”Charlie’s passions are classical music and art, when she is not on her flute or piano, she is creating art. Music and art bring her great joy along with spending time with her friends, cat, dog and me.” says mum Sharon

The costs of performing at an advanced level, especially for kids living in regional areas, can often limit their ability to pursue their dreams. For Charlie, 17 from Murwillumbah, that dream is of becoming a classical musician of merit.

Charlie is well on her way to achieving that dream. Currently studying her HSC the goal is to successfully audition for the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University this year to commence undergraduate studies. On the path to that goal Charlie is working towards her AMusA (after receiving a High Distinction for Grade 8 on flute) with the Australian Music Examinations Board.

To give her an opportunity to play with other accomplished classical musicians, as well as the world’s best conductors and teachers, this year Charlie is part of Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 and the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Young Con Wind Orchestra on principal flute and in July 2019 will be travelling to play with the National Youth Wind Ensemble Scotland, in partnership with and at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. In July 2018, Charlie was principal flute with an international honours wind ensemble which performed at the Sydney Opera House, and was also selected to participate in the inaugural Australian Honours Ensemble Program in Brisbane.

All of this costs money, which is where the Variety Heart Scholarship has stepped in.