Sarah Ma

2019 Instrumental Scholarship Recipient

Sarah's life has always revolved around music, as she recognized her passion for it at a young age. Even as a six-year-old, she would wake up early every morning to practice the violin. As she grew older, she found ways to give back to her community through her musical talents. Last summer, she had the incredible opportunity to attend the Aspen Music Festival and School for two months, studying under the guidance of renowned professor Robert Lipsett, a faculty member at the Colburn Conservatory.

The Colburn School, known for its diverse and inclusive environment, offers a wide range of musical and outreach opportunities. After spending time with fellow students and friends who attend Colburn, Sarah felt a strong sense of belonging at the school. Her experience studying with Mr. Lipsett not only led to significant improvements in her musical abilities but also deepened her love for the arts.

Growing up in a household where the arts were highly valued, Sarah's parents, who immigrated from China, prioritized music education for their children. However, financing her studies was a challenge. Despite the financial burden, Sarah's determination and hard work paid off, and she received a full merit scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music and now continues her studies at Juilliard under the Beggs-Dethier Scholarship. Finally, she will be attending the Cooper International Violin Competition at Oberlin College this summer.