Music in the Mountains
Scholarship Programs
Music in the Mountains is pleased to offer two scholarship programs for our area youth.
Our 2026 scholarship programs are the 2026 Youth Ambassador Scholarships and the 2026 Juilliard Online Extension Class Scholarship!
Meet our 2026 recipients of both scholarships below.
Both scholarship programs are prestigious opportunities for students to expand and enhance their musical knowledge and talent.
Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients!
Youth Ambassador Scholarship Recipients
Judah Azulai
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Trumpet
“Ever since the 7th grade, music and arts have been a way in which I define myself as a person. The arts (especially music) have become a part of my identity. Music has been the source of many of my greatest friendships as well as happiest moments, whether learning our marching band qualified for state or watching the renowned Count Basie Orchestra on a jazz trip.
Trumpet has opened many doors in my life that I am grateful to have experienced. If not for my private lessons, many of the opportunities I’ve been given would not have been possible. The instruction I’ve received from lessons is how I was able to progress in my musical endeavors. It was these lessons that expanded my musical horizon and truly allowed music to be a passion of mine and be able to be proud of the music I’ve put out to the world and the music I will keep making.”
Ethan Hong
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano
“After my mom and sister introduced me to piano when I was eight years old, I was hooked. I loved being able to play the pieces my sister played and figuring out how to play my favorite songs.
In high school, I auditioned for the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Durango High School Chamber Orchestra. Last year, as a ninth grader, I played my own arrangement of the 4-hand piano part to Fauré’s “Dolly Suite” with the SJSYO. I performed in the last two annual Bach Festivals on piano, harpsichord, and cello.
With my background knowledge of multiple instruments, music theory has been quick and fun to learn. I have made many of my own compositions and arrangements of songs. In the future, I would like to become a professional composer.“
Ethan is also a recipient of the 2026 Juilliard Extension Scholarship Award
Johanna Schaffer
Freshman | Classical Conversations of Durango
Instrument: Cello
“What I love most about playing the cello is the way it connects me with others, whether it is meeting people when I travel to music institutes or building a musical community in Durango. It is also rewarding to look back and see how the study of music has challenged me and caused me to grow through the years.
Through my cello studies, I have had the privilege of meeting inspiring teachers, talented musicians, and lifelong friends at music events across the country. In Durango, I love rehearsing with my string quartet and being a member of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra. I have been playing with the quartet for three years and playing with the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra for seven years. Both musical ensembles have allowed me to make musical friends and grow as a musician.
As a Youth Ambassador for Music in the Mountains, I am honored to represent the organization, perform in the community, and continue developing as an artist. ”
Denny Woods
Senior | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano
“Music has been a transformative part of my life. Over the years, I have had many mentors, swim coaches, guitar teachers, and others, and none have influenced me as significantly as my piano teacher. Her teaching has challenged me, both technically and emotionally, teaching me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and artistic expression.
Being a Youth Ambassador will support my preparation for college auditions and future performances, which are essential to my development as a musician. I will be majoring in Commercial Music at Colorado Mesa University in the fall of 2026. This scholarship is an opportunity to invest in my future and reach my full potential as a pianist.
With this scholarship, I hope to inspire others with my music and represent the values of the Music in the Mountains community. This program aligns perfectly with my goals of sharing music and giving back to others through my talent.”
Juilliard Extension Scholarship Recipients
Colt Black
Freshman | Homeschool
Instrument: Violin
“From the time I was a baby, music surrounded me. My family loved classical music, and I grew up listening to it long before I ever picked up an instrument of my own. Looking back, I believe that early exposure shaped the way I hear and feel music today.
When I was 12, I was accepted into the San Juan Junior Symphony. Being part of the symphony required dedication and teamwork. It taught me how to work through difficult pieces, how to concentrate, and how to contribute to a group of musicians all striving toward the same performance.
Now, at fourteen years old, I’m seriously considering a career in music. My family runs an event center that features many musical acts each year, such as Music in the Mountains. Being able to listen to talented musicians performing right where I live has had a huge impact on me.
Music has always felt like home to me, and as I continue to grow in my playing, I know it will always remain one of the most important parts of my life.”
Jonah Dobson
Freshman | Durango High School
Instrument: Trumpet
“I am fourteen years old, but I have been passionate about music for the majority of my life. I started playing music regularly when I was about 8 years old, and from that point on, I was sparked with a love for music and an obsession with the art.
All the musical choices and education I have had so far have changed me and shaped everything that I am as a musician and a person today. I am particularly interested in learning more about music theory and developing as a jazz musician.
I am always working to expand my musical ability, as music is one of the most important things in my life. With this scholarship, I could do just that by learning new skills and developing my knowledge of music. I will strongly benefit from the Music in the Mountains Juilliard Extension Scholarship because I think it will really help me improve all aspects of my music development on the next level and help me achieve my goals for the future.”
Bennett Esterday
Junior | Animas High School
Instrument: Violin
“I spent my childhood listening to many different types of music. Blues music on long car rides to Denver, dance parties in the living room on Saturday evenings, and an assortment of children’s music. It was when I was around the age of three that I had my first memory of hearing the violin, and it’s one of my core memories.
I choose to put my craft out to the world in as many ways as I can. I am a member of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra in Durango, and I have been part of this organization for four years now. I volunteer my passion towards the next generation of musicians, along with putting my own art on display at every opportunity. I do this because I love what I do, and when I choose to play, I remember where I once was as a musician, and how far I have come since. I also acknowledge that I still have much to learn, and this scholarship will help facilitate my learning. “
Ethan Hong
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano
“After my mom and sister introduced me to piano when I was eight years old, I was hooked. I loved being able to play the pieces my sister played and figuring out how to play my favorite songs.
In high school, I auditioned for the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Durango High School Chamber Orchestra. Last year, as a ninth grader, I played my own arrangement of the 4-hand piano part to Fauré’s “Dolly Suite” with the SJSYO. I performed in the last two annual Bach Festivals on piano, harpsichord, and cello.
With my background knowledge of multiple instruments, music theory has been quick and fun to learn. I have made many of my own compositions and arrangements of songs. In the future, I would like to become a professional composer.“
Ethan is also a recipient of the 2026 Youth Ambassador Scholarship Award
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