BREAKING NEWS: Red Hot Chili Peppers Drummer Chad Smith Announces University of Minnesota Music Scholarship Winners — Still Awaiting Final Qualifiers
*Date: September 28, 2025*
*Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota*
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In a heartwarming and inspiring turn of events, **Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith** has officially announced the **first round of winners** for the **“Sound of the Future” music scholarship program** in partnership with the **University of Minnesota’s School of Music**.
The announcement, which took place during a packed press event at Northrop Auditorium on the university’s campus, marks a significant moment in the band’s 43rd anniversary celebration — as Smith continues to champion **music education and creative expression** among young artists.
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### Supporting the Next Generation of Musicians
The “Sound of the Future” scholarship, founded by Smith in 2023, was designed to provide **financial support, mentorship, and national exposure** to talented music students pursuing careers in drumming, composition, performance, and music technology.
> “We’re not just looking for talent — we’re looking for passion, vision, and soul,” said Chad Smith. “These students blew us away. They represent the future of music, and I’m proud to support their journey.”
This year’s program saw **over 2,300 applicants** from across the United States, with only **five students** selected so far for full-tuition scholarships valued at **$25,000 each**.
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### The Winners So Far
Here are the five confirmed scholarship recipients:
1. **Arielle Nguyen** – Jazz Drums, Minneapolis
2. **Diego Morales** – Audio Engineering, San Diego
3. **Kendra Reed** – Vocal Performance, Nashville
4. **Marcus Bell** – Film Scoring & Composition, New York
5. **Sophie Andersson** – Classical Piano, Chicago
Each winner will also receive **one-on-one mentorship from Chad Smith himself**, studio time at a Los Angeles recording facility, and an invitation to perform during the **Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2026 charity concert tour**.
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### ⏳ Waiting for the Finalists
While the five initial winners were named, Chad Smith noted that the **final two spots remain unfilled**, with **a second round of auditions and interviews** currently underway. The final scholarship recipients are expected to be announced in **late October 2025**.
> “We’re still watching. There are a few standout applicants we’re tracking, but we want to be sure we find the right fit,” Smith told the audience. “The door isn’t closed yet.”
He also encouraged young musicians to **never stop chasing their craft**, regardless of whether they win or not.
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### Music With a Purpose
Chad Smith, known for his fiery drumming and advocacy work, emphasized the need to **protect arts education** in schools and universities.
> “Music saved my life, and I want to help it save others. That’s what this scholarship is about.”
The University of Minnesota praised Smith for his ongoing commitment, with Dean Clara Robbins calling the scholarship “a game-changer for underrepresented voices in music.”
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As the Red Hot Chili Peppers continue their legacy, Chad Smith’s dedication offstage proves just as powerful as the beats behind his drum kit.
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**#ChiliPeppersScholarship | #ChadSmith | #FutureOfMusic | #UniversityOfMinnesota | #MusicEducation**
