Samantha Warnke awarded the 2026 Alana Cope Eaton piano scholarship from the Utah Music Foundation
Samantha Warnke
June 7, 2026
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 Samantha Warnke as the recipient of the 2026 Alana Cope Eaton piano scholarship. Samantha is a 2026 graduate of Box Elder High School in Brigham City, UT and will be attending Utah State University this fall.
“Playing the piano has always brought great joy to my life and has shaped who I am. I have learned how to be consistent and keep going even when progress is not immediately evident. I have felt the impact of incredible teachers and inspiring mentors who have supported and encouraged me. The people I have met through music and teaching piano have added so much richness to my life,” says Ms. Warnke.
“I was honored to represent Box Elder High School as the Instrumental Sterling Scholar for 2026. This fall, I will attend USU, where I will continue to pursue piano. I am grateful and excited for the opportunity of the Alana Cope Eaton Piano Scholarship to continue learning, growing, and uplifting people through music. Thank you!”
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 Alana Cope Eaton
Alana Cope Eaton was 7 years old when she began piano lessons and she continued studying until she graduated from BYU where she studied with Paul Pollei. She began teaching piano when she was 14 years old and has taught hundreds of student in her lifetime. She loves working with young beginners and watching them grow and progress into fine pianists who love to play music by the great masters. Alana was part of the Brigham City community for 15 years and taught dozens of piano students of all levels. She also accompanied and helped direct a community women’s choir (Hills of Home) for several years. Alana’s life work has been teaching children to love and appreciate music, and to watch their lives be enriched as they learn the discipline of practice and the joy of performing beautiful music.
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.