Noah, a triple major in Music, Exercise and Sport Sciences, and Health Sciences, and a Chemistry minor, primarily plays guitar but also has history as a cellist. “Classical guitar has always been my specialty,” he says, “but as of late I've ventured into finger-style guitar as well.”

[Watch Noah perform in this YouTube video.]

Encouraged by Kami to enter, Noah says he’s happy he listened to her advice. “I heard about the award directly from Kami,” he says. “I am not typically the type to compete in any capacity as music has always been a personal endeavor. Kami encouraged me to enter, largely because the repertoire I had prepared was what was required for the competition.”

“Noah's work ethic is admirable. As a triple major with a minor, he represents the perfect Guilford student,” Kami says. “He is taking full advantage of every minute to learn as much as he can and become the best human he can be. His academic science work is balanced by his time in the studio, and he is a vibrant learner.”

“I would not have applied if it weren't for Kami,” Noah says. “Not only did she have an integral role in the learning process, as teachers typically do, but she provided support ranging from encouragement, to access to her studio for recording, to mental health council when the process became difficult.”

The application consisted of general informational forms in addition to a 25-minute recording of four works performed continuously. The works had to consist of a movement of a Bach suite, a substantial work from the Classical or Romantic eras, and two pieces written by living composers, one of whom had to be American. 

The competition was done completely online, and so while Noah had to perform for the video, there was not a live component due to COVID-19 restrictions. His selected works were “Prelude from Suite in E Major BWV 1006” by Johann Sebastian Bach; “Mysterious Habitats by Dušan Bogdanović;” “Grand Solo” by Fernando Sor; and “Letting Go by Andrew York.

[Watch Noah perform in this YouTube video.]

“I have always respected Noah's ability to develop skills and tools through overcoming some fairly difficult circumstances,” Kami says. “He is driven, ambitious, and confident while also a keenly aware and caring young man. He is playing some of the highest level repertoire and doing it well while studying to head to medical school. I couldn't be prouder.”

Noah says the prize money will largely go to support his housing over the summer, as well as next school year. “I come from a single-parent household with no form of regular income,” he explains, “so this award is not just a pleasant surprise but a vital part in my continued success.”

From the NFMC website: The National Federation of Music Clubs offers more than $750,000 in competition and award prizes on the local, state and national level. The Biennial Young Artist and Ellis Duo-Pianists competitions award a total of $92,000 in awards and two years of performance bookings. Additional competitions are sponsored by the Federation in a wide range of categories, including voice, instrumental music, composition, dance, conducting, handicapped and visually impaired, and music therapy. NFMC also sponsors more than 38 annual and biennial awards for students desiring to attend the 20 sponsored Summer Music Centers.

To learn more about the Guilford College Music Department and to meet other Music majors, schedule your personalized visit to Guilford College.