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Ashley Smith, clarinettist and alumnus of the School of Music, UWA has been nominated for the prestigious MCA Freedman Fellowship for Classical Music also known as the "genius award." Ashley is one of only two musicians nominated for this generous $15,000 Fellowship which is presented by the Music Council of Australia and the Freedman Foundation.

Ashley is a First Class Honours graduate of the School of Music who, during his time at UWA, won all of the School's performance prizes including; the Lady Callaway Medal, the Edith Cowan Prize in Music and the Vose Memorial Prize.

Since graduation Ashley went on to study at the Australian National Academy of Music where he won the jury and audience prizes of the 2009 ANAM Concerto competition, as well as being granted the 2010 Academy Fellowship and the inaugural Harold Mitchell Fellowship.  In 2010, Ashley was the winner of the ABC Symphony International Young Performers Award in the Other Instruments category. Ashley has performed as a soloist with several Symphony International network orchestras and has performed extensively as a recitalist throughout Australia and in the USA.

Ashley credits the unique Perth classical scene fostered by The School of Music, UWA, WAAPA and Tura New Music as the inspiration for his passion for new and experimental classical music.  Currently pursuing a Master's degree on a full scholarship at Yale, Ashley shies away from the ‘genius' title stating ‘it is not genius at all - I just spend 10 hours in the practice room every day.'  Sage advice and inspiration to all aspiring musicians at the School of Music!

Ashley will feature in the School of Music's 2013 Concert Series, for details visit www.music.uwa.edu.au early in 2013.

Media references

Danielle Loiseau, Administrative Officer (School of Music) (61 +8) 6488 3994 (Monday – Wednesday)

Pip White, Administrative Officer (School of Music) (+61 8) 6488 7835 (Thursday & Friday)

Michael Sinclair-Jones, (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 00 700 783