KCTM student Lucy Becker receives IBMA Foundation scholarship 

Lucy Becker, a student in Morehead State University’s traditional music program, recently received two prestigious scholarships from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Foundation. She earned the Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship and the Rick Lang Music Songwriter Scholarship.   

Originally from Lexington, Becker is a singer, songwriter, and fiddle player who teaches private lessons and performs with various bands. She had previously attended the University of Kentucky and studied classical violin and opera. After spending two years there, Becker took time off and worked full-time. She later contacted her fiddle teacher and Kentucky Center for Traditional Music (KCTM) instructor Jesse Wells and mentioned wanting to pursue music again.   

“He encouraged me to come take a tour at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University, and after spending a day meeting all of the faculty, I had fallen in love with the program and the campus,” Becker said. “Morehead is such an incredible place for creative students to thrive. There are countless places to get outside and enjoy nature, tons of performance opportunities, and constantly faculty and staff looking for ways to provide these opportunities to students and prepare them for the professional world.”  

Becker came to KCTM and took classes in everything from chart writing to songwriting while gaining the professional playing experience and guidance she needed to pursue a professional career.  

“It isn’t uncommon to hear Lucy in the practice rooms for hours at a time, see her scheduling a time with fellow students to help them with their parts, or passing these traditions on to the next generation by giving lessons to young children in our community,” said KCTM Director Daxson Lewis.   

In addition to the scholarships providing financial support for Becker to pursue a career as a performer, songwriter, and music teacher, it also continues to spotlight the quality and possibilities of MSU’s traditional music program.   

“Our students’ academic and professional excellence is partially a reflection of the quality of education they receive from the traditional music program at Morehead State University,” Lewis said. “These successes also highlight the effectiveness of the KCTM’s teaching pedagogy and the positive impact our uniquely qualified faculty have on the lives and careers of our students. This program enables students to pursue their passions and dreams – a gift that they will carry for the rest of their lives.”   

To learn more about KCTM and its programs, contact kctm@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-9001.