Performing is one of the most important experiences for a musician’s development. The process provides a goal, sense of purpose and motivation to keep practicing. It challenges memorization skills and strengthens musical expression. Resilience and confidence grow when navigating the excitement and nervousness that come with performing in front of others.

Every spring the Conservatory of Music hosts a scholarship competition to provide students the opportunity to perform and receive a financial award. This year, with restrictions due to COVID-19, we quickly pivoted from in-person to online auditions. We did not want to cancel an opportunity that would be invaluable to students at a time when many in-person performances were cancelled and others faced financial challenges. Students often report that these awards help them further their musical endeavours. They may take more lessons, learn theory, pursue a secondary instrument or buy an instrument.

We are so proud of the students who participated in this year’s competition and we are grateful for the parents, instructor, and accompanists who supported the participants in their performances. Congratulations everyone!

2021 award recipients

PIANO

Lewis Jou – student of Gerry Haythorne
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for outstanding musical talent 16 and under (piano): $200

Adam Wenzel – student of Cameron Watson
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for outstanding musical talent 16 and under (piano): $200

Ryan Zhuang – student of David Tutt
AIMTAC Scholarship for Musical Excellence for Outstanding Performance: $300

Dan Zhang – student of David Tutt
Alberta College Conservatory of Music Award for outstanding musical talent (piano): $350

Jessica Zhuang – student of David Tutt
Alberta College Conservatory of Music Award for outstanding musical talent (piano): $350

Seth McMillan – student of David Tutt
Alberta College Conservatory of Music Award for outstanding musical talent (piano): $350

Jennifer Nowacka – student of Cameron Watson
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for an outstanding musical performance (piano): $350

Kiana Zhu – student of David Tutt
Harry Farmer Memorial Scholarship for outstanding achievement in organ or keyboard studies: $500

Adam Wenzel – student of Cameron Watson
Pamela Farmer Scholarship for outstanding achievement in piano studies: $500

Evan Yin – student of David Tutt
Diane Thorssen Usher Award for outstanding instrumentalist: $500

Louisa Lu – student of David Tutt
Diane Thorssen Usher Award for outstanding musical talent: $1,000

STRING

Serena Bulesic – student of Mathias Silveira
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for outstanding musical talent 16 and under (string): $200

Kaitlyn Tower – student of Keri Zwicker
Donald Ramsay Scholarship for an outstanding achievement by a high school aged student: $300

Emily Goldsney – student of Mathias Silveira
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for an outstanding musical performance (string): $350

Natasha Hendra – student of Mathias Silveira
Marguerite Farmer Scholarship for outstanding achievement in string studies: $500

WOODWIND & BRASS

Ijaz Janmohamed – student of Dan Davis
Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scholarship for outstanding musical talent 16 and under (woodwind and brass): $200

Gillian Nash – student of Mary Fearon
Sherburne G. McCurdy Award for outstanding achievement in brass/woodwind studies: $300

Eric Davidson – student of Beth Levia
AIMTAC Scholarship for Musical Excellence for Outstanding Performance: $300

Helen Pan – student of Dan Sutherland
Alberta College Conservatory of Music Award for outstanding musical talent (woodwind and brass): $350

VOICE

Glynnis McCrostie – student of Elizabeth Raycroft
Kathleen Farmer Memorial Scholarship for outstanding achievement in voice: $500

Rachael Tyler – student of Maura Sharkey-Pryma
Diane Thorssen Usher Award for outstanding vocalist: $500

Learn more about bursaries and scholarship opportunities.

To take private lessons, request an instructor online.

Would you like to contribute to the scholarship fund and support music students? Email conservatory@macewan.ca.