The Oswego Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) believes that strong musical communities are built by investing in young talent. Through the organization’s Music Lesson Award program, part of the Keep the Music Playing initiative, OMHOF helps provide access to private music instruction for promising students in Oswego County.
Each year, OMHOF partners with respected local musicians and teachers to sponsor lessons for students who demonstrate both dedication to music and a desire to continue growing as performers. By helping offset the cost of private instruction, the program ensures that young musicians have the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence, and creativity.
One recent recipient of the Music Lesson Award is Raelynn Isereau, an eighth-grade student whose passion for music began at an early age. Raelynn has been singing for as long as she can remember, with some of her earliest musical memories including learning guitar chords from her father and discovering the joy of creating music.
Raelynn began taking piano lessons at age nine and has continued to grow as both a performer and songwriter. She has already gained valuable stage experience as a featured singer in The Little Mermaid Jr., which helped strengthen her stage presence and confidence as a performer.
Her musical development continued in the summer of 2025 when she attended the Crane Youth Music Program at SUNY Potsdam, where she worked alongside other talented young musicians while further developing her vocal and musical abilities.
Now performing as a solo artist, Raelynn regularly shares her music at open mic nights throughout Oswego County and continues to grow as a young songwriter and performer. She is also preparing to release original songs with Earthtone Productions.
Through OMHOF’s Music Lesson Award, Raelynn is receiving vocal instruction from local musician and vocal coach Jess Novak. Mentorship from experienced working musicians is a central part of the program, helping students refine their technique while learning about performance, dedication, and artistic growth.
Programs like the OMHOF Music Lesson Award ensure that young artists have the support and encouragement they need to continue their musical journeys. By investing in students like Raelynn, OMHOF is helping strengthen the future of music in our community—keeping the music playing for generations to come.
