Patricia H Reid Endowment Scholarship: Nurturing next gen musical talent

Dylan Roberts can pinpoint the moment music became a passion. It began in high school, when he switched from playing the clarinet to the bassoon in Year 8.

“I immediately fell in love with its unique and expressive sound,” he recalls. 

This moment led to a deep connection with the instrument and cemented music as a central part of his life. As his skills progressed, he knew that studying music at university was the next step.  

“I chose to pursue music at university to deepen my understanding of the art form, hone my skills, and immerse myself in a community of dedicated musicians,” he says.

Enrolling in a degree at Sydney Conservatorium of Music meant Dylan would need to relocate from his regional hometown of Orange to Sydney. Fortunately, he was able to navigate the financial challenge of setting up in a new city with the support of a scholarship. 

Established to promote access and equity, the Patricia H Reid Endowment Scholarship supports students who face financial barriers to higher education. Valued at $20,000 per annum, it has been instrumental in making university life more manageable for Dylan.

“The Patricia H Reid Endowment Scholarship has eased financial pressures, allowing me to dedicate more time to my studies and performance practice without the burden of additional work,” he explains.  

With the financial support of the scholarship also comes the freedom to focus fully on music and make inroads into the industry. Alongside his studies, Dylan has been able to get involved with programs by the Australian Youth Orchestra and perform with the Sydney Youth Orchestra.

His focus and dedication have seen him appointed Principal Bassoon with the SYO, win the Sydney Conservatorium’s Woodwind Concerto Competition, and perform as a soloist with the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra, with whom he is about to embark on a tour to his hometown.

“Having attended the Orange Regional Conservatorium as a high school student, this tour is particularly meaningful to me as it brings my musical journey full circle,” shares Dylan.

With the freedom to focus fully on his musical development, as well as his passion and drive, Dylan has clear goals for his future in the world of music. After completing his degree, Dylan aims to pursue a career as an orchestral musician, performing with orchestras and contributing to a wide array of classical and contemporary works.

When asked what advice he would give to young people considering a degree in music, Dylan offers encouragement and advice.  

“Pursuing a degree in music requires passion, dedication, and resilience, so be prepared to embrace challenges and stay committed to your craft. Seek out diverse learning opportunities, connect with mentors, and stay open to growth, as every experience contributes to your artistic journey.”

Through the generosity of our donors, Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers over $2 million in merit and equity scholarships annually.

Explore our music scholarships and begin your journey at the Con.