Meet local musical genius and scholarship winner Gavin Hardy

Scholarships are fantastic and accessible ways to support one’s education. 

When scholarships are available, they can provide the opportunity for many to pursue their passion through careers that may not have previously been available. By easing the financial burden and providing guidance, many gateways can be opened for the young scholar.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is one such organization.

Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has funded over $282 million in scholarships the country for over 3,300 young academics. 

One such bright young mind is that has received the prestigious award is Lexington native, Gavin Hardy, who is a definite force, prodigy and musical genius.

 Hardy has always been a musician at heart, starting his career with the piano at the age of 4, leading to a brief stint with the violin and the cello, before finally falling in love with the double bass in his middle school orchestra. 

After choosing the double bass, Hardy has gone on to perform in many different symphonies and concertos, truly shining as a virtuoso.

Ultimately, Hardy seeks to become the principal double bassist of a major symphony, while also separately being a professor at a conservatorium, an institution dedicated to the study and pursuit of music.

With Hardy’s deep passion for music and the performing arts, he aspires to attend college for his craft, applying to such prestigious schools such as Julliard.

Hardy, who is presently a high school senior at North Carolina School of the Arts has attended the Media Lab Fellowship, a program centered around creative workshopping with fellow musicians while also nurturing a healthy and productive environment where one can make music and grow personally. The program is a month-long in total, meeting twice a week where the musicians actively grow and create as a community. 

Thus far, Hardy has had the opportunity to meet and interview prolific performers that helped him gain insight into the field he wishes to pursue.

In addition, he has also had the opportunity to perceive his art differently with his music being conveyed through visual art through  expressive, unique brushstrokes and techniques.

Overall, Hardy cites the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as a wonderful experience and opportunity.  “I have a deep appreciation for the scholarship community for making items possible for young musicians that would otherwise not been available.”

 With support from the community behind him, Hardy goes forth with ambition and determination in his pursuit of his musical dreams.