By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

OU music students Sara Young and Daniel Walshaw have been selected as the 2005 Stanley Hollingsworth European Study Award winners, which gives them the opportunity to study music in Europe this summer.

Professor of Composition Stanley Hollingsworth died last year leaving behind the chance for OU music students to go to Europe for a summer study program at a music school of their choice.  Hollingsworth believed a similar experience early in his career changed his life.

Young, a sophomore piano performance major, will attend the Prague International Piano Masterclasses in the Czech Republic from July 14-25. She is pursuing a career as a solo performer or piano accompanist for a university and is looking forward to the feedback from international faculty and exposure the experience will provide.

“At Oakland, as at any school, it’s easy to get sucked in and feel like you are in a bubble. It will be nice to get out and see what other people are doing,” Young said.

Walshaw, a junior music composition major, will study at the 15^th Annual International Workshop for Conductors in Zlin, Czech Republic, Aug. 3-19. He intends to pursue graduate studies in orchestral conducting and the workshop will provide him with the opportunity to prepare for graduate school.

“This will give me a head start on being in front of ensembles, get videotapes ready for graduate school and get feedback from international conductors,” Walshaw said.

It’s important for students to have the opportunity to study some place other than the United States and this award gives them the chance, said John Paul White, professor of music. This year’s award was more formal than those given in the past, as it was the first since Hollingworth’s death.

To receive the award, applicants must be full-time OU music majors with a 3.0 GPA and at least 60 credits of classes completed. The students also must submit a detailed study plan, cost summary, reasons why they would benefit from the opportunity and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

For more information on the Stanley Hollingsworth European Study Award, contact the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at (248) 370-2030 or mtd@oakland.edu.