May 2, 2026: Priya has accepted an offer from Hodgson School of Music (University of Georgia) to begin a Bachelor of Music program this fall. She will be studying with cello professor James Kim (see his university bio and personal website).

Both Eastman School of Music and Manhattan School of Music offered Priya generous scholarships (MSM a full-tuition scholarship), but the remaining costs looked too great to be wise for our family. Boston University offered even more generous support, but would still have cost us roughly $30,000 more than UGA over the next four years. (Priya is still on the wait list at Oberlin Conservatory. If a spot opens, we will evaluate their financial aid offer.)

It was not easy to decline offers from schools with such rich musical programs, but multiple professional musicians we trust cautioned us against going into debt for an undergrad music performance degree. Our hope is that saving money now will enable Priya to afford important summer programs over the next four years and enter a master's program in four years with more financial options. Her goal of becoming an orchestral cellist requires a marathon, not merely a sprint.

We are excited that Priya has this chance to study with James Kim! He expressed interest in Priya as a student already in August 2025 when he was an adjudicator when Priya auditioned for EYSO and we are confident he will be highly motivated to help her grow musically. A prize-winning cellist who has recorded with Sony Classical, he is well-connected within the broader classical music world and equipped to guide Priya professionally as she prepares to audition for educational and job positions in coming years. 

Next up for Priya? Tonight she has her first gig subbing with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, we hope to soon put a down payment on the college-ready cello she's been trying, and this summer she plans to be back at MasterWorks Festival!