Fellowships offer assistance

University of Manitoba graduate student Roque Diaz has had positive experiences through receiving a Grad Fellowship from the Desautels Faculty of Music.

Diaz came to Manitoba after living in Singapore. The musician grew up playing drums and saxophone but ultimately ended up learning and loving the trumpet.

Roque Diaz, a recipient of a University of Manitoba Grad Fellowship.

“Music runs in my family,” said Diaz. “My father and brother are guitarists. I took the opportunity to learn trumpet and it landed me some amazing experiences.”

Diaz played in a Broadway-style show called Blast. This eventually turned into a seven-month tour across the United States of America, including at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Back in Manitoba, Diaz says receiving the fellowship has helped him to study and play at the same time.

“With the fellowship, I’m able to study and practise, plus I know I’m getting income for my wife and child,” he said. “Its something I really enjoy doing.”

The financial support offered by the Desautels Faculty of Music is among the most generous in Canada. Qualifying undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarships and bursaries enabling them to devote more time to their studies and artistic development. Currently, over 60% of students hold Faculty of Music and/or University scholarships and bursaries.

In the 2014-15 budget, the University allocated additional funds for graduate student support. This new allocation is being used to raise the value of the University of Manitoba Grad Fellowship awards.