TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2010 − York University’s Department of Music is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the Oscar Peterson Entrance Scholarship, a major new scholarship program endowed by the Ontario government to commemorate legendary Canadian jazz musician Oscar Peterson.
Young jazz saxophonist Eric Miller is receiving the prestigious entrance award, valued at $40,000 over four years.
“After hours of deliberation and careful review, Eric’s application ascended to the surface as the most deserving one,” said Professor Ron Westray, who holds the Oscar Peterson Chair in Jazz Performance in York’s Department of Music and who chaired the scholarship selection committee. “My colleague [Juno Award-winning saxophonist] Mike Murley confirmed Eric’s remarkable talent and potential on the sax. Eric’s case for financial support was also very compelling.”
Miller had already set his sights on studying jazz at York when he found out about the scholarship. Shortly before he was notified about the funding opportunity, his family was struck by a double blow: his father both lost his job and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the space of a week.
“I was so excited when I found out I was selected for the scholarship,” Miller said. “It’s been a huge relief for me and my family. Without this award, I would likely have had to defer my studies yet another year.”
Miller had taken a break from school to work some odd jobs and do travel in China and North America. Upon his return, he was forced to take another year off studies after an accident that left him unable to practice his instrument for several months.
“I was horsing around with a younger brother and fell off a playground climber, losing several teeth and breaking my wrist,” Miller said. “But while it was a disappointing setback, I think the last two years really gave me a lot of experience and time to just grow up. It’s so true that growth comes through challenge. While this period of my life has been very arduous, it’s left me feeling really calm and sure that music is what I want to do.”
Miller has been playing sax since grade seven and started private lessons to complement his music studies in high school. He credits his instructor, Dave Neill, for turning him onto jazz and counts a host of musical influences, ranging from Sony Rollins, Stan Getz and Charlie Parker to Michael Brecker and Chris Potter.
“I also listen to Oscar Peterson’s music a lot and got to see him play live once too,” said Miller. “The day he died, I put every Peterson CD I owned into the stereo and my whole family listened to them on shuffle for at least 12 hours. He’s such an important Canadian icon and my love for his music makes this scholarship extra special for me.”
Miller is very excited to continue learning about jazz, and do so in a university setting.
“I can’t wait to study with Mike Murley. I own about a dozen of his CDs. And I’ve heard that York’s program gives you space to pursue your own music passions. It’s a huge opportunity for me.”
Miller plans to audition and play in every ensemble he can get into, from the York University Jazz Orchestra to small jazz combos.
“Music is an integral part of my life and I’m going to play as much as I can,” he said.
The Oscar Peterson Entrance Scholarship provides Miller with $10,000 for his first year of study at York. If he keeps his marks up, the scholarship may be renewed for three additional years.
In addition to the entrance scholarship, three in-course Oscar Peterson Scholarships valued at $10,000 each will be offered this fall to students currently enrolled in York’s music program.
To be eligible for these scholarships, candidates must demonstrate exceptional musical ability (especially in the field of jazz performance) and must be facing social, economic or personal barriers that could inhibit their ability to pursue a university degree. Applicants must be Ontario residents and hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or protected person status.
The Oscar Peterson Scholarships are supported by a $1-million endowment from the Government of Ontario. Westray’s position as Oscar Peterson Chair at York was created by an additional $4-million endowment from the provincial government.
More Information:
York University launches Oscar Peterson Scholarships (March 08, 2010)
As an adjunct professor in York’s Department of Music from 1984 to the late 1990s, Peterson gave workshops and established several student awards in the jazz program. The recipient of an honorary degree from York in 1982, Peterson was installed as the university’s eighth chancellor in September 1991, serving with great distinction until February 1994. He was made an honorary governor of York the following year. The internationally celebrated jazz pianist and composer died at his Mississauga home in December 2007 at the age of 82.
As a performer, Westray is best known for his work as lead trombonist with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra directed by Wynton Marsalis and his collaborations with Wycliffe Gordon. He has appeared in concert with such luminaries as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Benny Carter, Dewey Redman, Roy Haynes, Randy Brecker and a host of other pre-eminent artists. Westray teaches performance, composition, history and theory in York’s renowned jazz program, and co-directs the York University Jazz Orchestra with Al Henderson.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
-30-
Media contact:
Amy Stewart, Communications, Faculty of Fine Arts, York University
416-650-8469 | amy.stewart@yorku.ca
