Variety Heart Scholarship helps Charlie on her way to becoming a classical musician
”Charlie’s passions are classical music and art, when she is not on her flute or piano, she is creating art. Music and art bring her great joy along with spending time with her friends, cat, dog and me.” says mum Sharon
The costs of performing at an advanced level, especially for kids living in regional areas, can often limit their ability to pursue their dreams. For Charlie, 17 from Murwillumbah, that dream is of becoming a classical musician of merit.
Charlie is well on her way to achieving that dream. Currently studying her HSC the goal is to successfully audition for the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University this year to commence undergraduate studies. On the path to that goal Charlie is working towards her AMusA (after receiving a High Distinction for Grade 8 on flute) with the Australian Music Examinations Board.
To give her an opportunity to play with other accomplished classical musicians, as well as the world’s best conductors and teachers, this year Charlie is part of Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 and the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Young Con Wind Orchestra on principal flute and in July 2019 will be travelling to play with the National Youth Wind Ensemble Scotland, in partnership with and at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. In July 2018, Charlie was principal flute with an international honours wind ensemble which performed at the Sydney Opera House, and was also selected to participate in the inaugural Australian Honours Ensemble Program in Brisbane.
All of this costs money, which is where the Variety Heart Scholarship has stepped in.
“Variety’s support has not only enabled Charlie to continue to have tuition with some of Australia’s leading classical musicians, but has seen her recognised at a state, national and international level. Charlie has been able to grasp opportunities for professional development and inclusion in advanced music programs earnt via a competitive audition process, that she would never have been able to if it had not been for the ongoing support provided by Variety.
“Thank you does not quite express our gratitude…it has honestly been a life-changing gift for Charlie. Through her own hard work, talent and support from Variety she has reached an advanced level of achievement.”
Knowing that there are people other than her Mum who believe in her talent enough to help her financially, has helped create an intrinsic motivation to be the best musician she can be and show Variety that their faith and money has been well spent.”