Making music and paying it forward
Recent CCM grad grateful for scholarship and co-op
Newly minted University of Cincinnati alum Hayden Glasgow says the path to becoming a working artist can be challenging. Fortunately for Glasgow, CCM ’23, the generosity of others is allowing him to pursue a music career.
Glasgow, a pipe organ performance major, says he gravitated to music early and began “banging the keys” around the age of five. As a high school student, he set his sights on attending the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and working with Michael Unger, associate professor of keyboard.
Hayden Glasgow, CCM ’23.
His skill and the Janet L. Johnson Organ Scholarship Fund made this a reality.
“My scholarship gave me the financial ability to attend this university,” he says. “Without it, I don’t even know if I could have attended and where I would be right now.”
Glasgow’s education gave him confidence in his abilities and provided valuable opportunities. He believes CCM’s prestigious reputation helped him become the organ scholar at Covenant-First Presbyterian Church.
“Employers are willing to go the extra mile for students from CCM,” he says.
Glasgow is also the recipient of the Cincinnatus Scholarship which requires volunteer hours. He chose to spend his time at BLOC Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that works to build connections and safe spaces for students, families and adults to thrive and succeed in spite of difficult circumstances. After forming relationships with staff and students, Glasgow was offered a Service Learning Co-op position at BLOC, funded by UC donors. The Service-Learning Co-op program gives students the opportunity to earn income, get real-world experience, and make valuable contributions to nonprofits in our community.
My scholarship gave me the financial ability to attend this university. Without it, I don’t even know if I could have attended and where I would be right now.
Hayden Glasgow, CCM '23
He says tutoring students in the after-school program was a “phenomenal” opportunity.
“The kids come from a very different community than the one I grew up in, but I learned that differences you think exist don’t really matter,” he says. “I initially was worried that they were never going to really work well with me or be able to be taught by me because of our difference of background. But they were open, welcoming and just fun to be around. That taught me a lot."
This fall, Glasgow will begin his doctorate at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington. His dreams for the future include teaching and serving as a full-time organist at a large cathedral.
He also intends to continue working with youth and supporting future generations.
“I think people need a foundation to grow from and I hope to be able to help others the way I have been helped.”
Featured image at top: CCM Village. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand
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