We are pleased to present the 2024 MusicLink Senior Award of Excellence to Adrian James Valenzuela, a piano student of Ruth Sadilek of Tigard, OR. His application with an 11-page resumé, included extended talents in composing, arranging and vocal accomplishments. He has composed for choir, baritone solo and piano including orchestral arrangements for the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. 

His teacher describes Adrian as “a musician through and through. He lives and breathes music. He applies himself diligently and takes on challenging piano repertoire.” 

Adrian explains that “music has the power to create a meaningful impact on those around you.” He was inspired to seek out opportunities after the pandemic through the Piano Santa Foundation that provided him with a piano and the MusicLink Foundation that provided reduced fee lessons, helping him to continue his piano lessons without worrying about finances. In his words, “music has been and will be a part of my everyday life. Music has become part of my identity. It also helps my growth as a person, as it has taught me valuable skills such as memory, practice and repetition. I have made it my goal to whatever college I attend to minor in music and participate in the choir, I also hope I find time to compose and make more music as it helps my creativity flourish.” Adrian plans to attend Gonzaga University, minoring in music.