The NFA is thrilled to announce that the 2026 First Generation in College Scholarship has been awarded to Emery Chatfield, an incoming music education student at Belmont University.

The First Generation in College Scholarship is a merit-based, one-time monetary award to be applied toward flute tuition, educational fees, or any other related expenses including but not limited to housing, meals, travel, or educational materials. In addition, Chatfield will receive one-on-one career mentorship sessions with a member of the NFA Career and Artistic Development Committee during the 2026-27 academic year.

“As a first-generation college student, I'm so excited to start my music education career at Belmont University,” says Chatfield. “Without the NFA's patronage, I wouldn't be where I am today. If I were to tell my younger self where she would be in 4 years, she wouldn’t believe me, but to see my dreams coming true is the best gift I could ask for.”

“Emery was always a self-motivated student,” says Joan Fitzgerald, who mentored Emery as a young flutist. “In Sixth Grade, she was a very excited beginner…she began to see the potential she had to be a part of a larger world of musicianship, and made staggering progress on her own. The First Generation in College in College Scholarship is life changing. Thank you to the NFA for recognizing her potential.”

“Emery’s achievements, perseverance, and commitment to higher education embody the very purpose of this scholarship, which exists to celebrate and support first generation college students as they pursue their academic and professional aspirations,” says Jammie Phillips, who coordinates the scholarship program. “On behalf of the NFA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Emery and wish them continued success as they begin this exciting new chapter. We are proud to invest in students whose determination and promise will inspire future generations of first generation scholars.”

The First Generation in College Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from Julie Maisel in memory of John Raphael (Raphy) Doyle. To learn more about the scholarship and meet past recipients, visit nfaonline.org/firstgen

About Emery Chatfield

Emery Chatfield lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and will be attending Belmont University (Nashville) to study music education. She is thankful for support from her Grandma Joan, a retired band director whose primary instrument is the flute, who encouraged Chatfield throughout her musical career, which began in middle school. She looks forward to sharing her love for music with her future students one day.