About the Stella Sheppard Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship package will include a 45 minute lesson enabling specialised attention for the disability, plus a percentage of the cost of purchase and/or modification of a suitable musical instrument and its maintenance, which would be advised following discussion if required.\

Stella Sheppard was born 18-08-1912 in Gosford. Her musical qualifications were: London Copllege of Music - Primary Certificate at age 12; Elementary Certificate at age 13; Intermediate Certificate at age 13; Senior Certificate at age 14; Advanced Senior Certificate at age 15; Cumulative Certificate at age 16; and Diploma Certificate at age 16.
Community involvement included playing in dance bands at Narara Hall, and Physical Culture at Narara Hall, Toukley, Wyong, Kanwal, Gorokan, Budgewoi and Ourimbah between 1974 and 1985. Mrs Sheppard held ‘music afternoons’ in her home, which were extended to both present and past students.
 
Mrs Sheppard began teaching grandchildren and friends in 1976, then after registering as a Teacher with the Australian Music Examination Board in 1988, moved on to her ‘profitable hobby,’ taking children and adults through practical and theory exams. Her nominal fee reflected her wish to support anyone who came to her. Local eisteddfods always included several of her students, many winning top places. At the time of her death, 93, she was still teaching 25 students.
Mrs ‘Shep’ taught my five lively and at times, challenging children. Her kind heart saw her take on students of all abilities. Her patience and tolerance saw her devote many extra hours of tuition, ensuring students would recognise the wealth of benefits which music is seen to provide. It was this enthusiasm for music, and dedication to all abilities, given despite great variances in levels of interest and capacity, which led me to want to dedicate this scholarship in her name.
 
2018 APPLICATION FORM

Closing date is 16th March 2018