Scholarship spotlight fall 2025

Sophia Fayne, a senior originally from Los Angeles, California, traveled far to become a part of the UofL School of Music. She found her passion for using music to support others as a mentor with special education classes in her high school. Now, she is able to study in our outstanding Music Therapy program to further her career goals.

Throughout her studies, she says she has been grateful for the individualized instruction and support of professors, as well as the opportunities to collaborate with music therapists in the community. UofL is proud of the connections we have with the greater Louisville area and the ability for our students to study off campus. 

Music Therapy students also continue their study of instruments while learning in the classroom. Sophia enjoys the challenge of pursuing the rigorous major that requires proficiency in voice, piano and guitar, while she can also continue to progress on her primary instrument, the tuba.

Learning beyond the classroom is encouraged for our students. Sophia says she has embraced involvement in Greek life, the marching band, and student government, where she served as the senator for the School of Music. She was also active in Hillel, the Jewish organization on campus. This year, our students voted her in as the School of Music President for the student government. Sophia shares that “Balancing these commitments with my studies would not have been possible without the flexibility and guidance of my professors, along with the time management skills I developed along the way.”

The School of Music values the success of our students like Sophia. As she applies for music therapy internships, Sophia says, “I am deeply thankful for the scholarship support that allowed me to move out of state, step outside my comfort zone, and grow as both a student and an individual. Experiencing a new culture by moving from California to Kentucky has been transformative.”