University News Last updated 28 November
The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Association (RBCA) Award was given to first-year BMus saxophonist Kara Woods this year to enable her to focus on learning and performance.
The £2,000 award, which Kara will receive every year for the duration of her course, aims to alleviate financial hardship throughout her studies and will allow her to focus on learning and performing.
The RBCA has been supporting students since 1981, launching the annual RBCA Awards scheme in 2021. The award will be match-funded by the Conservatoire, doubling its value to £4,000 per annum and boosting its impact.
As well as the awards, the RBCA can also waive tuition fees in certain situations and occasionally makes one-off grants to students on a case-by-case basis.
Kara received the award at the RBCA’s annual meeting, where she was asked to perform. At the meeting, members and RBC staff gain insight into the association’s achievements, hear from past award recipients and celebrate successes.
RBCA Founding Chair Jeremy Patterson celebrated turning 90 at the annual meeting and received a gift from the committee to mark his birthday and thank him for his ongoing commitment to the RBCA.
Kara commented: “I would like to say thank you to the RBCA for giving me this award. I can now purchase equipment that I currently don’t own, helping me to pursue my academic studies. I am honoured to have received acknowledgement of my hard work and dedication to my music.”
RBCA Chair Tony Bridgewater added: “The RBCA are delighted to give Kara an award, and we thoroughly enjoyed her engaging performance at our annual meeting.”
To learn more about the RBCA, or to become a member, please contact Development Officer Mariya Kauser.