25th March 2019
Year 8 Girton Grammar student Augustine Leung has received a prestigious Associate in Music, Australia Diploma (AMusA), an accomplishment that even the likes of Mozart and Beethoven would applaud.
The AMusA is awarded by examination to outstanding candidates of musical performance and music theory, by the Australian Music Examinations Board. It is equivalent to achieving an undergraduate tertiary qualification in music and is only obtained after successfully completing ten levels of practical and theoretical examinations.
Achieving an AMusA is a significant accomplishment for musicians of any age and at only thirteen, Augustine’s experience is vast for his age.
“I started my musical journey at the age of three. My earliest memory of playing music involves a Christmas present from my parents that played national anthems from around the world. I used it to learn those melodies on the piano.
“During my Junior School years, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to watch the Forever Young Rock Choir practice with the Girton orchestra and to play some piano for them during their tea breaks. Their passion, devotion, and love of music is inspiring and made me realise that there are no boundaries in music,” Augustine said.
Augustine’s musical influences are varied, and he says gaining knowledge and understanding from other passionate musicians, takes his music to another level.
“I have been given a lot of performance opportunities at Girton, particularly by piano teacher Mrs. Higgs and Music teacher Mrs. Dusseljee. Both are accomplished and inspiring musicians in their own rights, and I am just so blessed to have them as mentors,” he said.
Augustine says music will always have a place in his life. He is looking forward to attending the Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony in Melbourne in early 2019, which recognizes the achievements of outstanding young musicians.
“I will definitely continue to explore the world of music; build up repertoires, investigate different genres, refine my skills, and most importantly develop my passion.
“I am a firm believer in Frank Lloyd Wright’s words that talent is good, practice is better, passion is the best,” he said.
Pictured: Augustine at the AMEB Conferring of Diplomas ceremony at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, with Professor Ian Holtham.
