Music Student Praised by Kennedy Center for Ethnomusicology Achievements
Isabel Folkers, a third-year ethnomusicology student at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has recently been awarded the VSA International Young Musicians' Competition in 2023. This prestigious global programme, hosted at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, celebrates and supports outstanding young musicians with disabilities.
The competition, which is part of the broader Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program, offers a platform for exceptional talents to showcase their skills and provides educational and career advancement benefits. Winners receive a $2000 award and the opportunity to perform and engage in professional development at the Kennedy Center.
Isabel Folkers' win is a testament to her musical prowess and passion. She strives to connect with her audience on an intimate level through her songwriting, viewing music as a universal language and essential part of every culture. Her love for music was nurtured from a young age, and she was drawn to musical theater in middle school, where a pivotal moment came when she tried out for Grease.
Initially uncertain about pursuing musical theater, Isabel considered STEM-oriented fields due to her siblings' choices. However, her love for music prevailed, and she excelled in the sciences during her school years. The isolation of the pandemic introduced her to the recording arts, which became her passion.
Isabel's musical journey took a significant turn when she was cast as Doody in Grease. The part required a solo moment where she would sing, which was a significant moment for her. This experience helped her find her voice and channel her anxiety.
In preparation for her career, Isabel sought guidance from Olivia Frances, a Nashville-based, independent singer-songwriter. Known for her lush fusions of folk and country music, Olivia provided Isabel with valuable insights about navigating the distribution side of the music industry in a culture that values immediacy.
Through the VSA International Young Musicians' Competition, Isabel has gained access to prestigious performance opportunities, professional mentorship, and international recognition. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young musicians with disabilities worldwide, demonstrating that with dedication and passion, they too can succeed in the music industry.
[1] VSA International Young Musicians Program, (n.d.), Retrieved from https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/programs/access/vsa/young-musicians/ [2] VSA International Young Musicians' Competition, (n.d.), Retrieved from https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/programs/access/vsa/young-musicians/competition/ [5] Kauflin, J. (2018, November 29). How Justin Kauflin, Blind Jazz Pianist, Overcame Adversity to Win a Thelonious Monk Competition. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2018/11/29/668636182/how-justin-kauflin-blind-jazz-pianist-overcame-adversity-to-win-a-thelonious-m
- Isabel Folkers' victory in the VSA International Young Musicians' Competition not only highlights her exceptional musical talent but alsoopens doors to entertainment and self-development opportunities, as she will engage in professional development at the Kennedy Center and collaborate with industry professionals.
- With her passion for music as a universal language and her dedication to education-and-self-development, Isabel Folkers seamlessly weaves her love for music into her lifestyle, using it as a means of personal expression and connection with her audience.
