When he was boy in the mid-1800s, Theodore Presser got a job as a clerk in a music store. Perhaps that was where he discovered his great love of music—or perhaps it was through the Strokosch Opera Company, where he sold tickets. Most likely, he’d always loved music, but his formal studies didn’t begin until he was nineteen, when he learned to play the piano.
Eventually, he studied music in college—then became a teacher. That was just the start of a lifelong love of music that had numerous positive outcomes, one of which was the Presser Foundation. To this day, the foundation recognizes, supports, and celebrates outstanding undergraduate students across the nation who are committed to the advancement of music through their studies. The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is presented to a handful of students at selected universities every year.
For the 2024-25 school year, 262 exceptional students were named Presser Scholars, and among them is TLU’s Bryanna Gallegos.
“We’re so proud that our outstanding music student Bryanna Gallegos has been named a Presser Scholar,” says TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. “This is a prestigious award that demonstrates the outstanding work of our Music Department and Bryanna’s success in taking full advantage of that.”
Gallegos was pleasantly surprised when the announcement was made by Cottrell at the TLU Orchestra’s spring concert. This marks the second year that the university has been included in the list of schools who are invited to take part in the Presser program.
“I am so proud of Bryanna being named our second Presser Scholar!” says Dr. Douglas Boyer, Director of the TLU School of Music. “There are only 244 institutions of higher education invited to participate in the Presser Scholar Undergraduate Scholarship program. The fact that the Presser Foundation is aware of the TLU School of Music, acknowledges the strength of our faculty and the quality of our programs, and wants to support the wonderful things our graduates are doing is both validating and humbling. I am proud of all my colleagues who have worked together diligently to provide our students with such an outstanding experience.”
Gallegos, who plays the violin, has been guided by Dr. Eliza Jeffords, associate professor and director of strings at the university. “Bryanna has excelled as a student at TLU, being named to the Dean's List as well as the President's List while being a dedicated member of the TLU Orchestra, participating in Mariachi Oro y Negro, and working part time,” says Jeffords. “She has also honed her teaching skills as a Summer Music Academy assistant, Community Music Academy String Camp teacher, and a Community Music Academy Orchestra volunteer. We are so proud of all the hard work Bryanna has put into her education and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes as a Music Educator!”
Gallegos herself was humbled to receive the scholarship, which is awarded at the end of the student’s final undergraduate year in recognition of a high level of both musical and academic excellence. “It is both a privilege and honor to be awarded this year’s Presser Scholar,” she says. “I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received over the past four years. I want to first thank the TLU School of Music for their support and guidance throughout my journey. Every member of the music faculty has had a vital role in my growth as a musician and has inspired me to become the kind of music educator who always puts their students first. I would not have received this award without that support, and for that, I am truly thankful. I also want to thank my parents for being the biggest supporters of my career and for always standing by me— in more ways than one. This scholarship is not just a gift, but a responsibility that I will carry forward with purpose, pride, and deep gratitude.”