Amy Ellks

Fulbright Visual and Performing Arts Scholar sponsored by Anthony Joseph Pratt

Media Profile

“To reside in the bustlingly musical melting pot that is New York City, would be to absorb a complete and multifaceted musical education like no other. I consider the environment and atmosphere of a place to be particularly relevant to the development of artistic individuality, particularly in the case of musicians.’

Amy Ellks has won the 2007 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship in Visual and Performing Arts sponsored by Anthony Joseph Pratt. Established in 1996 by the Pratt Foundation, the Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship in Visual and Performing Arts is one of few international Fulbright Scholarships for visual and performing artists.

Amy, 20, is a graduate from the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide. Her Fulbright Scholarship will allow her to pursue either an Artist Diploma or a Masters Degree in Music Performance, majoring in classical flute at one of the three world-class music institutions in New York City.

“I want to study in the United Stated because it provides the ideal atmosphere for a person of my musical ambition to grow and develop the deeply ingrained knowledge that a professional musician requires. New York City is a culturally vibrant and stimulating city and I believe studying music there would be an ideal situation for any artistic development.”

Amy is an accomplished performer and has performed solo recitals for Recitals Australia, as well as featuring as a concert soloist in the Elder Conservatorium concert series. In 2004 she was awarded the prestigious David Cubbin flute prize and received a scholarship to the Kennedy Centre Summer Music Institute in 2006.

Amy believes the U.S. will offer countless opportunities to work with professional musicians, in workshop and performance settings, and would allow her to develop the skills required for a successful music career.

“My participation in international competitions and well-received performances would elevate the awareness and status of classical music in Australia. On my return, I aspire to take up a position with one of the major Australian Symphony orchestras, and from this position of leadership I would be able to affect a positive influence on my colleagues and my students. The exchange of musical ideas and philosophies that is sure to take place during my time away would provide both Australia and America with an enriched sense of musical possibility.