Meet Emma Warburton, an ANU School of Music student in her third year of a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Performance. Emma is the 2020 recipient of the Myrtle ​​​​​​Thomas Scholarship, awarded annually to an outstanding female student.
 

How did you feel when you heard you were awarded the scholarship?

I was very taken aback, in a good way! I hadn’t previously heard of this scholarship, nor did I know I was being considered for it. Once the news set in, I was very grateful.

How will your scholarship assist you and what will you use it for?

I intend on using a portion of this financial support to purchase some recording equipment to help with everyday recording, performances, and auditions. This financial support will also aid in travelling to different competitions and programs over the next few years, including travel to New Zealand. Considering the unique climate musicians are facing due to the COVID-19 crisis currently, this support will more broadly allow me to keep studying and for this, words cannot describe my appreciation.

What has being awarded the scholarship meant for you and your studies?

Moving to Canberra from country New South Wales seemed impossible initially; I am financially independent and was moving to a city I hadn’t previously spent much time in. Receiving a scholarship in my first year made moving here possible. With the current COVID-19 crisis, my livelihood in Canberra has been put into question recently but in receiving the 2020 Myrtle Thomas Scholarship, I will, thankfully, be able to continue studying here. This scholarship means that I can continue my degree, continue learning, and continue growing. 

What role has the School and its donors played in being considered for scholarships?

Since first coming to the ANU School of Music in 2018, the donors and School more broadly have had a significant impact on my development as a musician and young professional. Beyond financial aid, being considered for scholarships has provided me with many performance opportunities and has found me in places talking to people I otherwise wouldn’t have had the privilege to meet. Without the ongoing support I’ve received over the years from the School and donors, I can’t be certain that I’d still be living or studying in Canberra.

Anything else you would like to add:

Scholarships play a significant role in supporting student development. Though the financial aid awarded in a scholarship cannot be overlooked, the most significant aspect of being a scholarship recipient is knowing that someone believes in you, your contributions – past, present, and future – and your pursuits. The SoM and it’s donors never fail to make their students feel supported.