Awards hope is music to students' ears

TWO Napier University students have been nominated for an international music award.

Josh Sabin, who is studying popular music, and Steven Kelly, who is primarily focused on classical music, have both been shortlisted in the 17 to 18-year-old category of the Sibelius Student Composer of the Year 2008.

Graham Weir, senior lecturer at Napier's Ian Tomlin School of Music, said: "Both students have worked incredibly hard over the past year and this nomination is testament to the dedication devoted to their music.

"As well as this competition being voted for by the public, there is a stellar list of judges from the world of cinema and television.

"These nominations come at a particularly special time for the University as the Music School celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and during that time has produced a number of highly regarded musicians such as Claire Debono, a Maltese soprano, and Simon Thacker, virtuoso guitarist.

"I am sure that both students nominated for this award will follow in their footsteps and have very bright futures ahead of them."

The winners of the competition will be announced tomorrow.