2014 Awardee: Aimee McCulloch

This gives me an incredible chance to consolidate and push my skills, and is the ideal stepping stone for a future as a stained glass artist

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.aimeemcculloch.com/
EMAIL:aimeemcculloch@live.co.uk
 

Biography

Hailing from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Aimee is a talented artist who has lived in Scotland all her life.

Whilst studying a 4 year degree course in illustration at Duncan of Jordanstone College, Aimee became increasingly drawn to working with stained glass.  Finding this to be an ideal medium for her detailed and colourful designs, Aimee experimented with innovative ways to utilise the medium within illustration.  After undertaking a period of research and independent investigation she created a final degree show comprising almost entirely of glass panels.

Aimee has explored her passion keenly, developing her skills by securing an internship with a Glasgow glass studio, taking short courses and visiting practising artists.  In 2014 she gained a postgraduate place on the only glass course in Scotland – the MA in Glass at Edinburgh College of Art.  This offered the perfect opportunity to try new techniques and resources, which would otherwise be unavailable to her.

How the Award Helped

Aimee was granted an award to support her in studying on the MA in Glass – a unique course that specialises in her area of talent and interest.

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This gives me an incredible chance to consolidate and push my skills, and is the ideal stepping stone for a future as a stained glass artist

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2014 Awardee: Juliet Montgomery

The generous support of the Dewar Arts Awards has allowed my aspirations of postgraduate study to become a reality! Thank you.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Juliet is a soprano with a voice of distinctive quality.  Born in Stirling, she grew up in a musical environment; her mother is a freelance musician who plays and teaches violin and viola.  Juliet attended Stageworx Stage School for six years before beginning tuition in classical singing.  She then went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

During her time as an undergraduate student she proved herself to be “an intelligent, musical singer of promise and a joy to teach”.  On graduating with a First Class Bachelor of Music (Honours), she was offered a coveted place for postgraduate study, reserved for only those students with the greatest talent and potential.

Juliet has played key roles in numerous operatic productions and has performed as a recitalist in a wide variety of venues including the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Halifax Minster and the Bridgewater Hall.  She has also performed solo for the prestigious Bulava Chorus, at the Notre Dame in Paris and the Cathedral of Resurrection in Kiev.

How the Award Helped

Juliet’s Award enabled her to benefit from postgraduate study at the RNCM.

She first completed a postgraduate diploma, and then received a further award to supporto continue her studies on the Masters of Music in Performance course. This course is designed to provide advanced training in solo performance.  As well as world-class one to one vocal tuition and performance opportunities, the course includes regular coaching sessions, language classes, repertoire classes, movement classes, Alexander Technique, acting technique and audition skills classes, equipping Juliet with the knowledge and experience needed to become a professional opera singer.

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The generous support of the Dewar Arts Awards has allowed my aspirations of postgraduate study to become a reality! Thank you.

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2014 Awardee: Graham McCusker

"Without the Dewar Award I would not have been able to afford to continue my training as an aspiring classical singer"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:graham.mccusker@hotmail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/biffyjust

Biography

Born in Glasgow to a musical family (his father an opera singer and his mother a singing teacher), Graham grew up in Paisley and began singing at the age of five in the Paisley Abbey Choir.  During his 16 years as a chorister he became Head Boy (age 9) and Choral Scholar (age 15).

As a treble, Graham sang with the Scottish Opera and the RSAMD (now the RCS). He also learned piano and continued his studies at the Junior RSAMD before gaining a place at the Douglas Academy Music School.  During this time he developed his performance skills by singing with a number of choirs, including the National Youth Chamber Choir of Scotland, the RSNO Chorus and the RSAMD Chamber Choir.

Graham went on to tutor at the Renfrewshire Schools Senior Choir and then to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has developed a strong reputation as a performer, both solo and ensemble, and has sung at events as diverse as the proms at the Royal Albert Hall and a Radio 2 live session for Boy George and Clean Bandit (with the BBC Philharmonic).

Graham’s ambition is to pursue a career as a classical soloist.

How the Award Helped

Graham received a Dewar Award to fund a Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance at the RNCM, and a further award for a masters degree, providing the perfect next step towards achieving his ambitions.

Since the Award

Graham attained his undergraduate degree at the Royal Northern College of Music. In his second year he was chosen as one of the apostles for performances and a recording of Elgar’s The Apostles. Performances included concerts at the Bridgewater Hall and a prom at the Royal Albert Hall. The CD gained the Gramophone Recording of the Year, amongst other awards, and No. 4 in the classical charts.

Highlights as a soloist include performing Schubert’s Mass in G, Bach’s B Minor Mass, Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s no. 9th symphony, Brahms’ German Requiem, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. Graham regularly sings with the BBC Daily Service Singers on Radio 4 and is a Lay Clerk at Manchester Cathedral.

On the opera stage, Graham was a young artist with Buxton Opera Festival for two years. Roles for the RNCM include Bogdanovich in The Merry Widow and Abraham Kaplan in Street Scene. He went on to be accepted on the chorus list with Scottish Opera.

In his final year of Masters at the RNCM Graham studied with Nick Powell. A composer in his spare time, he has written personal material as well as collaborating professionally. He acted as a composer and music director for the BBC & HBO series ‘His Dark Materials’.  He also writes for Oxford University Press and MacMillan Publishers.

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"Without the Dewar Award I would not have been able to afford to continue my training as an aspiring classical singer"

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2014 Awardee: Jessie White

Being supported by the Dewar Award allows me to spend all of my time in the studio or in an internship, which will highly benefit my work. It is greatly appreciated.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:jessie.snap@hotmail.co.uk
 

Biography

Originally from Devon, Jessie’s family moved to Scotland in 1992.  A passionate fashion designer, Jessie funded herself through a degree course at the Gray’s School of Art.  She proved herself to be an exceptional student, possessing sophisticated technical skills as well as an aptitude for critical thinking.

In 2013 Jessie’s graduate collection, entitled Getting it Wrong, won the BP Design Award.  She was subsequently invited to contribute to exhibitions as well as being offered the position of Graduate in Residence.

Jessie has taught workshops in pattern making, construction and illustration.  She was accepted onto the MA in Fashion Artefact at the London College of Fashion and continues to enjoy working on challenging and diverse projects.

How the Award Helped

Jessie received an Award to fund her masters studies at the London College of Fashion, offering her the opportunity to refine her skills and develop her brand identity.

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Being supported by the Dewar Award allows me to spend all of my time in the studio or in an internship, which will highly benefit my work. It is greatly appreciated.

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2014 Awardee: Clara Hyder

I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for giving me the financial assistance to develop into the best musician I can be. I am so excited for all that the next four years will bring. Thank you.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.clarahyder.co.uk/
EMAIL:swan.34@hotmail.co.uk
 

Biography

Clara took up the trumpet aged 7 and moved to St Mary’s Music School as a chorister when she was 9. During her time there she went on tour, recorded CDs and became head chorister in her final year.  At 14 she gained a place as an instrumentalist at the school.  Alongside her studies she took part in the school orchestra, chamber groups and brass ensemble, won a number of prizes and became Head Girl.

Not only has Clara achieved an extremely high level of technical and expressive competence, she has also been an active leader of numerous projects.  She takes great joy in sharing music with the community, and has developed work with special needs groups as well as forming links with writers, poets, artists and fellow musicians.

Clara has performed at the Edinburgh International Book festival and with The New Theatre Company on the Isle of Man.

As well as being an outstanding trumpet player, Clara is also a fine harpist, singer, and gifted actress. She has earned the distinction of being the first person ever to be accepted as a joint 1st study trumpeter and classical harpist at one of the world’s leading music colleges, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

How the Award Helped

Clara’s Award will support her in her studies at the Guildhall School, where she intends to develop the skills to accomplish her dreams as a musician as well as sharing her passion for music with others.

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I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for giving me the financial assistance to develop into the best musician I can be. I am so excited for all that the next four years will bring. Thank you.

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2014 Awardee: Adam Crighton

If it wasn't for the extremely generous support of the trust I would not be able to be where I am, getting the best possible training for career I wish to have.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Adam is a highly talented and hard working young trombonist.

Growing up in Aberdeen, Adam learned to play the trombone through the council’s music education scheme and spent several years playing with bands and ensembles.  In 2011 he moved to Edinburgh to study at St Mary’s Music School, where he proved himself to be a prodigious talent.  His aptitude for intonation, rhythmic integrity and tonal blend ensured he stood out as a performer. Excellent as a soloist and within an ensemble, Adam undertook a number of engagements outside of school where he was already able to fit into a professional section.

Alongside his trombone studies at St Mary’s, Adam also passed his grade 8 piano.  He won the brass section of the Aberdeen Music Festival in 2013 and was a finalist in the St Mary’s School Director’s Recital Prize in 2014.  Highly motivated, Adam enjoys performing a wide variety of music and aspires to become a professional trombonist.

In 2014, Adam gained a place to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.  This had been a dream of his since he had first visited the school aged 12.  The BMus Classical Trombone course offered the perfect opportunity to advance his skills to the next level, and to help him to achieve his ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Adam received a Dewar Award to support his studies at the Guilhall School of Music and Drama.

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If it wasn't for the extremely generous support of the trust I would not be able to be where I am, getting the best possible training for career I wish to have.

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2014 Awardee: Christos Stylianides

Receiving the award means an incredible amount to me. Without it I would have struggled tremendously to finance myself during my studies here in Birmingham.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Christos began playing trumpet aged 10.  He developed a keen interest in jazz from an early age and performed with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, as well as numerous regional and community big bands in and around Glasgow.

Christos has taken part in the Young Scottish Jazz Competition twice, and in 2012 was runner up in the Under 17s category. In 2014 he gained a place to study on the BMus (Hons) in Jazz at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Since Christos enjoys a variety of music alongside jazz, he aspires to become a session musician and work on a range of projects.

How the Award Helped

Christos received an award to help finance his studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Receiving the award means an incredible amount to me. Without it I would have struggled tremendously to finance myself during my studies here in Birmingham.

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2014 Awardee: Drishti Bundhoo

The Dewar Arts Awards has created a wealth of opportunities for me as a young singer and for this I thank you very much. It is an honour and privilege to be supported by this distinguished trust.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , , ,
 
 
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/drishtibundhoo

Biography

Drishti Bundhoo is a hard-working and passionate musician whose aim is to connect emotionally to the music she performs and to find her individual voice.

Born in Crosshouse, East Ayrshire, Drishti was brought up in a musical household in Kilmarnock.  Her Mauritius-born mother studied Indian classical music, and has performed and taught in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Drishti’s singing talent was prominent from a very early age. She trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a scholarship to complete her BMus (Hons) in 2014, and studied Spanish classical music for six months in Andalusia.

An engaging performer, Drishti has given solo recitals around the UK, Spain, India and Germany. Most recent performances have included engagements with Indian composer AR Rahman and the BBCSSO at Celtic Connections in 2014, performance for the UK WW1 Centenary commemoration service at Glasgow Cathedral and solo performances at the Glasgow  2014 Commonwealth Games.

How the Award Helped

Drishti’s award has allowed her to study a Masters at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she has performed the role of Susanna in Mozart’s opera Le Nozze de Figaro and the role of Tina in Jonathan Dove’s opera Flight.

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The Dewar Arts Awards has created a wealth of opportunities for me as a young singer and for this I thank you very much. It is an honour and privilege to be supported by this distinguished trust.

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2014 Awardee: Paul Devlin

Being part of that creative process is an experience I find both exhilarating and exciting, and one that compares to no other.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Paul is a talented composer with a distinctive voice. Having grown up in Scotland, he gained a First Class Honours Degree in Music from Strathclyde University and recieved their Stone Award for excellence in his composition portfolio.

After graduation, Paul was awarded a commission from Glasgow City Council (on behalf of Glasgow Celtic FC) to compose a piece in remembrance of the Jewish Holocaust. He went on to gain a coveted place to study an MMus in Screen Composition at the Royal College of Music in London.

Paul has a genuine passion for the creative process and the art of taking music from page to performance. He apires to become a professional composer for screen with a broad range of knowledge across many musical styles and genres. His studies at the RCM have provided an invaluable foundation from which to shape his ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Paul received a Dewar Award to support his second year of MMus studies, enabling him to fully benefit from the opportunity to flourish as a composer.

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Being part of that creative process is an experience I find both exhilarating and exciting, and one that compares to no other.

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2014 Awardee: Ian Forbes

I feel tremendously fortunate to be supported with a Dewar Arts Award. Receiving the award has allowed me fulfil my long-time dream, to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.ianforbes.co.uk/
EMAIL:i.w.l.forbes@gmail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/ian_forbes

Biography

Born and brought up in Scotland by an artistic family, Ian is a London-based cinematographer with a passion for image, story and collaboration.  Having studied for his BA Honours at art school in his hometown, Dundee, Ian graduated in 2010 with a 1st class honours.  Over the next two years he built up a portfolio of work across film, animation and a variety of commercial projects, and in 2012 was selected to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

Ian has had work screened at numerous festivals including Encounters, Aesthetica and the Glasgow Film Festival.  In 2011 he received an award at Shepparton Shorts Short Film Festival, Australia, and in 2012 was selected by Ideas Tap to make a new film with director Rose Hendry. He has gained a coveted BAFTA Scholarship to support his studies alongside his Dewar Award

How the Award Helped

Ian received a Dewar Award to enable him to continue studying at the prestigious NFTS.

Since the Award

Ian developed his skills and talents through his studies at NFTS. In 2015 was nominated for a New Talent Award by BAFTA Scotland for his Camera/Photography work on Seahorse – a story of a first love and a pregnant boy (see trailer below).

March 2015 – Nominated for a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award: Camera/Photography, Seahorse

‘Seahorse’ Trailer – Ian Forbes (c) NFTS

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I feel tremendously fortunate to be supported with a Dewar Arts Award. Receiving the award has allowed me fulfil my long-time dream, to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

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