Meet Huangkai Lai, ANU School of Music first-year performance student. Huangkai is a 2020 recipient of the Dennis Griffin Piano Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded annually to excellent students in the areas of piano and music composition in either classical or jazz/contemporary disciplines.

How did you feel when you heard the news?

I felt very grateful for offering this scholarship to me and at the same time, I felt so motivated that encouraged me to practice more on piano and composition.

How will your scholarship assist you?

I will use most of the scholarship to cover my tuition fee in ANU. The rest of it will be used to pay for some musical softwares like Sibelius and Logic to help with my study.

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

It is very meaningful to me obviously. I have gained so much confidence in what I am studying. This scholarship is also an inspiration and a motivation for me to pursue my music dream. Also, it eased some of my financial pressure so that I could focus more on my academic study.

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

The school and donors provide such a good and fair opportunity for our students that everyone of us is able to have the chance to get the award to motivate their studies.