Violinist Samuel Vargas has received wide recognition for his artistry and awards.  He began his studies in Venezuela and received the Woodruff Award in 2017 enabling him to study with Sergiu Schwartz at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University.  He is founder and president of the Samuel Vargas International Music Foundation, has founded 8 active Venezuelan chamber orchestras and currently mentors young musicians in the US and South America.