CQU’s Bachelor of Performing Arts students were inspired by vision-impaired guitarist Lorin Nicholson at his once-only performance earlier this month in Rockhampton.

The concert was the result of a performance workshop with third-year Bachelor of Performing Arts students, organised by CQU Community Program Coordinator Glenys Kirkwood.

"The students were an enthusiastic audience, giving Lorin a couple of standing ovations throughout the performance," Mrs Kirkwood said.

"Both members of the public and the students who attended the concert were in awe of Lorin's talent for both song writing and guitar skills. They were enthralled with the way he wove his songs into the story of his professional life".

She said the concert was pure inspiration, showing that hard work, talent and determination can make dreams come true.

Based in Warwick, the 2005 Golden Guitar finalist is well known in Rockhampton thanks to his regular tours through the area giving motivational concerts for both primary and secondary students, performing in local restaurants and on ABC, 4RO and 4YOU.

Lorin has only 6% eyesight due to a disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Along with this father-in-law he operates a business called, See Sharp, which takes a motivational and educational program into schools across Australia. He talks to students about his impairment, how he overcomes it, and how to deal with other people who are visually impaired.

“The Bachelor of Performing Arts students benefit greatly from regular contact with industry professionals,” Mrs Kirkwood explained.

“Fresh back from a stint working in production areas at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the students were particularly looking forward to working with Lorin for the first time”.

A percentage of the admission charge to the concert went toward the CQU Community Fund, set up to provide prizes and scholarships to students.

Due to the response from the public who snapped up the available CDs, Mrs Kirkwood hoped it would mean that Lorin's visit may become an annual event.

Photo above: Nicola Bracken, Tessa Coulter and Maria Keeire work with Lorin Nicholson at the recent workshop and performance.

Photo left: Greg Vaughn, Belinda Crawley, Nicola Bracken, Tessa Coulter, Marie Keerie with Lorin Nicholson (middle).