News Archive

Talented young musician Minami Uemoto has been awarded the Daniel Girling and John Down Music Scholarship for 2013.

Like many other young musicians, Minami is familiar with the routine of entering for regular AMEB exams -  that is,  juggling  the necessary hours of instrument  practice  between school homework and  sporting commitments, followed by the seemingly-long wait for the examiner's report.

Thankfully there is always a sense of satisfaction and achievement after such self-discipline, and there are some helpful comments which can be utilised when learning next year's repertoire.

But it IS hard work and music lessons can often begin as rather solitary activities, especially for the pianist who needs quite some time to conquer the instrument. Playing or competing in a Music Festival or singing in a choir can be a way of joining in with other musicians.

Minami Uemoto, now in year 11 at Perth Modern School, believes that music helps students to make new friends.  She has recently been awarded a scholarship at her school which recognises her success at "joining in" with other young musicians as well as developing her skills as a soloist.

Minami's Award is called the Daniel Girling and John Down Music Scholarship for 2013, and the selection criteria included "talent in singing, superior performance in playing at least two instruments, superior performance in ensemble and orchestral playing and talent in composition".

The Scholarship, which is for two years, provides funding which will enable Minami to enrich and extend musical activities of her own choice, as approved by the Perth Modernian Society and the Perth Modern School.

However, nothing worthwhile comes without hard work and Minami  has already put  many hours into her solitary  piano and flute studies, completing  AMEB 8th grade Piano with B+ and 3 ^rd grade Theory with 98% in 2013 and Sixth Grade Flute in 2012.

She believes that learning about and understanding music history and structure makes both listening to and playing music more enjoyable. Minami's favourite composers are the Romantics and, believe it or not, she enjoys sight-reading!

Congratulations, Minami!

Media references

Lindsay Roberts (Australian Music Examinations Board)  (+61 8) 6488 3059