July 08, 2026
Most visiting artists arrive at a school and spend the first few minutes introducing themselves. Violinist Michael Prince had a different experience at City Academy. Before the 24-year-old musician ever stepped foot on campus, students were already familiar with his music.
The journey began when P.E. Teacher KJ Hubbard discovered Prince’s music on social media and shared it with Strings Teacher Laura Reycraft. Intrigued by his unique style and ability to blend classical violin with contemporary genres, the two educators began exploring ways to bring the Houston-based artist to City Academy. What started as a simple conversation quickly grew into an opportunity that would leave a lasting impression on students and staff alike.
As plans for a visit began to take shape, Hubbard decided to introduce students to Prince’s music before he arrived. His songs became a regular part of P.E. classes, and students were encouraged to listen to his music at home and come back ready to share their favorites.
“I wanted to give students the opportunity to explore Michael’s music and discover the songs that truly resonated with them,” he said. “Students are often more engaged and walling to learn whey have a choice in what they’re experiencing.”
The response exceeded expectations. Students returned to school talking about specific songs, requesting tracks during class, and eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet the artist behind the music. By the time Prince arrived in St. Louis, many City Academy students were already fans.
When Prince walked on stage, he was greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers from a packed audience of students and staff. He opened the performance with one of his original songs, “Vibe,” immediately capturing the room’s attention.
Throughout the performance, Prince invited students to think beyond the notes and consider how music makes them feel. After one piece, he asked students to describe the emotions the song inspired. Hands shot into the air. Some students said the music made them feel happy, while others described feeling calm, energized, or inspired.
What impressed Prince most, however, was discovering that students already knew his work. As requests for favorite songs came from the audience, it became clear that this wasn’t a typical school assembly.
“That was great!” Prince said. “It has been a blessing to see my original music being received and played in places I’v never been before. It definitely makes performing easier when you feel encouraged. That’s like having home-court advantage!”
Beyond the performance itself, students were eager to learn more about the person behind the violin. They asked questions about his musical journey, life outside of music, and what it takes to become a professional musician. Prince spoke candidly, sharing lessons and perseverance, confidence, and the importance of remaining open to unexpected opportunities.
For Reycraft, one of the most meaningful aspects of the visit was the opportunity for students to see themselves in a successful, professional musician. She also appreciated the way Prince connected his own experiences to lessons students could carry with them beyond music.
“It matters to me that our violin and viola students see accomplished Black string players represented on stage and in live performance,” Reycraft said. “Representation matters, and our students could easily see themselves in Michael Prince. He encouraged students to be open to the possibilities that may come their way.”
Those lessons carried over into a special masterclass for City Academy’s 4th-6th grade violin students. Facilitated by Reycraft, the masterclass allowed students to perform for a professional musician and receive immediate feedback. 3rd grader Kevin Arman II, 5th graders Marley First and Mariyah Ford, and 6th graderes Laurena Talavedra and Amaru Collins each stepped forward to perform for their peers and Prince.
Performing in front of an audience can be intimidating, but Prince encourages students to trust their preparation, take a deep breath, and keep going. He reminded students that confidence is just as important as technical skills and shared one piece of advice that resonated throughout the room: audiences often don’t notice mistakes unless performers draw attention to them.
For Marley, the experience offered a new perspective on performing and helped build her confidence as a musician.
“Everybody’s eyes were on you, so it was really nerve-wracking. But getting advice that I hadn’t before — like taking a deep breath before I play or approaching a note differently — positively impacted the way I play. I’ll always remember Michael Prince’s advice to breathe and be confident in what I’m playing.”
Reycraft was especially appreciative of the individualized feedback Prince provided each performer.
“In the masterclass, I felt like Michael Prince saw each student for who they are and gave them one thing to focus on that would improve their playing,” said Reycraft. “That is such a gift — to have an accomplished violinist provide genuine and helpful feedback that students can carry with them long after the visit.”
Prince praised the students for their courage and musicianship, offering constructive feedback while celebrating the progress they had already made. The visit served as a powerful reminder of the opportunities music education can create. Through performances, conversations, and personal connections, students were able to see what is possible when talent is paired with dedication and hard work.
“You can do anything you want to do or be,” Prince shared. “I want to expand students’ minds and alter their perception of what it means to be ‘cool.’ A lot of times, you never see the violin in the context of something cool, so I’m here to change that.”
As the day concluded with photos, autographs, and a City Academy sticker to add to Prince’s sticker collection on his violin case, students left with more than signed memorabilia — they left with a new perspective on what is possible.
The experience also comes at an exciting time for City Academy’s growing strings program. Thanks to the Weiss Family Foundation, what began with violins and violas will expand to include cellos in the 2026-2027 school year, creating even more opportunities for students to explore the arts and develop their musical talents.
For one memorable day in April, students witnessed firsthand what is possible when passion, practice, and perseverance come together — and many left believing that they, too, could one day take center stage.
View more from his visit on our social media @CityAcademySTL!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EWn1Bw7Q1/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Bft7HGQQ/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZf-lLGkVK0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXcsELUE3VY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==