2015 Awardee: Kieran Lambie

This award benefits me because it will allow me to continue gaining experience as an instrumental teacher...and will help me further enhance my performing experience.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Kieran Lambie is an outstanding classical musician, whose ambition is to play and teach clarinet professionally. His memorable solo performances of a demanding repertoire have garnered acclaim, and his passion for teaching is matched by his focus and determination.

Kieran is patient, diligent, and ambitious.  He has played in numerous musical ensembles, gained a distinction in his Grade 8 musical examinations and achieved a BA in Music Performance with a Distinction from Edinburgh College.

He intends to develop his practice through teaching and performing a range of styles of music, and has a promising future as a professional musician.

How the Award Helped

Kieran’s award enabled him to continue his professional development, through instrumental lessons and by undertaking two Trinity College qualifications: an ATCL in Instrumental Teaching and an LTCL in Performance.

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This award benefits me because it will allow me to continue gaining experience as an instrumental teacher...and will help me further enhance my performing experience.

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2015 Awardee: David Linklater

The Dewar Award has granted me the time and space to focus solely on my writing, for this I'm very grateful.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/DavidRossLinkla

Biography

Hailing from Inverness, David is a writer of determination and distinction.

Moving from the Highlands to Glasgow in 2012, David applied for the HNC Professional Writing Skills course at City of Glasgow College.  Despite his lack of prerequisite qualifications, David’s impressive portfolio earned him a place on the course.

Having already self-published two books of poetry, David completed a third during his time on the course. He also performed a daring and spontaneous piece at the Creative & Cultural Skills Scotland annual conference, and won the class prize – awarded annually to the most outstanding student.

David went on to take an HNC Practical Journalism course in 2014 and was equally successful, contributing several pieces to publications and impressing with his versatility. In the meantime he continued to develop his career as a writer of prose and poetry, and was published in several respected poetry outlets.

David is an extremely capable journalist and an excellent prose writer, but it is his poetry that stands out. He creates work that rises above his peers and demands to be noticed.  In 2015, his prodigious talent was recognised by the University of Glasgow, who offered him an unconditional place on their illustrious M.Lit course, even without a degree level qualification.

David’s work has been published in Glasgow Review of Books, The Grind, ODOU, The High Flight and The Speculative Bookshop, amongst others. In 2016 he was shortlisted for a Scottish Book Trust’s New Writers Award. 

“His poetry is sometimes rustic but never twee, youthful and contemporary without being naïve or following trends, and most of all extremely evocative.” John Clarke, Lecturer, City of Glasgow College.

How the Award Helped

David’s Dewar Arts Award supported him in his masters studies at the University of Glasgow, enabling him to progress his formal qualifications to postgraduate level.

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The Dewar Award has granted me the time and space to focus solely on my writing, for this I'm very grateful.

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2015 Awardee: Ryan Hunter

The Award has liberated me and allowed me to study at the most prestigious drama school in the world. Thank you.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Growing up on the Southside of Glasgow, Ryan Hunter is the youngest of five siblings, and the first to become an actor rather than a musician.

Ryan took music lessons at St Roch’s Secondary School in Royston, where he played the fiddle, drums and bodhran.  He performed across Scotland, England and Ireland with the school’s Ceili band, before taking to the stage with the PACE Youth Theatre in Paisley. From there he was accepted into the Musical Theatre Course at the Dance School of Scotland in Knightswood.

During his time at Knightswood, Ryan performed at the Citizens Theatre to much acclaim.  In his second year he gained a role in the comedic film ‘What We Did On Our Holiday’, acting alongside David Tennant, Rosamund Pike and Billy Connolly.

On completion of the course, Ryan stayed in Glasgow and busked beside the Donald Dewar statue on Sauchiehall Street while auditioning for roles.  He gained a place in a touring production with Hopscotch Theatre Company, which he completed whilse auditioning for drama schools.

After a gruelling four-round audition process for RADA, Ryan was one of just 28 students out of 4,000 applicants who gained a coveted place.  This offered an exceptional opportunity to study his craft at a most prestigious school.

Intelligent and well read, Ryan takes a serious and committed interest in his work as an actor. He has charisma on stage and screen, and looks set to be an excellent ambassador for Scottish arts in his future career.

How the Award Helped

Ryan’s Award enabled him to accept his hard-won place to study at RADA.

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The Award has liberated me and allowed me to study at the most prestigious drama school in the world. Thank you.

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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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