Young North Perth jazz musician Daniel Susnjar is packing his bags for the United States after being awarded the Young People and the Arts International Scholarship.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the scholarship was designed to support emerging artists and offered them an opportunity to learn new skills overseas.
“This scholarship provides the financial resources required to achieve excellence and creates opportunities for Western Australia’s talented youth to be recognised globally,” Ms McHale said.
“The application process is always very competitive and Mr Susnjar displayed the talent to excel and be an outstanding ambassador for WA music and musicians on an international level.
“Mr Susnjar is recognised as a world-class drummer and percussionist and has played in the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra and at the Sydney Olympics.”
Mr Susnjar was approached by the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in the United States and encouraged to apply. The 28-year-old will undertake a two-year Masters of Music in Instrumental Jazz Performance.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to study at the Frost School of Music which is a world leader in the development of contemporary music programs,” Mr Susnjar said.
“WA has some amazing musical talent and I see this scholarship as an opportunity for me to show the rest of the world what the State has to offer and to share everything I learn when I return.”
The $30,000 Young People and the Arts International Scholarship is awarded annually by the Department of Culture and the Arts to an outstanding young artist, aged 29 years and younger, to study overseas.
Applications for the next Young People and the Arts International Scholarship close on Friday, February 27, 2009. The scholarship will be announced in May 2009.
Minister's office - 9213 6900 
