How the Rolling Stone Music Scholarship changed this young musician’s life

In 2020 Rolling Stone Australia teamed up with Southern Cross University on the Rolling Stone Music Scholarship.

This year, the two names have once again come together to bring the Rolling Stone Music Scholarship back, with another $15,000 grant on offer to a hard-working individual keen to study a Bachelor of Contemporary Music and pursue a career in music.

Last year’s scholarship competition saw Leon Holstegge, a multi-talented musician and composer, win the inaugural scholarship, and he’s been on the move since learning the ropes of the music industry at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University sat down with Holstegge and senior lecturer Dr. Barry Hill to discuss the significance of the scholarship.

“I was just scrolling through Facebook and I saw the link for it… and I just went for it” said Holstegge on applying for the scholarship.

“I’m planning to use the scholarship to help boost my career,” Leon stated. I have long-term thinking about where I want to end up in becoming a session musician. I’ve already done a bit of work with a few artists and local gigs for bands who need a fill-in musician.”

“It gives [Leon Holstegge] $15,000 worth of cash” stated Dr. Hill. “But it also gives him a connection to Rolling Stone Magazine… the absolute pinnacle, or centre, of music media around the world.”

Apply for the scholarship here

Watch last year’s scholarship recipient Leon Holstegge talk about the scholarship

Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree covers all areas of the industry, from production, performance and songwriting to navigating the business side of the industry.

For graduates, professional positions can swing open across the music community.

Participants will enjoy mentorship from the brightest, most passionate names in music, while the site’s state-of-the-art facilities offer recording studios, rehearsal studios, music production labs, keyboard lab, and professional-standard performance spaces.

Bachelor of Contemporary Music course coordinator Dr Matt Hill stated “If you dream one day of performing in front of thousands at the massive festivals around Australia, or are keen on teaching music to young students, then this is the degree for you.”

The names on the Southern Cross University alumni board should be familiar with Australian music fans, from award-winning producer Matt Fell, singer-songwriter BUOY, composer and musician Yantra de Vilder, Matt Smith of Thirsty Merc, U.S. country music hit songwriter Phil Barton and more.

Applications are open now and close December 13, 2021. Applicants need to include a short statement about their dedication to their music career. The auditions for the first round of successful applicants will then take place across January and early February, 2022.

To learn more and to apply visit the link here.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.