Three cheers for our graduating Merit Scholars! CSMA is so proud of you and wishes you all the best on the next leg of your educational journey. Our departing 2026 scholars are:
- Amelle Badey (voice), studies with Kaye DeVries, Merit Scholar for 8 years: Attending New York University for Vocal Performance and Economics
- Albert Kuo (piano), studies with Temirzhan Yerzhanov, Merit Scholar for 4 years: Attending UCLA for piano performance
- Nora Saraci-Alonso (voice), studies with Kaye DeVries, Merit Scholar for 2 years: Attending UCLA for bioengineering
- Raphael Olteanu (piano), studies with Greg Mason, Merit Scholar for 2 years: Attending University of Toronto
- Ana Cristina Ramirez Bacheva (voice), studies with Kaye DeVries, Merit Scholar for 4 years: Attending Pepperdine University
- Dolly Wu (voice), studies with Olga Moudry, Merit Scholar for 3 years (Student Committee President): Attending Harvard for Philosophy, Economics, and Vocal Performance
The Merit Scholar Program supports CSMA private lesson students who show a high degree of dedication to their craft and are looking to take their musical studies to a deeper level. This select group of students is admitted to the program through annual auditions and receives additional performance, ensemble, and other learning opportunities. Merit Scholars are regarded as ambassadors of CSMA’s Music School.
We asked the students to share some advice for younger scholars as they prepare to depart the program. Here are a few of their words of wisdom:
“Take advantage of all the outreach opportunities you get! They help a lot with building confidence and getting more used to performing :)” – Amelle
“It’s ok to switch instruments along your music journey but never give up on music itself :)” – Dolly
“Making music is fun! Enjoy it!” -Nora
