The Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island has had the distinction of presenting free concerts from world-renowned classical music artists, thanks to the generosity of Professor Emeritus Dr. Michael Shugrue.

Besides regaling attendees with performances from members of the New York Philharmonic, the Canaan Chamber Ensemble, and more, the concerts also serve as fundraising opportunities for the CSI Patrons of Music Scholarship, which is awarded to select full-time Music majors who maintain at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average.

The first recipient of the Scholarship, Gerald Gallardo, who graduated from CSI with a Bachelor’s of Science in Music with a Concentration in Violin Performance, notes, “Receiving the first Music Scholarship that CSI had to offer was a great honor and allowed me to study without having to worry about the [tuition] bill. My violin had needed repairs the year I received the Scholarship and with the extra funding I was able to easily pay off the repairs for my instrument…which was a must-have for me to continue my studies at CSI. I thank Dr. Michael Shugrue and those involved for allowing the Scholarship to be made possible, and I thank my Professors who had nominated me to receive it.”

Regarding those professors and the experience that he had at CSI, Gallardo says, “At CSI I have worked with professors and educators who are masters in their fields…and who have trained me to think well and showed me the right steps to take on my path to my career. I give great praise to Professor David Keberle, who allowed me to work as his assistant in the Digital Music Lab, a place where all music students have gathered. My time at the Music Lab has allowed me to work with students, further develop my knowledge of music, and to extend my abilities with greater expertise.”

His ability and expertise earned Gallardo recognition at the 2010 Honors Convocation for winning The Ted McIrvine Memorial Award, CSI Alumni Association Outstanding Student Leadership Award, and the CSI Foundation Prize: Music.

Currently, Gallardo is working on his Master’s in Music Education at Hunter College. Once he receives that degree he hopes “to pursue another degree in the field of conducting. At the end of my musical career I would like to become a professor myself and teach music at the university level.”

For more information on the Patrons of Music Scholarship or to make a donation, call the CSI Office of Institutional Advancement at 718.982.2365.