Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul. -Plato
Throughout the academic year, Classical Conversations has invited parents and Directors to share stories of outstanding student achievements from their communities. From these submissions, it is clear that homeschool students thrive in the world of music!
In this post, we’ll introduce you to four exceptional students whose dedication to their craft demonstrates how a classical education in music builds both skill and character. These students have embodied the values of diligence in work and excellence in results, achieving remarkable student achievements in prestigious music programs and performances.
From the early steps of learning tin whistle in Foundations to mastering Music Theory transposition in Challenge III, these students have experienced the musical connections of classical education — and their achievements are sure to encourage and inspire you.
Read on to discover how these young musicians are striving to know God and to make Him known through their musical talents.
Elise Rhoades
A Rising Harpist on the World Stage
Elise, a 10-year-old harpist, achieved an impressive milestone when she became the youngest participant accepted to the 2024 Interharmony Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy. During the two-week festival, Elise performed in three concerts—one solo and two with small chamber ensembles. Her achievement highlights both her musical talent and dedication, showcasing the fruits of her classical education in music.
Opportunities to Grow
During the festival, Elise faced two significant learning opportunities: participating in a masterclass with world-renowned harpist Alexander Boldachev and performing in chamber ensembles without a conductor. In the masterclass, Elise had to adjust her technique on the spot while receiving detailed feedback—a demanding experience that required focus and resilience. Her chamber performances called for careful listening, teamwork, and trust to maintain harmony. Elise’s poise, adaptability, and dedication played a key role in her success.
How Classical Education in Music Helped Elise Succeed
When asked how her CC education prepared her for this experience, Elise credited her Foundations presentations. Regular practice presenting to peers helped her develop the confidence to perform under pressure. The structured learning environment also encouraged her to build discipline and perseverance, both crucial for mastering a musical instrument.
Bringing Memory Work to Life
Beyond the music, Elise found joy in exploring Italy’s rich connections to the Timeline, History, Geography, and Fine Arts. She visited sites she had previously studied in CC, including ancient Roman aqueducts, the Po River, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. She also swam in the Mediterranean Sea and stood in the foothills of the Alps, experiencing firsthand the landmarks she had studied. These memorable experiences connected her memory work to real-life adventures.
Looking Ahead
Elise has been invited to return to the festival next summer—a dream opportunity to continue honing her skills and sharing her music on a global stage. Her story is a testament the benefits of diligence and a classical education in music.
Annalynn Waddy
Musical Achievements on an International Stage
Annalynn, a high school harpist, also showcased her exceptional talent at the Interharmony Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy. Her performance opportunities included orchestra, chamber music, a featured solo, and a masterclass with world-renowned harpist Alexander Boldachev.
Excelling in Orchestra and Original Composition
As one of two harpists in the orchestra, Annalynn performed Verdi’s La Forza Del Destino and Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suites No.1 & No.2. She and the other harpist received a special ovation for their contributions.
As a featured soloist, Annalynn stood out as the second-youngest performer and the only one to showcase an original composition. Her piece, The Oracle, written in 2021, earned her a third win in the American Harp Society’s Young Composer’s Project.
Her first national title, Creatures of the Deep: A Song of the Ocean, was performed at Classical Conversations’ 20th Anniversary Celebration in North Carolina, attended by Andrew Pudewa, Robert Bortins, and Leigh Bortins.
Embracing Intensive Learning
The festival’s demanding schedule challenged Annalynn to use her classical education in music to refine her skills. Annalynn participated in two chamber rehearsals and two coaching sessions per ensemble each week, preparing multiple pieces in under two weeks. Each often totaled over seven hours of harp study.
Beyond the music, the festival offered cultural experiences that connected to Challenge such as visits to Turin, the Mediterranean coast, and Acqui Terme. The city’s thermal spring and picturesque surroundings added to the memorable journey.
Annalynn is now a recent graduate from Classical Conversations and will be heading to Mercer University with plans to major in Harp Performance.
Lucas Black
Achievement in Classical Bassoon Performance
Lucas, a 2025 YoungArts winner in classical bassoon performance, stands out for his exceptional musical talent. YoungArts identifies and supports promising young artists across multiple disciplines. Out of thousands of entries, Lucas was one of only eight woodwind players nationwide to receive this prestigious award.
A Journey Inspired by Faith and Perseverance
Lucas’s musical journey began at age six when he first heard a bassoon at a symphony concert that coincided with the Foundations’ Fine Arts orchestra section. Captivated by the instrument, he longed to play but faced financial challenges. Unable to rent or purchase a bassoon, Lucas explored other wind instruments to develop his skills. Determined to learn, he even crafted a life-sized paper bassoon at age ten, complete with drawn keys for practice.
Lucas creating his paper bassoon.
At thirteen, Lucas shared his desire to play bassoon with a cousin at a family gathering. Miraculously, that cousin’s son had an unused professional-level bassoon, which they offered to Lucas. This answer to prayer not only provided him with an instrument but also strengthened his faith and confirmed his musical calling.
Listen to Homeschool Dads Discuss Enjoying Music Together on the Everyday Educator podcast.
Refining Musical Skills Through Classical Education
Lucas attended CC since age four, and his musical growth reflects the classical education of modeling, repetition, decoding, and application. This foundation proved invaluable in his music studies. Additionally, CC’s emphasis on debate and Socratic dialogue strengthened his ability to collaborate, listen, and adapt—crucial skills for chamber music settings.
Shining as a Musician and Student
Lucas’s dedication led him to perform in top-level student ensembles in Atlanta, All-State Band and Orchestra, and the prestigious Tanglewood program. Now a college freshman studying bassoon performance at a leading U.S. conservatory, Lucas continues to thrive. He is using his Challenge II art grant for a special freshman project, and his CC education has equipped him to excel academically as well.
Lucas’s journey is a powerful reminder of how perseverance, prayer, and a strong classical education in music can shape remarkable student achievements.
Lydia Gravagne
A Musical Journey Rooted in Classical Learning
Lydia is a Challenge IV student in her twelfth year of Classical Conversations. She began taking Suzuki cello lessons at age three, two years before starting CC. Her family quickly noticed how compatible the two disciplines’ philosophies were, as both utilize the classical method of learning.
The grammar skills Lydia gained in Foundations helped her confidently approach the challenge of mastering new cello techniques. Likewise, her memory work in Foundations enabled her to break large musical pieces into manageable segments.
The presentation skills Lydia developed during her dialectic and rhetorical years gave her the confidence to audition and communicate her journey through essays, ultimately earning her a spot at the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) in Washington, DC.
Performing on a Prestigious Stage
During the SMI program, Lydia collaborated with world-class musicians in the National Symphony Orchestra, sharing the Kennedy Center stage in side-by-side rehearsals and participating in private lessons.
For Lydia, this experience was an opportunity to glorify God through His creation—music. She viewed the program as a way to steward and grow her God-given talents to better serve Him and her community.
Sharing Music with Her Community
Lydia has actively shared her musical talents with several CC communities over the years. Notably, she and her sister Gina, a violist, hosted a Protocol event during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Her performances have inspired fellow CC students and strengthened her own musical journey. Lydia’s dedication to her craft, combined with the skills gained through her CC education, has prepared her to pursue music with confidence and excellence.
The Inspiring Song of Learning
The achievements of these talented students highlight how a classical education in music not only builds technical skills but also nurtures character and purpose. If their journeys inspire you, we invite you to learn more about how Classical Conversations integrates music into our classical Christian education to equip students for a lifetime of learning and creativity.
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If your student has modeled our core values and has a noteworthy achievement, click to share the story!
Student Success Stories
*Special thanks to the Directors and parents who nominated these students and provided information for this article.
