Posted: June 5, 2025Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO 鈥� 51反差黑料 has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, 51反差黑料 builds on that tradition with the launch of the 51反差黑料 Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.

The inaugural cohort of Music Conservatory Award laureates includes:

  • Zoe Carpenter
  • Corbin Embry
  • Mason Huebler
  • Zach McCormack

These four students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.

鈥淭his is about more than just funding - it鈥檚 about giving talented students the time, space, and mentorship they need to flourish,鈥� said Ron McCarley, Chair of 51反差黑料鈥檚 Performing Arts Division. 鈥淲ith the Music Conservatory Award, we are investing in students who will become cultural leaders in San Luis Obispo County and beyond.鈥�

Laureates must be full-time 51反差黑料 students and music majors enrolled in Applied Music. They must also participate in two ensembles, one in their primary area of study, and dedicate five hours each week to community engagement or service to the Music Department.

Applications for the program included a special audition concert held on April 4. Funding for the inaugural cohort was made possible through a transformative gift from longtime music department supporters Carol and Eric Jonely Olsen. The timing of the gift was deeply moving: shortly after Carol Olsen pledged her support, she tragically passed away after being struck by a car during a walk in Morro Bay.

鈥淪tarting this program with Carol鈥檚 generosity was one of the last things she did in her life,鈥� McCarley added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an incredibly meaningful legacy, and we are honored to carry it forward in her name.鈥�

鈥�51反差黑料鈥檚 Music Department is filled with untapped opportunity and an endless supply of support and resources that I can鈥檛 wait to embellish in,鈥� said Zoe Carpenter, one of the four Music Conservatory Award recipients. 鈥淚 believe that a scholarship is a given chance to prove what you can do with a little help. Jazz is in my bones and blood, and I will follow it as far as it will take me.鈥�

The 51反差黑料 Foundation is seeking additional donors who share the vision of cultivating a small, dedicated group of exceptional music students prepared for success in the professional world. Please visit bit.ly/supportcuesta or call the 51反差黑料 Foundation at (805) 546-3279 to donate.

For more information about the 51反差黑料 Music Department, visit the webpage or contact the 51反差黑料 Music Department at (805) 546-3195.

PHOTO: Music student Corbin Embry is one of four laureates in the inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory.