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.

"I was redoing my trust, deciding which charities to support, when I suddenly remembered the Music Academy," she said. "The next thing you know, I was attending masterclasses at the urging of Paul Guido (former Music Academy Board Member) and fell in love with the Music Academy all over again."

That newfound enthusiasm spurred Linda to join both the Encore Society and Council of Contributors (now Vivace) that year. She was particularly excited at the prospect of being a Compeer for the first time.

Though born and raised in St. Louis, Linda has had a long-standing connection to Southern California through her father's family in Toluca Lake, where she spent summers starting at age two. Trips up the coast to Santa Barbara and San Francisco were a regular part of her childhood.

"Santa Barbara is such a special place. I've always had a soft spot for it," she said.

After earning an undergraduate degree in psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, Linda worked in a variety of fields and went on to run her father's real estate investment company in her hometown before an opportunity to relocate here permanently presented itself 40 years ago.

When she arrived in Santa Barbara, she busied herself with volunteer work on behalf of Cottage Hospital and numerous community nonprofits, including CALM, Hospice of Santa Barbara, and the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara. Linda also became involved in the Auxiliary which was her introduction to the Music Academy.

Supporting the Music Academy's scholarship program has been a special point of pride for Linda. "It has brough me back to having culture in my life. I had forgotten how much I treasure that," she said.

Linda recounted that she still hears from her Fellows and enjoys the relationship that continues to develop, long after the Summer Festival is over. You will most likely see Linda enjoying masterclasses of the Lehrer Vocal Institute fellows, solo piano events, and of course the Marilyn Horne Song Competition.

"You'll see me this summer again!" stated Linda joyfully.

This article was originally published in the March 2013 issue of Fanfare and updated in February 2026.