Violin student Ella Golden wins 2026 Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award

The Cleveland Institute of Music has another Presser Scholar among its ranks.  

On Wednesday, CIM announced that fourth-year violin student Ella Golden has been nominated by her peers for a 2026 Undergraduate Scholar Award from the prestigious Presser Foundation.  

Golden, a student of Sibbi Bernhardsson, will be named a Presser Scholar and receive a $3,000 scholarship in May, when she graduates with a 4.0 grade point average. CIM students have been named Presser Scholars each year for more than a decade.   

Golden said she is grateful to her colleagues for the nomination and plans to use the grant to purchase a new bow and forge new musical connections through community work in graduate school.  

“I’m incredibly honored to have been nominated by my peers for this award,” said Golden. “The friends I’ve made here have changed my life in countless ways. It’s special to know that this award is a direct result of their kindness and belief in me.” 

The Undergraduate Scholar Award is a prize granted yearly by the Presser Foundation, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit supporting music and music education in the name of founder Theodore Presser. Students vote for a colleague who best exhibits “a high level of musical and academic excellence” and the values of equity and inclusion.  

Golden easily meets or exceeds these benchmarks, according to her colleagues. In their nomination forms, fellow students described a hardworking, open-minded young artist with high musical standards who nonetheless finds time to help and welcome others.  

By way of example, they cited Golden’s work as concertmaster of the CIM Orchestra, service on student government, eclectic programming, participation in CIM’s Advanced String Quartet program, and frequent appearances with professional ensembles.  

“You can tell she genuinely cares about doing her best and putting forth her best,” one student wrote. “She is an amazing leader [who] is calm, understanding, caring, and a peacemaker.” 

Scott Harrison, CIM’s Executive Vice President & Provost, echoed their sentiments. He thanked students for spotting these traits in Golden and elevating her as a prime example of the CIM standard.  

“Classical music has a bright future in the hands of students like Ella,” Harrison said. “She is committed to excellence, both as an artist and a human being. We’re delighted that she has been further empowered to fulfill her dreams and potential.”