Earlier this year when trombone player Christopher Goud received a $1000 Instrumental Scholarship donated by the Daily Liberal at the 2019 Eisteddfod, he was not sure what he was going to do with it.
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Most young musicians may have taken the scholarship and delved straight into a plan to prosper and persevere. However, Mr Goud took the time to decide how best to take advantage of the scholarship.
"I have this week, completed my 8th-grade Trombone examination, so I would like to use the Scholarship to broaden my musical education before I begin preparation for my Associate in Music Australia Diploma (AMusA)," Mr Goud said.
"I would like to take some private lessons with Scott Kinmont, Associate Principal Trombonist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra."
Mr Goud said the lessons would focus on rounding out his technique rather than focusing on how to play certain pieces of music.
"I would also like to learn how to maintain and improve my instrument to be able to get the best out of it at all times."
The idea to take the lessons according to Mr Goud is the result of his participation in the Sydney Symphony Playerlink, where the plan had been suggested to him.
Dubbo City Eisteddfod Committee President Barbara Redgrave said Mr Gouds decision on how he will spend the money is impressive.
"Furthering his development as a musician is a wonderful example of his dedication to, and love of music," Mrs Redgrave said.
Mr Goud said if the finances then permit, he will use any monies remaining to purchase music which is currently unavailable in Australia but considered by professional trombonists to be an integral part of the playing repertoire.
"May I stress, this is not music which is part of the standard student repertoire, rather music that has to be ordered specifically from overseas and generally takes the form of the less common concertos and classical trombone repertoire," he said.
Mr Goud has also been offered the opportunity to undertake some workshops with Ed Diefes, Principal Tuba of the Opera Australia Orchestra and owner/operator of Diefes Brass Repair, looking at brass instruments in general and the trombone in particular.
Mr Goud said he was "stunned" to learn he was the recipient of the Daily Liberal Eisteddfod Scholarship.
"I can say in all honesty that I was stunned to be awarded the Daily Liberal Scholarship for 2019, and I am grateful for the chance to take up some opportunities which I had thought were unattainable."