Impact of Our Scholarships
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Explore the achievements and experiences of scholarship recipients who have benefited from the RTJ Musical Gifts scholarship. Their stories reflect the transformative power of music education and the positive influence of our scholarship programs.
Olivia Tilley
2025 First Place Winner
The Juilliard School
New York, NY
2025
Olivia Tilley is a harp soloist, educator, chamber musician, and orchestral harpist. She fell in love with the sound of the harp as a toddler and began her formal training at the age of 7. Now, Olivia is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in harp performance at The Juilliard School. She has performed in multiple world-renowned concert venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
Kene Obiaya
2025 Second Place Winner
Oberlin College and Conservatory
Oberlin, OH
2025
My name is Kene Obiaya, and I am a pianist and violist majoring in Piano Performance with a minor in Business at Oberlin College and Conservatory. Music has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember (some of my first memories involve improvising on a worn-down toy piano). I aspire to build a career that makes classical music more accessible and helps people see that it's truly for everyone.
Zaire Franklin
2025 Third Place Winner
USC
Los Angeles, LA
2025
My name is Zaire King, and I am an incoming freshman at the University of Southern California, where I will study Jazz Studies at the USC Thornton School of Music. I’m an 18-year-old self-taught, left-handed guitarist with a passion for jazz and a mission to spread peace through music and culture. Inspired by John Coltrane, Christian Scott, Norman Brown, Wes Montgomery, and fellow lefty Jimi Hendrix, I aim to follow their legacy—creating music that uplifts and connects.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
Montrell Williams
2024 First Place Winner
Full Sail University
Houston, TX
Peace and Blessings, First I want to thank Mr. Turner and all of the staff associated with him and this great organization. I indeed count it a privilege and honor to receive this prestigious scholarship. I am an avid lover of all music and the power and positivity it brings to everyone, which is exactly what I plan to continue doing from this moment and moments to come. \God Bless, and thank you all so very much!
Timilehin Awaye
2024 Second Place Winner
New York University
New Orleans, LA
Thank you so much for this scholarship! With this I'm able to relieve my school expenses such as books and school supplies that I was struggling to pay for!
Obataiye Lyles
2023 Winner
Howard University
Washington, DC
Our inaugural scholarship winner.