The MusicLink Foundation awarded the 2024 MusicLink Senior Achievement Honors Award of $750
to Elizabeth Josiah, a violin student of Rose Hashimoto of Seattle WA. Elizabeth began studying with Ms. Hashimoto in the summer of 2020, with minimal formal training or lessons prior to that time. “Through her persistence, integrity, dedication and passion, Elizabeth has come farther than I ever dreamed she would. I saw her perform a Haydn Concerto with her school orchestra and was truly amazed by her progress.

Elizabeth performed with the Edmonds-Woodway Philharmonic Orchestra, the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra and performed the Haydn Violin Concerto in G Major with the EWHS Philharmonic Orchestra in April.

From Elizabeth’s essay: “Musical study is a flexible and creative endeavor, a personal journey in perseverance and collaboration, and a powerful tool for self- expression. I feel that my life has been personally enriched through music. When I am able to perform and share the music that I have been working on with others, when I hear the different parts of the orchestra coming together to create a beautiful sound during a concert; when I perform in chamber groups with my friends; these moments motivate me to continue studying music.”

Elizabeth plans to attend Brandeis University, and was the recipient of the prestigious Leonard Bernstein Fellowship, a special scholarship that Brandeis University awards to one violin student each year. The Fellowship will allow her to continue involvement in music through participation in the Brandeis-Wellesley Orchestra, private lessons, professional chamber coaching and a range of unique performance experiences. Elizabeth hopes to major in neuroscience with a minor in music.