Pope John student earns piano scholarship

VERNON — Ryan Fieldhouse, a senior at Pope John XXIII High School, was the recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the North Jersey Piano Teacher’s Association. The award was presented at the annual scholarship recital which was held at the Reformed Baptist Church in Lafayette in March.

Field House is a member of the Pope John Jazz Band and Theatre Arts Program, he also serves as the accompanist for the school musicals. In addition he serves as pianist at his Parish, St. Francis de Sales Church in Vernon, where he is a member of the Youth Ministry Group. After graduation Fieldhouse plans to attend college as a business and media communications major, with a minor in music. He has already been accepted to Syracuse University, Seton Hall, St. John’s, the University of Virginia, and is still receiving acceptances.

Fieldhouse began playing piano at age five, and started lessons with Margaret Korczynski at the Sussex County Music Workshop at 7 years old. He has attended a master class with Ana Maria Bottazzi, and has participated in the National Guild of Piano Teachers’ evaluations. Through the years he has participated in numerous recitals and piano competitions, including the former Sussex County Music Foundation’s competition and he has played at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

The North Jersey Piano Teacher’s Association, through the scholarships it sponsors each year, hopes to promote the love and appreciation of music, as well as the performance of fine music in Sussex County. Students of the participating teachers in the organization are eligible for the scholarships if they intend to pursue a career in music, either as music majors or minors in College.