Meet Rory Villegas, an ANU School of Music student in his first year of a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Performance. Rory is a 2020 recipient of the Ruth Pfanner Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded annually to students displaying an outstanding level of musical ability and accomplishment in music performance.

How did you feel when you heard the news?

Receiving the news was positively uplifting especially in an environment of lockdown, confinement and restriction.

How will your scholarship assist you?

For students, issues and concerns to do with finances can really detract from an immersive university experience. The assistance provided through this scholarship support is hugely significant for me in offsetting these concerns. 

At this point I have not decided specifically how I will use the scholarship funds, but I do know that the support will allow me to fully engross myself in playing, studying and thinking about music.

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

The scholarship support is immensely appreciated. It has given me a sense of positive reinforcement that has added another dimension to my morale as a developing musician.

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

The opportunity to study trumpet under Miroslav Bukovsky was key in my decision to study at the ANU School of Music. 

In addition, during Year 12 I participated in the ANU Music Extension for Colleges program which was a formative experience where I encountered high quality music educators who fostered creative vision, as well as technical proficiency. This strongly influenced my desire to study music at ANU. 

Anything else you would like to add

The pursuit of music is something that has always been all-consuming for me and it is incredibly affirming to be awarded the 2020 Undergraduate Ruth Pfanner Scholarship.