Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.
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A VISIONARY VOLUNTEERGeorgia Lynn has had lifelong interests in both education and classical music. Her great aunt was a concert pianist and her grandmother a harpist, and Georgia played both piano and flute.
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Donald M. McInnes — Beloved Teaching Artist and Distinguished AlumnusThe world has legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz to thank for Don McInnes’ extraordinary career.
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From Pathology to Passion: Dr. Bernie Gondos and His Love of MusicThough a lifelong passion for chamber music took Bernie Gondos far and wide, few of his most cherished musical memories compared with the summer of 2014 when an impromptu string quartet performed in his living room.
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Zvi Zeitlin: A Life in MusicBorn in the village of Dubrovna—now part of Belarus—Zvi Zeitlin was raised in Palestine, where his earliest violin lessons came from his father, a physician and amateur musician.
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A Legacy of Learning, Listening, and Lasting ImpactHonoring Drs. J.W. and Sue Colin
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The Impact of Legacy GivingHelen Marso was an unassuming woman, a person who was generous to friends and family in need. In 1950, she was nearing...
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A Love Forged by Opera: A Life Made by GivingThere is a lovely baby-grand piano in the Millington Mithun home, always kept in tune for guests. The piano is situated...
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Only One RegretMashey Bernstein hasn't always been a resident of Santa Barbara. He came to the area from Ireland in 1971 to attend...
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Sandy and Phil SeymourScholarships and Ice Cream in Santa Barbara
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John ChisholmMusic Academy alumnus gives back
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E. Howard GreenOpera fan leaves legacy for the Music Academy of the West
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Irene Hymanson"My dad meant so much to me and to others in the music communities of New York and California."
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Carol Kosterka"I can't imagine a world without music."
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Heidi August"It is the gift that keeps on giving. I want to make sure that when I am no longer on the scene I am contributing to the culture. It is incumbent upon us to continue the legacy."
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Maurice Singer and Hyon Chough"The music brings us such peace, tranquility, and excitement, and the friendships we've made both within the community and with the young musicians and artists has given us great joy and satisfaction."
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Sheila and Jim Davidson"Nothing Compares to the Academy"
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Sue and Maurice FaulknerSound the Trumpets!
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Rose Marie RockenbachCelebrating Encore after Encore
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Gray Felstiner"So much more music to love"
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Barbara RobinsCreating Friendships for Over Two Decades
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Dick MeynIn 1996, Dick Meyn couldn't tell the difference between...
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A Pivotal MomentMany Music Academy alumni have transformational experiences — from engaging with their peers, to encounters with teaching artists, to being in California for the first time.
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