Conservatorium awarded grant for visiting scholar
Published on 12 October, 2005
The Bachelor of Jazz Studies program at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) has just been awarded a visiting scholar grant to bring Professor Michael Tracy from the University Of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, to Mackay, to consult with staff about the jazz program and research projects.
While he is in Mackay, Professor Tracy will also consult generally with CQCM staff and provide input into research and teaching at the Conservatorium.
According to the Dean of Education and Creative Arts at Central Queensland University, Professor Richard Smith, "Visiting scholar funds are provided for projects that link the university with experts in various fields, and foster research collaboration”.
“This project will have the extra advantage of benefits to regional arts activities [in Mackay and the Whitsunday’s]," said Professor Smith.
CQCM Jazz Coordinator Glen Hodges, said staff were excited about the visit which would include Professor Tracy's participation, from October 25 - 28, in one of the regular residencies that the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program has on Hamilton Island.
"Professor Tracy's visit is also supported by the University of Louisville which has expressed a great deal of interest in the unique jazz teaching project that has been developed with Hamilton Island Enterprises," said Mr Hodges.
"This project is a world first as far as we know, and represents a great opportunity for the [Mackay/Whitsunday] region to showcase its unique tourism facilities, tropical environment and culture in combination with education".
Professor Tracey, himself a talented jazz musician, will be in Australia from October 25 to November 4 and can be seen performing at the Clarion Hotel at the Mackay Marina on Sunday afternoon October 30 as part of the CQCM’s regular Sunday jazz sessions.
"The Clarion Hotel has become a valued supporter of the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program at the CQCM,” said Glen, adding that “The growing links between the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Hamilton Island and the Clarion Hotel also place us in a unique position to provide some truly exciting performance experiences for our students”.
Photo above: Visiting scholar Professor Michael Tracy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, will join the CQCM Bachelor of Jazz Studies program during one of their regular residencies on Hamilton Island this month.