Morgan Nielson awarded the 2026 Carolyn Reid Ogden piano scholarship from the Utah Music Foundation
Morgan Nielson
June 9, 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 Morgan Nielson as the recipient of the 2026 Carolyn Reid Ogden piano scholarship.
Morgan is a 2026 graduate of Springville High School in Springville, Utah and will be attending Brigham Young University. “As a toddler, I remember sitting on my Mom's lap, putting my hands on top of hers and loving that time as "we" played the piano and sang together. I began taking piano lessons at age 5 and over the years have found increased happiness and satisfaction from the opportunities that have opened up with the development of this talent and ability. As I play the piano, I am grateful for the thoughts and feelings that flow into my heart and mind. I find great fulfillment as I accompany choir, play the organ in church or teach piano lessons and help take part in others musical growth and development. I'm excited about the many musical opportunities and experiences that are yet to come!”
“I am so excited, grateful and completely honored to have been chosen to receive your scholarship! Thank you for allowing this wonderful gift to happen! I feel privileged to be the recipient of this huge gift and blessing and also to have learned about Carolyn Ogden's exemplary life and musical legacy. What a remarkably talented, fun and generous woman! I feel like her and your family's influence and generosity has and will significantly impact my life as I attend BYU this fall and then as I serve a mission in the beginning of 2027.”
This $500 scholarships are awarded 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.
This scholarship is made possible through generous contributions from the family and friends of Carolyn Reid Ogden. The creation of a piano scholarship in her name is a fitting tribute to her life's work and a testament to the immeasurable impact she had on those around her.
To view prior year scholarship recipients, please visit the Utah Music Foundation website.
For more information, please contact: info@utahmusicfoundation.org
About Carolyn Reid Ogden
Carolyn Reid Ogden spent her life uplifting others through music, education, and generosity. Carolyn was born and raised in Manti, Utah. She attended Snow College and graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She married C. Paul Ogden and had three children, nine grand children and six great grandchildren.
Carolyn’s exceptional talent as a pianist and chorister, coupled with her passion for education, made her a shining example of dedication and excellence in the world of music. She was involved in vocal groups, piano solos and accompanying different musical groups from high school through Snow College and beyond. Her many contributions to the Utah music community include: pianist for the Manti High School dance band, the pianist Snow College Dance band, Ward primary chorister, South Ogden Stake Primary chorister, T.O. Smith Elementary school choir (14 years), Koosharem Elementary school choir, organist in the Manti and Nauvoo temples, and Mesa Valley Estates choir and pianist. Her favorite quote- “Thank you for the music, the songs they’re singing, thanks for all the joy they’re bringing! Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty?” - Abba
Carolyn was also a gifted educator. Carolyn was a school teacher in the Provo City School District and Ogden City School District. She specialized in Kindergarten-Third grade. She shared her love of music with the students she taught and organized children’s choirs wherever she went.
Carolyn was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in multiple capacities, including: Nauvoo temple missionary April to November 2011, 14 years at the Manti temple, organist – in multiple wards, church literacy missionary, family history library and more.
Carolyn Reid Ogden left her mortal journey on January 7, 2023 in St. George. She was with loved ones when she departed peacefully for her next adventure.
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.