performing at the nursing home once a month, I also play hymns for my church's first service, and sing in the worship band in the second service. I am so grateful for my community and the church leaders who have allowed me these experiences. I have also played at weddings, galas, and other events, even putting on my own concerts! I now fully realize the power of music. I found a passion in teaching, when I started my private studio at fourteen years old. Since then, my studio has grown to fourteen amazing students, and they've even had their first recital! I have now held a private piano studio in my town for three years, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and experience. I plan to pursue a portfolio music career centered on private and/or collegiate teaching, and performing when opportunities arise. I want to thank my parents for signing me up for piano lessons and for making me practice even when I didn't want to. I want to thank the multiple piano teachers I have had, for encouraging me to continue and making lessons fun! I want to thank the music teachers at school I've had for enriching my knowledge of music, and my school experience. I want to thank my pastor and the director at the nursing home, for giving me chances to volunteer doing what I love. I have been incredibly lucky to have had all of these individuals in my life, and I truly don't know where I'd be without them, or music.
Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've been singing my entire life; I used to gather my parents in the living room and perform songs I had (partially) memorized for them! However, when my parents signed me up for piano lessons when I was eight, I cried! I did not want to do piano lessons. How was I supposed to do all the fun things I liked to do at eight years old when all my time was spent trying to learn an instrument I had no interest in? Little did I know that piano lessons would change my life. Throughout the first year of lessons, I wanted to quit, but my amazing parents and teachers supported me, and I wouldn't be where I am now without them. Music has been an instrumental part of my educational journey as well as my life journey. I firmly believe that taking part in private lessons and music classes at school has greatly increased my educational value. Music has enriched my school experience, and brought students, teachers and I together. I finally decided I wanted to pursue music after volunteering to play the piano at the nursing home in my community. After I had finished playing, an elderly man in a wheelchair came up to me with tears in his eyes. He didn't say a word but extended his hand to me. When I took it, he didn't let go. Again, he didn't speak, but his eyes said everything. My music had touched his heart. From then on, I knew music was what I must do. I now fully realize the power of music. I found a passion in teaching, when I started teaching private piano lessons at fourteen years old. I have now held a private piano studio in my town for over a year, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and experience. I plan to pursue a portfolio career centered on private and/or collegiate teaching, and performing when opportunities arise. I want to thank my parents for signing me up for piano lessons and for making me practice even when I didn't want to. I want to thank the multiple piano teachers I have had, for encouraging me to continue and making lessons fun! I want to thank the music teachers at school I've had for enriching my knowledge of music, and my school experience. I want to thank my pastor and the director at the nursing home, for giving me chances to volunteer doing what I love. I have been incredibly lucky to have had all of these individuals in my life, and I truly don't know where I'd be without them, or music.
Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
I spent last summer at the Wheaton College Summer Institute, studying piano performance. Throughout my two weeks living on campus, I had many opportunities for collaboration. From private lessons, duet work, group classes, discussions, and even worship in Chapel, collaboration was happening everywhere! One of the classes I took at the Summer Institute was a book discussion class. The President of Wheaton College, Dr. Phillip Ryken's book, "Art for God's Sake", urged us to think about the reason for making art. This class was extremely engaging, and such a great learning environment. Why? Because of the constant collaboration! The music performance students and I were always listening to others' perspectives. We would build on what others had to say. We worked together to understand art for God's sake. The friends I made in the music performance class grew substantially in our perspective of what it means to create art for the glory of God. I believe that this collaborative experience will stick with all of us for many years to come. Duet lessons were another class I had the opportunity to participate in. This particular experience taught me a great deal about collaborating as a musician. My professor emphasized the need to sound like one pianist when we played together. We had to be actively listening to the other musician and ourselves. And this is collaborative piano! In the end, our duet was a success at the final recital, thanks to our collaboration in creating beautiful music. Chapel was a transformative experience. Worship in singing was a large part of the Chapel services. Imagine an entire concert hall filled with students raising their voices together. Worship is personal, yet in a way, we were collaborating to worship the Lord! A choir of voices singing their praises together for the glory of God! Thanks to the Wheaton College Summer Institute, my knowledge of collaboration has grown. I grew closer to God and made many wonderful friends that I still keep in touch with! That is collaboration. Making connections. Working together towards a common goal and building lasting relationships along the way. Much of what I end up doing as a musician will probably be collaborative. I feel prepared for my collaborative future because I know what collaboration means. I have learned that, together as artists, we can accomplish so much more than we could on our own. Collaboration is a gift, and I hope we will never take that for granted.
Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
I just spent the past two weeks at the Wheaton College Summer Institute, studying piano performance. Throughout my two weeks living on campus, I had many opportunities for collaboration. From private lessons, duet work, group classes, discussions, and even worship in Chapel, collaboration was happening everywhere! One of the classes I took at the Summer Institute was a book discussion class. The President of Wheaton College, Dr. Phillip Ryken's book, "Art for God's Sake", urged us to think about the reason for making art. This class was extremely engaging, and such a great learning environment. Why? Because of the constant collaboration! The music performance students and I were always listening to others' perspectives. We would build on what others had to say. We worked together to understand art for God's sake. The friends I made in the music performance class grew substantially in our perspective of what it means to create art for the glory of God. I believe that this collaborative experience will stick with all of us for many years to come. Duet lessons were another class I had the opportunity to participate in. This particular experience taught me a great deal about collaborating as a musician. My professor emphasized the need to sound like one pianist when we played together. We had to be actively listening to the other musician and ourselves. And this is collaborative piano! In the end, our duet was a success at the final recital, thanks to our collaboration in creating beautiful music. Chapel was a transformative experience. Worship in singing was a large part of the Chapel services. Imagine an entire concert hall filled with students raising their voices together. Worship is personal, yet in a way, we were collaborating to worship the Lord! A choir of voices singing their praises together for the glory of God! Thanks to the Wheaton College Summer Institute, my knowledge of collaboration has grown. I grew closer to God and made many wonderful friends that I still keep in touch with! That is collaboration. Making connections. Working together towards a common goal and building lasting relationships along the way. Much of what I end up doing as a musician will probably be collaborative. I feel prepared for my collaborative future because I know what collaboration means. I have learned that, together as artists, we can accomplish so much more than we could on our own. Collaboration is a gift, and I hope we will never take that for granted.
Mad Grad Scholarship
I just spent the past two weeks at the Wheaton College Summer Institute studying piano performance, and it was the most transformative experience of my life. Throughout my two weeks living on campus, I participated in private lessons, group classes, book discussions, chapel, dorm devotions, and excursions into Chicago. In our book discussion class, the music performance students spoke about what it meant to create art for God's sake. My classmates and I built on each other's perspectives of the book to grow in our understanding of the arts. Art should be good, true, and beautiful. Art should glorify God. The friends I made in the music performance class grew substantially in our understanding of the arts from a Christian perspective, and I believe that these discussions will be with us always. Chapel was a time of learning more about God and myself. Worship in singing was a large part of the Chapel. Professors of the college spoke throughout the two weeks about important topics such as the love of God, what it means to follow Him, and even about the philosophy of the Trinity of God. It was the most incredible thing to be surrounded by a community of dedicated Christians. I grew closer to God, and made wonderful Christian friends that will last this lifetime, and for eternity. This is the "WHY"! Even in a world where the arts are underappreciated, looked over, and even sinful, I will continue to make music for the glory of God. Technology and AI will never be able to replace the purely humanness of the creativity of true music. I believe that in this day and age, where everyday tasks are becoming easier with technology, the small things will become more appreciated. Emotional connections with others will be more valued. Art created by people will become highly esteemed. A return to the arts will become a human necessity. My life is not mine, but it belongs to the Lord. I will continue to make music for Him.
Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've been singing my entire life; I used to gather my parents in the living room and perform songs I had (partially) memorized for them! However, when my parents signed me up for piano lessons when I was eight, I cried! I did not want to do piano lessons. How was I supposed to do all the fun things I liked to do at eight years old when all my time was spent trying to learn an instrument I had no interest in? Little did I know that piano lessons would change my life. Throughout the first year of lessons, I wanted to quit, but my amazing parents and teachers supported me, and I wouldn't be where I am now without them. Music has been an instrumental part of my educational journey as well as my life journey. I firmly believe that taking part in private lessons and music classes at school has greatly increased my educational value. Music has enriched my school experience, and brought students, teachers and I together. I finally decided I wanted to pursue music after volunteering to play the piano at the nursing home in my community. After I had finished playing, an elderly man in a wheelchair came up to me with tears in his eyes. He didn't say a word but extended his hand to me. When I took it, he didn't let go. Again, he didn't speak, but his eyes said everything. My music had touched his heart. From then on, I knew music was what I must do. I now fully realize the power of music. I found a passion in teaching, when I started teaching private piano lessons at fourteen years old. I have now held a private piano studio in my town for over a year, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and experience. I now want to become a piano teacher, while balancing a professional career as a pianist and opera singer. I want to thank my parents for signing me up for piano lessons and for making me practice even when I didn't want to. I want to thank the multiple piano teachers I have had, for encouraging me to continue and making lessons fun! I want to thank the music teachers at school I've had for enriching my knowledge of music, and my school experience. I want to thank my pastor and the director at the nursing home, for giving me chances to volunteer doing what I love. I have been incredibly lucky to have had all of these individuals in my life, and I truly don't know where I'd be without them, or music.
Josiah Richardson Student Profile | Bold.org