The sound of success

Travel grant helps guitarist win international competition.

The ANU Friends of the School of Music grant gave me this opportunity and I could not have done it without their help.

In 2012, with the support of the ANU Friends of the School of Music Travel Grant, Canberra-born classical guitarist and ANU School of Music honours student Callum Henshaw travelled to Spain to participate in the IX Concurso Internacional de Guitarra-Festival de Córdoba.

Callum won the competition after three competitive rounds against guitarists from across the globe. He was delighted with his success but was also grateful for the experience of performing.

"The opportunity to perform and compete on an international stage was not only thrilling, but also enabled me to see a benchmark standard of international competition," he says.

Callum views this experience as a valuable milestone in his career, helping him develop and gain experience as a professional musician.

"This experience has broadened my musical horizons and was an important contribution to my development as a musician, encouraging me to expand my knowledge, and to explore all facets of guitar playing and music making," he explains.

Callum is grateful for the support of the ANU Friends of the School of Music and believes the opportunity they gave him has given him the confidence and experience to pursue a career as a musician.

"The ANU Friends of the School of Music grant gave me this opportunity and I could not have done it without their help. Now when I complete my honours I plan to make my way as a classical guitarist, both as a soloist and in chamber groups."

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