My name is Mikayla, and this summer I've been accepted as a student at Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM), a national music program for high school students taking place at St. Olaf College in southern Minnesota. I'm raising funds to help my family better afford this opportunity for me.

Two of the most important aspects of my life are playing trumpet and singing, especially since I wouldn’t be involved in half the things I currently am in without them. For instance, I am able to enjoy being a part of the church choir, play in band and pit orchestra, play trumpet in church, and be a part of marching band. These activities have shaped my friendships and character. Not only will LSM provide me with tools and techniques to better my music, but I hope to make important connections with others, as well as maximize my learning opportunities with some of the best musicians in the country. Overall, LSM is such a unique experience that both allows me to grow as a musician and a person, while also allowing me to dip my toes into college living. Besides music, I love reading, sewing, swimming, and woodworking. Additionally, I value learning and self discovery, and I know that LSM will provide me with important opportunities to grow in those areas.

Over this past summer and into the school year, I have worked a part time job as a lifeguard. Unfortunately, my academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, especially swimming, in which I am heavily involved, have prevented me from taking on more hours. Fundraising allows me to continue in my current activities without adding more work hours into my schedule. Given that I attend camp for a month this summer, I will lose opportunities to work during peak lifeguarding season, meaning I don’t have the money to go to LSM without financial assistance. Without fundraising, this venture truly would not be possible.

Note from LSM: Mikayla is eligible to receive up to $500 from LSM as a 50% match to funds she raises. In other words, if she raises $1,000, she'll be eligible for the full match. Any funds raised beyond that will help to further defray costs for Mikayla's family. To contribute towards Mikayla's tuition, you can give online through this page, or mail a check to LSM, PO Box 8687, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Checks should be made out to Lutheran Summer Music, with Mikayla's name in the memo line. Thank you for supporting Mikayla.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. In addition to advanced musical instruction and numerous performance opportunities, LSM students form an intentional community, living together for four weeks on a Lutheran college campus. Since 1981, this unique and immersive program has guided the lives of young musicians who credit LSM as the starting place for their future careers and vocations.

LSM was founded to celebrate and extend the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran church. Our founders believed that by providing high-quality training and performance opportunities to young musicians they could cultivate a lifelong love of classical and sacred music, thus preserving these art forms for generations to come.

Mikayla C. - LSM 2026 Tuition

Help Mikayla get to LSM!