Mahalia Hernandez

Hello! My name is Mahalia Hernandez, I am an aspiring violinist and the first to pursue music as a career in a family filled with nurses. Throughout my High School years, I was a member of the Lincoln Park High School Chamber Orchestra, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s (CYSO) Concert Orchestra, and the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI). These ensembles/organizations were instrumental to my growth as a musician and my acceptance to the Chicago College of Performing Arts, the school I’ll attend this fall for violin performance. 
My parents exposed me to classical music when I was a baby and I first picked up the violin when I was four years old. Before high school, I studied under the direction of Ms. Zhanna
Bullock for eight years. Ms Bullock then encouraged me to audition for CMPI and CYSO, supporting my passion for music. Through CYSO, I was under the guidance of Maestro Michael Mascari, and through CMPI I was under the direction of Mr Davis King. Additionally, I was under the direction of Mr. Martin Nocedal for four years at Lincoln Park High School. 
I recognize that my experiences and passion would not be possible without the support of my teachers, mentors, and the organizations I have been a part of, which is why I’m inspired to uplift young musicians who lack the resources to make music a career. This scholarship is a tremendous help in lifting the burden of the cost of accessing my music education.