2014 Awardee: Peter Keenan

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.peterkeenan.co.uk/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/peter_keenan

Biography

Having lived in Scotland since he was two years old, Peter studied composition at St Mary’s Music School before reading music at the University of York, It was during his time at York that he had his first conducting opportunities. In his final year, Peter was Music Director of the University of York Opera Society, with whom he conducted a staged production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

Peter has studied with William Conway and Garry Walker, and has attended courses with Peter Stark. In recent years he has focused his conducting activities towards opera, and has acted as Assistant Music Director to William Conway with Edinburgh Studio Opera. He has worked on Strauss’ Die Fledermaus (2014) and The Magic Flute (2015), and looks forward to returning for Bizet’s Carmen in 2016.

In 2014 Peter founded Opera dei Lumi, who gave their company debut with Mozart’s Così fan tutte to great acclaim. They have since received commendation for concert performances of Le Nozze di Figaro in Berwick Festival Opera and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

How the Award Helped

Peter’s Dewar Award enabled him to explore his fascination with Mozart’s operas, by undertaking a research degree at the University of Glasgow.

Back

Back

2013 Awardee: Katherine Bryer

The level of enjoyment and satisfaction I gain from solo and enemble playing constantly affirms my belief that being a performing musician is the right career path for me

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:kcobryer@gmail.com
 

Biography

Katherine studied oboe as a boarder at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh.  She was described as an exceptional pupil and a particularly talented musician.  She performed as a soloist and as part of a chamber ensemble, picking up a number of prizes and awards along the way.  A standout opportunity was performing as a finalist of the Edinburgh Competition Festival’s Concerto Class at the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh.

Katherine achieved a distinction in her grade 8 oboe, and also gained a highly sought after place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.  She achieves a great deal of satisfaction from performing and this drives her to pursue a career as a professional musician.

As a next step on this path, Katherine was offered a place to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London.  This provided an excellent opportunity to further develop her skills,

How the Award Helped

Katherine’s Award supported her in her studies at the RAM, allowing her to pursue her ambition of becoming a professional musician.

Back

The level of enjoyment and satisfaction I gain from solo and enemble playing constantly affirms my belief that being a performing musician is the right career path for me

Back

2013 Awardee: Hazel McBain

I feel that this course will really give me the opportunity to explore my boundaries as a performer and make me ready to enter into the profession

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hazel was born and raised in Glasgow.  A skilled opera singer with excellent technique as well as acting ability, Hazel studied at the Royal College of Music in London before returning to Scotland to study at the Royal Conservatoire.  She graduated with a first class honours and continued her studies with a masters in performance.

Hazel was chosen to represent the Conservatoire in the Maggie Teyte/Miriam Lycette competition, and successfully auditioned for the MBF awards.  Her instinctive creativity earned her roles in productions with the RCS and the Scottish Opera.  Through hard work and dedication she went on to earn a place on the MMus in Opera at the RCS.

The journey to becoming an opera singer is a long one, and the MMus offered Hazel the training she needed to prepare herself for professional performance. The course provided the opportunity to develop her skills as a performer and also as a teacher.

How the Award Helped

Hazel received a Dewar Award to support her studies on the MMus at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Back

I feel that this course will really give me the opportunity to explore my boundaries as a performer and make me ready to enter into the profession

Back

2013 Awardee: Neil Birse

This opportunity is what I have dreamed of doing for many years. I can scarcely believe I have been so fortunate.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Neil is an especially talented musician who plays a range of instruments and excels as a pianist.  He has an advanced awareness of style, melody and harmony as well as excellent phrasing and interpretation.

Hailing from Aberdeen, Neil pursued his musical interests alongside his general schooling, performing often with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland (NYJOS).  He achieved a distinction in grade 8 drumkit as well as shining at his principal instrument, the piano.

After taking a few years out of study and concentrating on performances and touring with the NYJOS, Neil’s talents earned him a place on the prestigious bachelors degree course at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.  This provided a dream opportunity for Neil, whose is dedicated to achieving a career in music.

How the Award Helped

Neil’s Award supported him in his studies at the Guildhall School.

Back

This opportunity is what I have dreamed of doing for many years. I can scarcely believe I have been so fortunate.

Back

2013 Awardee: Hannah Rankin

As well working in education and chamber music, one of my other ambitions is to play in an opera orchestra as I find this to be some of the most magical and exciting music for bassoon!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hannah grew up on a farm on the west coast of Scotland, before moving to Glasgow to study music at the Conservatoire.  A passionate bassoon player, Hannah took every opportunity whilst in Glasgow to play in symphony, chamber and opera orchestras. She went on to gain a coveted place on a masters course at the Royal Academy of Music.

Hannah’s main passion is opera, and she has worked with the Scottish Opera on a production of The Cunning Little Vixen.  She has also developed a strong aptitude for teaching and has been involved in education projects in Scotland and in England, with the English Touring Opera and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.  Hannah also completed a summer of teaching in the the Himalayas, Northern India, for the charity Kinship.

Whilst in the first year of her masters studies, Hannah suffered a family bereavement.  This made the second year a challenging time for her personally and financially.  In spite of this, Hannah remained dedicated to her studies and her education projects, and continued to flourish as a musician.

How the Award Helped

Hannah received a Dewar Award to support her second year of masters studies at the Royal Academy of Music, anabling her to continue learning at the highest level whilst contributing to the education of others.

Back

As well working in education and chamber music, one of my other ambitions is to play in an opera orchestra as I find this to be some of the most magical and exciting music for bassoon!

Back

2013 Awardee: Meredith Kiemer

"Meredith's playing has a sparkle and charisma that is very rare in someone so young. She is a most promising young musician." RCS

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 8
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

When Meredith auditioned on violin and piano for the Pre-Junior Academy at the RCS, she was just eight years old and one of their youngest auditionees.  In spite of this, she impressed the panel greatly with her flair, competence and maturity and gained the joint highest mark of all entrants.

Meredith hails from a remote area of Stirlingshire, near Aberfoyle.  Having started music lessons at a young age while attending the Glasgow Gaelic School, she showed natural talent and ability but was sadly unable to continue her studies due to the significant travel involved.

After moving to a local school where music lessons were not available, Meredith practised determinedly at home.  Her her love and passion for music, and for the violin in particular, ensured she remained committed to developing her skills.  With only occasional tuition to top up her learning she achieved an outstanding level of playing, which then earned her a place at the RCS.

How the Award Helped

Meredith’s Dewar Award covered her transport costs to Glasgow and supported her in her studies at the RCS, allowing her to access the prestigious tuition she had earned and deserved.

Back

"Meredith's playing has a sparkle and charisma that is very rare in someone so young. She is a most promising young musician." RCS

Back

2013 Awardee: Ross Hodgkinson

Without help from the Dewar Awards I would not have been blessed with the opportunity to study at one of the world's most renowned contemporary music schools... I have developed, both in terms of my musicianship and as a person, and for this I am very grateful.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.rosshodgkinson.com/
EMAIL:rosshodgkinson@me.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rosshodgkinson

Biography

Hailing from Stonehaven, Ross grew up in a musical family.  His parents enrolled him in drum tuition from the age of nine and his sister also earned a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Over the last 8 years Ross has tackled various genres of music including Scottish Dance, Orchestral, Musical Theatre, Jazz & Pop.  He became the youngest lead drummer ever to play in an army pipe band and performed across Europe.  Joining the South Aberdeenshire Music Centre (SAMC) Big Band lit a fire inside Ross for jazz.  He went on to become a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, participating in several tours with special guests.

Ross was awarded the 17 & Under Young Scottish Jazz Musician Of The Year Award in 2012.  He went on to gain a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Boston.

Ross has shown that he has the drive, talent and ability required to succeed in studying at the highest level. His tutors feel he has the potential to develop into a very creative and exciting musician.  His ambition is to become a leading musician in a variety of styles.

How the Award Helped

Ross gained a Dewar Arts Award to support him in his studies at Berklee College of Music.

Since the Award

2012 – Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year (17 & Under)

2014 – Ross has successfully completed his first semester of Berklee.  So far he has been fortunate enough to study with renowned drummer Bob Gullotti (JJ Johnson, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano) and Grammy Award winning Mark Walker.

Back

Without help from the Dewar Awards I would not have been blessed with the opportunity to study at one of the world's most renowned contemporary music schools... I have developed, both in terms of my musicianship and as a person, and for this I am very grateful.

Back

2013 Awardee: Brandon Brown

My award means everything to me. It is allowing me to do what I thought I would never do.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.facebook.com/brandonbrownguitarist
 
 

Biography

Brandon’s guitar teacher describes him as “the most talented and able student I have eveer seen in over 20 years teaching”.

After starting to play the guitar at the age of 8, Brandon quickly progressed.  He says “it was all that I could think about”.  He has since gained a 92% distinction in his Grade 8 guitar exam (at just 15), and has played in the finals of numerous music competitions including the Edinburgh Guitar and Music Festival.

At 16 he became one of the youngest players ever to gain a scholarship to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.

https://www.youtube.com/gibsonsgmadness

How the Award Helped

Brandon’s award will help to fund his studies at Berklee.

Back

My award means everything to me. It is allowing me to do what I thought I would never do.

Back

2013 Awardee: Sylvia Law

I am extremely grateful for receiving the Dewar Arts Awards’ support as it has enabled me to develop and pursue my artistic practice and fulfil all of my creative ambitions as a sound artist.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.sylvia-law.com/
EMAIL:sylviasounds@gmail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/sylvy09

Biography

Born in Edinburgh to a Scottish father and Spanish mother, Sylvia describes herself as bilingual, with a rich cultural upbringing and strong sense of identity.

Whilst studying at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Sylvia was recognised as an artist of outstanding ambition, determination and ability, whose work demonstrated an unusual level of originality.  In 2012, she graduated with a BA(Hons) in Time Based Art & Digital Film and went on to gain the RSA John Kinross Scholarship to embark on a two-month residency in Florence. She spent this time exploring the relationship between sound and space in different architectural locations.  The resulting work was presented at the RSA New Contemporaries 2013 exhibition, which showcases the finest emerging artistic talent in Scotland.

To develop her practice further, Sylvia gained a place on the MA in Sound Arts at the London College of Communication.  Her work encompasses the mediums of sound, spatial installation and site-specific performance, working closely with the human voice to capture and interact with space.

Through her work overseas, Sylvia has proved herself to be a strong ambassador for Scottish arts who is confident and receptive to other cultures.

How the Award Helped

Sylvia received support to help her create ambitious new works for the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition, and for her masters studies.

Back

I am extremely grateful for receiving the Dewar Arts Awards’ support as it has enabled me to develop and pursue my artistic practice and fulfil all of my creative ambitions as a sound artist.

Back

2013 Awardee: Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul

I feel honoured to receive your invaluable support…and I am determined to make the most of my time at the RNCM with all the opportunities that this award has opened up for me.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and raised on the Isle of Skye, Steaphanaidh grew up in a large family immersed in Gaelic music and culture. Her parents are both freelance artists, her father being a Gaelic writer and her mother a sculptor.

In 2006, Steaphanaidh became an instrumental pupil at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, studying the clarsach, clarinet, saxophone and Gaelic singing.  Her tutors included Helen Macleod, Catriona McKay and Patsy Seddon. In 2010 she was encouraged to start exploring the pedal harp and was immediately struck by the musical and tonal possibilities she found the instrument could deliver.

Steaphanaidh has played at Celtic Connections with the band Kilairum, at festivals at home and abroad, and on tour with youth orchestras and on the Feis Rois Trad Trail.  In 2010 and 2011 she was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and a semi-finalist at the 2011 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

Steaphanidh is extremely passionate about music and enjoys exploring different genres and instruments, which she feels feeds creativity and spontaneity back into her harp playing.  She writes:

“What I have discovered is that music is always contemporary, no matter how ancient the instrument: the desire of all musicians at all times was (and remains) to articulate the world in which they live.  The harp and clarsach do that for me.”

How the Award Helped

Steaphanidh gained a place at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, studying harp under the tutorship of Eira Lynn-Jones.  She was granted an award to support her studies.

Back

I feel honoured to receive your invaluable support…and I am determined to make the most of my time at the RNCM with all the opportunities that this award has opened up for me.

Back