Margaret Kate Parker Scholarship

History:

This scholarship was established by Margaret Kate Parker, via the University of Wellington Foundation in 2020, to recognise potential in music performance at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.

Throughout Margaret Kate Parker’s life music has been important. She studied piano and enjoyed choir singing, especially with the Nelson Civic Choir under the direction of Ralph Lilly and George Wilkinson. Margaret regularly attended concerts held in Wellington and while living in Waipukurau would travel to hear the National Symphony Orchestra (now the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra).

Margaret has a great interest in the successful and ongoing Upper Hutt Music Society of which she was a Foundation member in 1966. The Society, which has promoted many gifted performers in their time, has gone on to help create Expressions in Upper Hutt. She supported the fundraising effort for their new Steinway D, now in the purpose-built concert chamber.

Margaret says that music is part of our inherited culture and must be valued. More than ever, in our present world we need the pleasure of participation or listening, as music can provide release from tension and be an uplift.

She says it is her turn to annually help a student from the New Zealand School of Music to continue their participation in making music a delight, not only for themselves but for others as well.

She was a qualified Commercial Teacher for many years and enjoyed her time with students.

Who is eligible?

The purpose of this scholarship is to recognise and reward students in music performance – piano, voice, strings and woodwind - demonstrating excellence and potential for a career. Preference will be given to undergraduate students from Upper Hutt and the Wellington Region, but applications are open for students from anywhere across the country.

The recipient will be expected to demonstrate engagement and contribute to the community and environment of the New Zealand School of Music. The recipient will also be expected to submit a report or presentation following the completion of the project (should the funds be used for this purpose).

Selection criteria:

• Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. . Selection is contingent on full-time enrolment as a student at the New Zealand School of Music in the year it is received. . The scholarship will be available annually to a music student demonstrating excellence in performance and with career potential on either piano, voice, strings or woodwind. . Scholarship funds are to assist the student with fees, a project undertaken during their studies, or equipment directly related to their studies. Applicants need to indicate the intended use for the funds to the Scholarships Office.