Noah Hardy awarded 2025 Julie Weston Ridd piano scholarship from the Utah Music Foundation
Noah Hardy
July 13, 2025
Salt Lake City, UT — Utah Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to musical students from Utah communities, is thrilled to announce Noah Hard as the recipient of the 2025 Julie Weston Ridd piano scholarship. Noah is a 2025 graduate of Bingham High School in South Jordan, UT and will be attending the University of Utah.
“My name is Noah Hardy and I’ve been playing the piano for about 14 years now. I absolutely adore it, and I love making music and sharing it with others. Aside from piano, I’ve also played the saxophone for several years now and have had the opportunity to play with many amazing musicians. This fall I’ll be attending the U of U where I will continue to make music a major part of my life. I want to thank the family of Julie Weston Ridd for their generosity. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!“
This $500 scholarship is awarded each year based on the applicant’s involvement in piano, a recorded performance, and a brief essay. This short essay invites students to reflect on piano has influenced their lives and how they will be involved in piano going forward. The application process opens each spring and applicants are invited to apply at www.utahmusicfoundation.org.
To view prior year recipients of this and other scholarships, please visit the Utah Music Foundation website.
For more information, please contact: info@utahmusicfoundation.org
About Julie Weston Ridd
Julie Weston Ridd was raised in a home filled with music. Her mother was a consummate musician and taught piano in her home. Julie had a glorious love of music throughout her life and one of her most tender wishes was that she might inspire others to embrace the beauty of music in their lives.
Julie was an accomplished pianist, harpist, vocalist and music educator. She had an extensive repertoire of all genres of music. She was an accompanist for occasions ranging from weddings to funerals to church and civic presentations. Along with her beautiful daughter, Abigail, she provided lovely harp music at Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion in Utah.
Julie’s beautiful soprano voice added melodic depth to the choirs in which she participated. In addition to being a member of her ward choir for decades, she sang in the unforgettable production of Rob Gardner’s “The Lamb of God,” as well as the musical presentation, “Joseph Smith the Prophet.” She helped produce and accompany a beautiful youth presentation that stirred hearts as the audience listened and worshipped the Savior.
Of all Julie’s musical accomplishments, being a piano teacher had the most profound impact on all who were blessed to study under her. Each student will carry with them her joy, beauty, light and love of music that will bless generations to come. She was always encouraging and patient, instilling confidence in those she taught. Julie’s Christmas recitals were highly anticipated and each of her students practiced making their numbers pleasing to the audience and to their beloved teacher. Her eyes sparkled as she watched each individual progress and perform. In her music room was a sign, “This Is My Happy Place.” She reached her goal of inspiring her students to love music as she did. Julie “was beautiful deep down to her soul.”
About Utah Music Foundation
Founded in 2018, the Utah Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students in Utah reach their musical and academic potential. Utah Music Foundation offers scholarships to musical high school students to help alleviate the financial burden of their college education. Utah Music Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a public charity with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Visit www.UtahMusicFoundation.org for more information.