2019 Awardee: Amy Paterson

"I am so grateful to have received this award...allowing me to branch out and study at a conservatoire level, which will help me reach my goal to become a professional musician."

Biography

Amy is a Tenor Horn player from the small town of Campbeltown in the West of Scotland.

From a very young age, Amy demonstrated a musical maturity and ability far beyond her years. It was clear that she had a real gift for music. Much of Amy’s success as a musician has come from her determination for accuracy and her commitment to embracing all musical opportunities available to her.

Coming from a remote location meant Amy often had to travel long distances for playing opportunities. In spite of this, as a young musician she committed herself to several nights a week with a brass band as well as taking on solo and ceilidh gigs with her fiddle. She also taught younger pupils privately, being highly regarded by parents and pupils alike.

At school, she proved herself to be an asset – taking part in countless shows, concerts and community playing events. She also took the role of principle horn with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland for several years running, and won a number of awards and solo competitions.

When receiving her Dewar Arts Award in 2019, she was the Scottish Brass solo champion and had been featured in Les Neish’s Rising Stars section in the British Bandsman magazine. She gained a place to study Tenor Horn Performance at the Royal Northern College Of Music, with her ambition being to develop her performance skills and pass on her knowledge through teaching others.

How the Award Helped

Amy’s Dewar Arts Award supported her in taking up her place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music.

"I am so grateful to have received this award...allowing me to branch out and study at a conservatoire level, which will help me reach my goal to become a professional musician."