Donor Stories
Hear the stories of friends who have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization.
Gifts made from your estate by will, trust or beneficiary designation
The Sauer Family Legacy
Ralph Sauer is an internationally respected American trombonist, arranger, and educator whose distinguished career has shaped generations of musicians. He served as Principal Trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 32...
When Involvement Comes Naturally: Mary Jane and Andy Cooper
Ask Music Academy donors and Compeers Mary Jane and Andy Cooper to describe the most rewarding aspect of their involvement with the Academy, and you'll get two seemingly different answers.
The Ripple Effect of Philanthropy: Warren and Mary Lynn Staley
The 2021 Summer Festival is dedicated to a couple whose generous philanthropic contributions and volunteer leadership are making a transformative impact on the Music Academy. Their passion for education, music, and lifting up communities has inspired and supported the Music Academy in its work and numerous other organizations throughout the world.
From the Orchestra Pit to a Life in Harmony: The Story of Anita and Bob Rieder
For many musicians, a summer at the Music Academy of the West is a formative professional milestone. For flutist Anita Miller-Rieder and trumpeter Robert (Bob) Rieder, it was the prologue to a lifelong duet.
Dedicated Advocates for the Arts: Jill Taylor and Ray Link
Ray Link and Jill Taylor first became aware of the Music Academy of the West while walking past its gates each day on their way to Butterfly Beach.
A Lifelong Connection
If you ask Linda Kitchen what she loves most about the Music Academy, you are likely to get a five-part answer: the wondrous music, the accomplished fellows, the dedicated staff, her fellow patrons, and the Academy's unique brand of community enrichment.
Falling in Love with the Music Academy - Again!
Linda Seltzer Yawitz had become something of a lapsed Music Academy supporter before she undertook a cursory review of her estate plan in 2012. Little did she know at the time, that process would quickly lead to a rediscovery of sorts.
A VISIONARY VOLUNTEER
Georgia 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.
Music Always Surrounded Me
Suzi (given name Suzuye) was born in Ventura, California, in 1926 to parents Kuraichi and Akimi Tamura. In the 1930's her family, including her older brother Nobu, moved to Montecito where her father worked as the caretaker of the All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church.
Donald M. McInnes — Beloved Teaching Artist and Distinguished Alumnus
The world has legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz to thank for Don McInnes' extraordinary career.
From Pathology to Passion: Dr. Bernie Gondos and His Love of Music
Though 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.
Zvi Zeitlin: A Life in Music
Born 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.
A Legacy of Learning, Listening, and Lasting Impact
Honoring Drs. J.W. and Sue Colin
The Impact of Legacy Giving
Helen Marso was an unassuming woman, a person who was generous to friends and family in need. In 1950, she was nearing...
A Love Forged by Opera: A Life Made by Giving
There is a lovely baby-grand piano in the Millington Mithun home, always kept in tune for guests. The piano is situated...
Only One Regret
Mashey Bernstein hasn't always been a resident of Santa Barbara. He came to the area from Ireland in 1971 to attend...
Sandy and Phil Seymour
Scholarships and Ice Cream in Santa Barbara
John Chisholm
Music Academy alumnus gives back
E. Howard Green
Opera fan leaves legacy for Music Academy of the West
Irene Hymanson
"My dad meant so much to me and to others in the music communities of New York and California."
Carol Kosterka
"I can't imagine a world without music."
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."
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."
Sheila and Jim Davidson
"Nothing Compares to the Academy"
Sue and Maurice Faulkner
Sound the Trumpets!
Rose Marie Rockenbach
Celebrating Encore after Encore
Gray Felstiner
"So much more music to love"
Barbara Robins
Creating Friendships for Over Two Decades
Dick Meyn
In 1996, Dick Meyn couldn't tell the difference between...
A Pivotal Moment
Many Music Academy alumni have transformational experiences — from engaging with their peers, to encounters with teaching artists, to being in California for the first time.
Todd Yancey
Every audience member at the Music Academy of the West has their own connection to music: a curiosity, a lifelong passion, a discovery still unfolding.
