The Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award

The Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award, established by the Associated Music Teachers League (AMTL), continues to honor the memory and legacy of Barbara Krakauer, a distinguished violinist and music educator. This scholarship supports promising young musicians, helping them to further their studies and refine their craft through prestigious competitions and performance opportunities.

Barbara Krakauer’s influence extended beyond her role as a teacher; she mentored numerous students, guiding them towards successful careers in music. Known for organizing intensive summer study programs in France, she provided invaluable opportunities for young musicians to deepen their artistic development. Krakauer’s dedication to music education and her contributions to the classical music world are memorialized through this award, which helps young musicians achieve their potential.

 

Notable Recipients of the Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award

Several accomplished musicians have been recipients of the Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award, showcasing their talents and securing their place in the world of classical music:

  • Dr. Jang: Dr. Hwakyung (Kay) Jang was the first-prize recipient of the Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award. She went on to win the Young Musician Competition, which provided her with the opportunity to perform at Weill Carnegie Hall in New York City. During her performance, she participated in “A Tribute to Pablo Casals Cello Collaboration,” directed by Marta Casals Istomin and Bonnie Hampton. Additionally, Dr. Jang has performed in masterclasses under the direction of esteemed instructors such as Richard Aaron, Young-Chang Cho, and Richard Tunnicliffe.
  • Stanichka Dimitrova: Another distinguished recipient, Stanichka Dimitrova, was awarded first prize in the Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award Competition. She later went on to win the 2010 Concerto Competition at Stony Brook University, further advancing her career.
  • Christian Verfenstein: A talented pianist, Christian Verfenstein began his musical journey at the age of six. Currently studying at The Crane School of Music under Dr. Young-Ah Tak, Verfenstein is a double major in piano performance and music education. He has won numerous competitions, including first prize in the 2012 Associated Music Teachers League Competition, second prize in the 2014 New York Music Competition, and first prizes in both the 2016 Alexander & Buono International Piano Competition and the 2017 North Shore Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. Verfenstein also attended several prestigious summer festivals, including the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Piano Program and Pianofest in the Hamptons.

 

Barbara Krakauer, Violinist - Picture: Katie Kresek

Barbara Krakauer, Violinist – Picture: Katie Kresek

Through their accomplishments, these musicians demonstrate the impact of the Barbara Krakauer Scholarship Award in fostering talent and providing opportunities for young performers to excel in their musical careers. The scholarship, in honoring Krakauer’s dedication to music education, continues to inspire and support the next generation of musicians.

Sources: https://www.gofundme.com/f/37g1j8jgq0, https://classicalmusicguide.com/viewtopic.php?t=28326