Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall tickles the ivories under the watchful eye of New England Conservatorium Director Russell Bauer.
Friday, 22 February 2019
THE New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) will be making double the sweet music after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced funding of $73,786 today to secure the purchase of two grand pianos for the institution.
The pianos will replace a pair of ‘loaner grands’ from the University of New England with a more permanent solution.
Mr Marshall said the funding was secured by NECOM in round two of the State Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.
“NECOM is a wonderful institution providing world class musical training and support to all ages in a regional area and this funding will further boost that reputation,” Mr Marshall said.
“The funding will meet the cost of purchasing two grand pianos to complete the planned piano studio, where students can learn and practice alongside the instructor.
“I commend the NECOM community, its board and director Russell Bauer for continually improving this wonderful facility for the community and wider region.”
NECOM Director Russell Bauer welcomed the funding and was excited to secure the two pianos for the planned studio.
“We have been making do with some borrowed grand pianos from UNE and we have really appreciated the generous opportunity,” Mr Bauer said.
“The ability to now purchase and install two new grand pianos and create the first piano studio for NERAM is a wonderful outcome.
“Students will be able to play alongside the instructors in the same space on separate instruments which is ideal for mastering the piano.”
The Regional Cultural Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to improve economic growth and productivity as well as community amenity with investment in country communities.