Gifted Young Artist Program (GYAP)
The Gifted Young Artist Program (GYAP) at Nevada School of the Arts is a highly selective scholarship program developed in partnership with the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. It provides full tuition support for talented young musicians who demonstrate strong potential, commitment, and financial need. The program is designed to give students access to high-level music training that prepares them for advanced study and long-term artistic growth.
GYAP students receive weekly private lessons with distinguished NSA faculty, along with structured musicianship training in music theory and keyboard studies. This integrated curriculum strengthens technical skills, sight-reading, piano literacy, and overall musical understanding. Students also participate in performance classes, recitals, competitions, and masterclasses with visiting artists and university faculty. Instruction is provided by faculty including Cindy Lee and Damaris Morales, with music theory taught by University of Nevada, Las Vegas professor and composer Jennifer Bellor.
Now in its third year, GYAP serves a small cohort of students selected through audition and teacher recommendation. The program prioritizes access for students who do not otherwise have private instruction available to them. Recent outcomes include competition success and college placement, including admission to the Manhattan School of Music. GYAP exists to ensure that artistic talent and dedication, rather than financial circumstance, determine access to advanced musical training.
Announcements:
Auditions: August 26th, 2026. All students must re-audition to be considered for continued scholarship assistance.
Stay tuned for additional updates regarding the 2026-2027 season.
GYAP Faculty
Director - Cindy Lee
Cindy Lee is an accomplished pianist, educator, and arts leader who serves as Director of Piano Studies and Director of the Gifted Young Artist Program at Nevada School of the Arts. Recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentorship, she was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame in 2023 and has received numerous Outstanding Teacher Awards from national and international music organizations.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee studied piano and composition at Sunhwa Arts School and Sunhwa Arts High School before continuing her studies in composition at Yonsei University. She later earned a Master's degree in Collaborative Piano from the Manhattan School of Music, where she was awarded both a merit scholarship and the Dean's Award. Throughout her career, she has performed in renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Seoul Arts Center, and KBS Hall, and has appeared as a soloist with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra and INSIEM Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to her performance career, Lee has taught piano, collaborative piano, and music theory at institutions in both Korea and the United States, including Manhattan School of Music and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her students have earned recognition in regional, national, and international competitions, and many have gone on to pursue advanced musical study. An active leader in Nevada's music community, she serves in numerous capacities with the Nevada Music Teachers Association and Las Vegas Music Teachers Association and is frequently invited to adjudicate competitions and festivals throughout the country. Through her work at Nevada School of the Arts, she is committed to developing the next generation of musicians through artistic excellence, mentorship, and meaningful access to music education.
Damaris Morales
With more than forty years of experience as a performer and teacher, Damaris Morales has devoted her career to cultivating musical excellence and inspiring the next generation of artists. Her studies include the National Conservatory of Music of Santo Domingo, the University of Miami, and advanced work at the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to maintaining an active performance and teaching schedule, she has served on the faculties of the College of Southern Nevada and Nevada School of the Arts.
Morales is widely respected for her work as a pedagogue and mentor. Her students have earned recognition in regional, national, and international competitions, with many continuing their studies at leading conservatories and universities. A dedicated advocate for music education, she has served as President of the Las Vegas Music Teachers Association, President-Elect of the Nevada Music Teachers Association, and Chair of the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions in Southern Nevada. She has also played a leadership role in the Silver State Competition and remains actively involved in the musical life of the Las Vegas community.
As a member of the piano faculty at Nevada School of the Arts and an instructor for the Gifted Young Artist Program, Morales is committed to developing each student's technical foundation, artistry, and love of music. Through thoughtful mentorship and individualized instruction, she seeks to provide young musicians with the confidence, discipline, and creative tools needed for a lifetime of musical growth.
GYAP Current and Former Alumni
Why Join GYAP?
The Gifted Young Artist Program (GYAP) provides talented young musicians with full tuition scholarships for weekly private lessons, music theory, and keyboard studies, along with opportunities to perform, compete, and learn from distinguished artists and educators. With personalized mentorship and a supportive community, GYAP helps students build the skills, confidence, and artistic foundation needed to reach their full potential. Recent students have earned recognition in local competitions and the program's first graduate was admitted to the Manhattan School of Music, demonstrating the impact that access to exceptional training can have on a young musician's future.
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“K. is currently a junior in high school at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and a Piano major at NSA. His love for piano started when he was in 6th grade. That was his toughest year. You see, K. has autism, ADHD, and was later diagnosed as being twice exceptional. From day one since he set foot in school, he became a constant visitor to the principal’s office.
From years of trying to figure out what can help with his behavior, his therapist pointed us to music. He initially started with viola, he was a fast learner, but that wasn’t his cup of tea. As fate would have it, his then viola teacher also had a piano in her house. K. requested to play with it one day and ever since then, he never stopped. His fears and anxiety all disappear once he starts playing the piano. It became his most effective therapy and outlet. His happy place. This once angry, impatient, and defiant young boy has transformed into a calm, polite and compassionate teenager.
He was able to accomplish being a beginner pianist to advance in a matter of 2 years. He hopes to someday grace the concert halls of Juilliard and play his favorite classical music.”