May Student of the Month

This month I would like to recognize Michael Kaveney as student of the month. In January, Michael was a winner of the YSSO Concerto Competition. The last time that a violist won this competition was exactly l0 years ago in 2002 when I won as a high school senior. Michael came to study with me this past August and we worked together on the Stamitz Concerto, which I performed with the Rogue Valley Symphony the following December. It has been a good year for Viola, and Stamitz, and it has been a pleasure to work with Michael this year. Come hear Michael perform the entire concerto with the YSSO this weekend: Visit www.ysso.org for more info.

Youth Symphony principal viola and Southern Oregon University (SOU) music student Michael Kaveney has been a member of the Youth Symphony since 2010. He has also participated in the YSSO Chamber Music Series program. Michael has studied privately with Patricia Berlet, Scott Cole, Patricia Potter and Kimberly Fitch, his current teacher.  A singer as well as an instrumentalist, he studies voice privately with Ellie Murray and Laurie Hunter. In addition, he has participated in master classes led by Chris Cock (voice) and the Fauré Piano Quintet (viola). Michael is a member of the SOU student chapter of the Music Educators National Conference.

Michael shared that he was drawn to the viola because “[the instrument] possesses [a] naturally warm, mellow tone.” He added, “participating in the YSSO organization has had a tremendous effect on me. It has shown me that I have what it takes to become a leader.” His mentors have been Paul French, Cindy Hutton, Ferdna Grimland, Ellie Murray, Laurie Hunter and Kim Fitch. Michael observed, “[these teachers] have opened my eyes to more than I could have imagined in the world of music.”

He wishes to take this opportunity to thank his mother, Regina Muñoz, and his family for their encouragement and support of his goals and dreams.

Michael will continue his music studies and obtain a graduate degree in music. He plans to pursue a professional career as both a violist and in vocal music.