Mari Kimenker

NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award, 2023

Mari Kimenker is a 20 year-old singer/songwriter, who is currently a Junior in NYU Steinhardt’s Songwriting Program. They are always soaking in the world through a songwriting lens, and when they’re not writing, recording, or asking for mix notes, they’re playing the oboe and English horn in orchestra and chamber groups. Academics have always been very important to Mari, and through college, they have started to understand what it means to learn exactly what you want to. It is so exciting to imagine a lifetime of learning, improving, then going back to the drawing board. Ambition, dedication, and curiosity all define Mari’s artistic self. They are honored to have received this award, and are so grateful for the opportunities the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions and NYU Songwriting have provided them.