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University of Western Australia student James Bradbury has been announced as the winner of the prestigious 2016 Schenberg Music Fellowship in Composition.

The 23 year old started at The University of Western Australia studying ancient history but quickly discovered a fascination with modern music and composing.

His swap into the UWA School of Music three years ago is already paying dividends for the Trigg-born violist, with the Schenberg award opening up a new world of international study.

The Music Fellowship awards $30,000 to a talented WA tertiary student or recent graduate.

Music was a life-long passion for Dr Harold Schenberg, an accomplished jazz pianist who played professionally to support himself while studying medicine. His love of music, teamed with a passion for supporting emerging local talent, shaped part of his bequest to UWA, including the setting up of an annual music prize in his name.

James will use his prize money for a study tour taking in France, Germany and Ireland.

“I am over the moon to receive this award, it really does open up the world to me in terms of the places that I can go and the people I will be able to collaborate with,” James said.

“I’ll be working with Dr. Kerry Hagan from the University of Limerick, who specialises in real-time algorithmic music. It’s these sorts of collaborations where I can take their understanding and deep technical knowledge and apply it to my own projects.

“In Paris I’ll attend a course at the Institute for Research and Coordination Acoustic/Music, and in Germany, the Darmstadt International Summer Course for New Music.

“I hope to bring back a wealth of experiences from the trip. The knowledge and training I will receive, will inform me as I complete my thesis paper as part of my postgraduate research.

Professor Chris Tonkin who tutored James throughout his undergraduate and honours level studies in composition at the UWA School of Music said he showed great talent with a creative and thoughtful approach to composition and computer music.

“James has proved himself time and time again with the highest quality recitals, and his acceptance into national and international programs and festivals, most recently at the IRCAM institute for computer music at the Pompidou Centre in Paris in May and June in 2016,” Assistant Professor Tonkin said.

“With the assistance of the Schenberg award, James will be able to take full advantage of the many opportunities he has earned abroad in the coming year. He has a great year and a bright future ahead of him.”