Avonell Jackson Memorial Scholarship

Avonell Jackson, our beloved MTAC member and former Bach Festival Chair, passed away in 2019. Avonell was a fierce proponent of Bach’s music and a dedicated teacher for many decades. To honor her memory, the highest scoring student from each branch festival is awarded the Avonell Jackson Memorial Scholarship Award. Students may use this award towards music-related expenses.

‍ Donations

So that we may continue to offer scholarship awards to our students, please consider making a donation to the Santa Barbara branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of California.  

Checks can be made out to MTAC SB and mailed to:

Betty Pierskalla, Treasurer ~ 730 Mateo Ct., Santa Barbara, CA 93111.

The Santa Barbara Branch of the MTAC is a 501c6 nonprofit organization.

Scholarship Recipients

  • Ellen Butler, piano

    Fall Festival 2025

    (Student of Natasha Kislenko)

    Photo credit: Izabella Kędzierska

  • Keola Decker, violin

    Bach Festival 2026

    (Student of Nina Bodnar)

  • Spring Festival 2026

  • Damian Magaña, Flute

    Fall Festival 2024

    (Student of Andrea DiMaggio)

  • Ellen Butler, Piano

    Winter Festival 2025

    (Student of Natasha Kislenko)

  • Seungyoo Kim-Jung, Violin

    Bach Festival 2025

    (Student of Nina Bodnar)

  • Ellen Butler, Piano

    Fall Festival 2023

    (Student of Natasha Kislenko)

  • Seungyoo Kim-Jung, Violin

    Winter Festival 2024

    (Student of Nina Bodnar)

  • Noelle Hadsall, Piano

    Bach Festival 2024

    (Student of Pascal Salomon)