Scholarship Recipients - Place des Arts

Austin Hu

Owen Ramalho

Charlie Cranston

Collin Halim

Joyce Lim

Mia Banner

Natalie Owen

Natalie Ydenberg

Oscar Schelle

Aaravi Adhikari

Alexander Tsang

Alpha Vo

Angela Yin

Austin Hu

Scholarship for Advanced Musical Studies | Elliott Harty Piano Scholarship

Age: 14

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I began my musical studies at Place des Arts in 2017, with Mr. I’s Musical Rainbow class. Then I started to learn violin with Rosie Carver in 2019 and piano with Noel McRobbie in 2020 at Place des Arts.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  Winning this scholarship helps me achieve my goals by providing funds for my musical equipment, such as new bows for my violin, new violin strings, RCM exam fees etc.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My teacher has helped me achieve my goals by teaching me and correcting me in every lesson which helped me become a better pianist. He has also recommended competitions, and to play in the student recitals, which has improved my stage confidence, to perform even better.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  One of my most impactful relationships at PDA was with Mr. I, as he played the most important role in my musical career: getting started. He helped me to develop key musical skills and a love for music, all while keeping things simple and enjoyable.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My role model is Mr. I, as I deeply admire his passion and dedication to music, and I respect his patience and knowledge.

Owen Ramalho

Leonore Peyton Memorial Award

Age: 13

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I really wanted to play guitar, so my mom signed me up for lessons with Frank Bond at Place des Arts in December 2022 when I was 9 years old. Then, because I really love to sing, I began taking lessons with Kat Gillis the following September 2023 when I was 10 years old.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  Music is an extremely important part of my life. Music makes me who I am, and I’m truly grateful for it. Being recognized, by winning the Leonore Peyton Memorial Award, helps me continue to pursue my passion for music and maybe one day my love of music will lead to something bigger than just a hobby.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My singing teacher, Kat Gillis, nominated me for this scholarship. She has helped me find what types of music I like and what styles fit my voice. She is a wonderful and enthusiastic teacher, and I am very happy and grateful that I have the privilege to work with her each week.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  My fondest memories at Place des Arts are definitely my performances. I love entertaining others and making them feel emotion when I sing and play guitar.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  I don’t have a specific role model but rather I take inspiration from various family members, teachers and musical artists. These people teach me to work hard and keep an open mind.

Charlie Cranston

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Dance)

Age: 18

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I started practicing dance at the age of 5. My parents put me into my first classes at evergreen; where I took ballet and tap. I have loved to dance ever since

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  Winning this scholarship will help me achieve my goals because it would help open opportunities for me to continue following my passions. It would allow me to focus fully on my education, personal growth and the goals I have set for my future.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My teacher Ms. Lucienne has played a huge role in helping me achieve my goals by pushing me to becoming the best version of myself. She has stood by me supporting me as I continue to grow through dance. She’s encouraged me to take on challenges, improve my technique and express myself through dance.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  One of my fondest memories was my first trip to loon lake with the dance group. It was such an amazing experience where we got to dance alongside the youth orchestra. I got to build new friendships and strengthen my current friendships with my classmates. It was such a wonderful and peaceful trip which I will forever hold with me.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  One of my role models is Ms. Lucienne because I have learned so much from her over the years. She has not only helped me improve as a dancer but has also shared her wisdom and knowledge with me teaching me important lessons about life. The way she supports and motivates her students inspires me to keep growing and to never give up on my goals, even when things get difficult. I’m very grateful for the relationship that I have been lucky enough to have in my life.

Collin Halim

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Music)

Age: 17

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I was first interested in music composition when I began exploring how different musical instruments work together in a band. From September 2025, Ms. Jacquie from Place des Arts guided me in music composition. I started experimenting with my own ideas using basic software and notation techniques to create simple compositions. Over time, with regular practices, I improved my understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm and develop my own style.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  This scholarship will allow me to continue my music journey. I will be able to hone my ability in creating my own rhythms and compositions for my YouTube travel channel in promoting British Columbia. In addition, winning this scholarship will highlight my dedication to music alongside my school studies when I apply for universities.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My teacher has helped me to achieve my goals by exposing me to a wide variety of musical pieces. Through this, I have gained a better understanding of how compositions are structured, particularly in terms of patterns, dynamics, and rhythm. She also provides valuable feedback on small but important details, such as ensuring that I compose idiomatically. These corrections, although subtle, have significantly improved the quality and effectiveness of my compositions.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  One of the most impactful moments during my time at Place des Arts was receiving a scholarship for my music composition. This accomplishment meant a lot to me because it reflected both my hard work and my teacher’s guidance. Throughout the process, every correction I received, refined my piece and improved my understanding of music. Looking back, this experience not only strengthened my skills but also showed me the value of perseverance and learning from feedback.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My role model is my cousin who is dedicated in his drum performances. I have seen how he continuously improves through consistent practices, which inspires me to do the same in my own music journey. His progress shows me that growth comes from discipline and persistence, and it motivates me to keep developing my skills.

Joyce Lim

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Music)

Age: 13

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  When I was around 5, I had my first piano lesson. I started practicing a lot, day by day because I had a passion for piano. It drove me to work hard to achieve the songs I wanted to play.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  To me, this scholarship boosts my confidence and it drives me to work harder for the future. It will help me whenever I feel like I can’t play piano and work even harder to achieve whatever I’m doing.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My piano teacher pushed me to practice everyday because he said that if I wanted to play a song, I need to work hard and practice everyday. His words worked on me and it made me achieve the things I wanted to do.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  When I was younger, I finished my creative writing lesson and I was about to go home. Until, this girl came up to me and said, “Do you want to play on the tree outside?” I said yes, and we played for a while. This became my favourite memory and it was my first friend from Place des Arts. Place des Arts is not only a place to gain knowledge, but it’s also a place to gain friendships.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My biggest role model is my sister. My sister whenever the struggle, pressure, and hardships come her way, she always finds a way through it. She always tries her best even though sometimes things are too much for her. She always encourages me and others and helps whoever she can. This is why she’s my biggest role model.

Mia Banner

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Literary Arts)

Age: 15

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I started practicing literary arts in the fourth grade, writing little poems and creating fantasy worlds. It’s never just been a hobby for me, but a way to connect with my emotions and the world around me. It’s become more important than ever for me to continue creating; I recognize that it is becoming more and more of a ‘lost art’ to creative write and I encourage others to express themselves in any creative way possible.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  By winning this scholarship, I hope to be able to pour more time and energy into writing and keeping my creative momentum going. It gives me the space to improve my technical skill and take my work to the next level. My goal is to perfect my ‘voice’ and my ability to create transferrable emotion.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  I’ve had three teachers throughout my time at place des arts and all have been beneficial to me in different ways, my most recent teacher Lou, is exceptionally supportive and is able to push me by allowing me to freely discuss how I’d like to move forward with my works and how to then move in that direction. She’s helped me see my writing not as just words on paper but as a living entity that I pour life into.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  I share this one a lot, but during one of my second session of classes. With the help of my teacher at the time, I really began to grow out of my shell and share my work with my peers every class. It’s definitely not easy to have that confidence in yourself. As an artist, whatever your discipline is, you are your biggest critic. That’s why I especially appreciate the environment at Place des Arts, it allows for you to share yourself with others and grow into your own shoes. When you become open minded to other’s perception of your work, that’s when you’re able to truly improve.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My literary role model is Ottessa Moshfegh. I love her work because you can really feel the emotion and raw thought in her work. She’s able to get into the messy and darker parts of the human experience with a certain skill and humor. I strive to be able to channel the amount of emotion in my work as she does into hers.

Natalie Owen

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Music)

Natalie Ydenberg

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Music)

Age: 14

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I began playing the piano at 5, in slightly chaotic group lessons. I didn’t think much of the lessons themselves, but was given a book of simple repertoire that I really enjoyed. Those little songs spurred my enthusiasm for the instrument, and got me to continue playing.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  While winning the scholarship provides support for me to continue my studies, it’s more about achievement to me. I always strive to be a better musician, but this scholarship shows me how much I’ve already accomplished. Receiving recognition for my musicianship will give me the confidence to continue to play and improve

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  Ms. Christina always pushes me to be the best musician that I can be. She has helped me enormously over the last two years, and I owe many of my achievements to her. Her corrections, advice, and tireless effort have greatly assisted me in my studies and in winning this scholarship.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  Before my last winter recital, I wanted to take on more of a challenge, so I asked my teacher for a more difficult piece. The one she gave me was significantly more difficult than my ability level, but it was beautiful, and Ms. Christina believed that I could do it. I decided to play it at the recital. Over the course of 3 weeks, I practiced consistently and memorized the piece. When I performed at the recital, I made a couple mistakes, but I played well and musically overall. This experience showed me that whatever I put my mind to, I can accomplish.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My role model is Alyssa Liu. She was a talented young skater, and competed in the Olympics at only 16 years old, placing 7th. However, the pressure, scrutiny, and vicious competition caused her to quit shortly after. Four years later, she came back to the world of figure skating for the 2026 Olympics, but completely on her own terms. She chose her programs, music, and choreography. She chose when she skated. She dyed her hair. She didn’t fake it for the cameras. Alyssa Liu came back because she loved skating, and she found a way without the insane pressure. She won gold at the Olympics this year. Alyssa Liu is truly inspirational to me, and I aspire to have her confidence, determination, and unbreakable spirit.

Oscar Schelle

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Theatre)

Age: 13

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I started practicing performing arts at the age of 6 when I appeared in a production of the musical Annie. I joined a theatre program called Vancouver Performing Stars because I loved putting on costumes, pretending to be different characters, and performing for family and friends.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  Winning this scholarship has given me more confidence to continue pursuing acting and performing arts. It encourages me to keep growing as a performer and to take advantage of new opportunities and experiences in the future.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  Seamus has helped me find my voice and grow more confident in my abilities as a performer. He has helped me improve my craft and given me a deeper understanding of acting and storytelling.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  One of my fondest memories at Place des Arts was when we went on our first tour performing at elementary schools. It was an amazing experience to help set everything up and perform for so many different audiences. Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces made me really happy, and I hope we inspired some of them to pursue theatre and the arts themselves.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  Seamus has been a very inspiring role model for me because he has taught me so much and has been an amazing mentor and leader. His guidance and passion for theatre have inspired me to seriously consider acting and stagecraft as a future profession.

Aaravi Adhikari

Junior Place des Arts Scholarships (Music)

Age: 11

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  This actually started with a toy piano my parents bought for me when I was little. They often share that, at the age of one I was very attentive while playing with it. They enrolled me into piano lessons when I was four. I was taught by different teachers and received support from my parents. Overtime, the Piano has taught me more than just music and they are: discipline, consistency, respect and connection. This eventually grew up into my passion.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  After receiving scholarship, I felt my efforts are recognized by Place des Arts. This really motivates me and strengthened my confidence and commitment to continue working towards my goals. I am also inspired for greater opportunities in coming days. Winning this scholarship is really meaningful in many ways, and I am privileged to be a part of Place Des Arts.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  When I started playing the piano, my first teacher was from Saskatchewan who taught me beginner skills and provided me opportunities for recitals to perform in front of large audience. She was very detailed in her teaching and helped me to build basic skills. Regular recital performances and support from her helped during my early year’s success.
  
  My family moved to B.C in 2022. I am very lucky to find another excellent teacher, Noel. Noel is teaching me closely each week and supporting in every level of my progress. As my instructor, I feel very comfortable learning and asking questions with Noel. With the support from both teachers helping me to grow and move to achieve my goals.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  After moving from Saskatchewan, finding a good instructor was a priority for my parents and me. A family friend learned about Place Des Arts and Noel through her customer who recommended to us. In the summer of 2022, I had an observation class with Noel before officially enrolling. After completing of observation class, Noel appreciated my finger positioning and the way I played piano. I still remember that moment as a special day for me at Place Des Arts.
  
  In addition to Piano, I also began taking art classes here and later my little sister joined as well. My family and I are fortunate to be members of Place Des Arts and we feel a deep connection to such a supportive and inspiring arts community.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  I see my parent as my role models. Their constant support and encouragement plays important role to inspire me every day. They truly enjoy listening to me play, and sits beside me every evening while I practice. Because of this I feel encouraged to work hard and give my best in piano.

Alexander Tsang

Junior Place des Arts Scholarships (Music)

Age: 10

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I started playing piano about five years ago. My mom signed me up to take lessons at Place des Arts.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  Winning the scholarship helps me by paying for my lessons. Also, I may get more scholarships later.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My teacher helped me by getting me to do the proper fingering so that I can play better. He also told me to apply for this scholarship!

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  I accidentally skipped an entire line of music during one of the recitals.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My role model is my dad because be practices without someone telling him to.

Alpha Vo

Junior Place des Arts Scholarships (Music)

Age: 10

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I started learning piano when I was 8 years old at Place des Arts. I have been going there every week for more than two years now. At first, I just wanted to learn how to play songs that sounded nice. Now, piano has become part of my everyday life. I practice every day, and piano is the first thing I do in the morning when I wake up. Sometimes practicing is hard, especially when my fingers do not do what I want them to do, but I still like the feeling when I finally get a part right. Piano makes me feel calm and happy, and it is one of my favourite things to do.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  Winning this scholarship makes me feel really happy and thankful. It helps my family pay for my piano lessons at Place des Arts, so I can keep learning with my teacher. It also makes me feel proud, because it tells me that my practice is going somewhere. I want to keep getting better, try my best in exams and festivals, and maybe one day play music that makes other people feel happy too.

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My piano teacher, Ms. Christina, helps me a lot. She is kind, super funny, and she makes lessons feel not scary, even when the music is hard. She encourages me to practice and helps me pass RCM exams and different music festivals. When I make mistakes, she does not make me feel bad. She shows me how to fix them and try again. Because of her, I like piano more, and I feel braver when I play.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  One of my favourite memories at Place des Arts was when Ms. Christina hosted a potluck, and I got to play a duet with her. It was my first time playing together with my teacher in front of many people. I was nervous because everyone was watching, but I also felt excited. When we started playing, it felt like we were a team. After we finished, I felt very proud and thought maybe I could do harder things if I kept practicing. That day made me want to learn more piano.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My role model is my piano teacher, Ms. Christina. She plays piano so beautifully, and when she plays, it looks easy, even though I know it is actually very hard. I want to be as good as her one day.

Angela Yin

General Place des Arts Scholarship (Music)

Age: 12

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
  I started playing piano at the age of 6 with Maria, my old teacher, and loved to play it.

1. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
  While winning the scholarship provides support for me to continue my studies, it’s more about achievement to me. I always strive to be a better musician, but this scholarship shows me how much I’ve already accomplished. Receiving recognition for my musicianship will give me the confidence to continue to play and improve

1. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
  My teacher has helped me achieve my goals by teaching me and correcting me in every lesson which helped me become a better pianist. He has also recommended competitions, and to play in the student recitals, which has improved my stage confidence, to perform even better.

1. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
  I remember when I was 3, I went to my brother’s music lesson with Mr. I, and I was so excited to be with older kids and learn music just like them. I absolutely loved it, and Mr. I inspired me to keep learning music, and start playing the piano, which has now led me here.

1. Who is your role model and why?
  My role model is my mom because she is hardworking and caring, she never stopped believing in me even when I didn’t do my best in competitions. She also encourages us to be our best selves every day. One day I hope to be like her.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients!

View past recipients below!