2008 Awardee: Maryam Sheran
I am writing to thank the trustees for my Dewar Arts Award. It will help me tremendously, and I am extremely grateful.
Biography
Born and brought up in Aberdeenshire, Maryam learnt to play the piano at the age of six and the violin when she was seven. She enjoys playing both classical and traditional music on both instruments, and over the years has won many local competitions in both genres, including the Alex Watters Memorial Award for piano in 2002.
Maryam began studying jazz piano at Strathclyde University, where she gained an honours degree in applied music. She performed a jazz piano piece for her degree recital in 2006, which was considered one of the best recitals of the year. Maryam has always enjoyed piano accompanying and has gone on to study for a postgraduate diploma in piano accompanist at RSAMD in order to develop as an accompanist as well as a solo pianist.
Maryam has a big, natural talent for the piano and a love for music that comes across powerfully in her playing. Her ability to empathise and support will help her to develop the potential that she possesses to become an exceptional accompanist.
How the Award Helped
The Dewar Arts Award will help Maryam pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Accompaniment.
Since the Award
Maryam graduated in 2009 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Accompaniment. She writes that “one area of unexpected development has been the extent of my work with vocalists. I have formed a duo partnership with one particular mezzo-soprano [fellow Dewar Awardee] Jemma Brown, and she has played a very significant part in my development as a vocal accompanist.” The duo’s recitals are becoming very popular throughout Scotland. Maryam and Jemma will be performing at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
I am writing to thank the trustees for my Dewar Arts Award. It will help me tremendously, and I am extremely grateful.