Scholarships
“To promote the intelligent study of music”
Beginning with our first Scholarship in 1940 (The Ellen Ambrose Memorial Scholarship), the Duet Club’s awards music scholarships to promising young music students in the greater Hamilton area.
Scholarships are made possible through generous donations from the public and Duet Club members, sponsorships, and fundraising activities.
In addition to our Annual Scholarship Winners’ Concert, over the years we have asked previous winners to return as soloists at our other concerts. Some have even returned to give concerts of their own!
“Thank you so much for your Eleanor Russom Memorial Scholarship for cello. This scholarship is so generous and kind-hearted. The scholarship is also very encouraging and it will motivate me to work harder. I will use it for my new cello in the coming year. I am very excited about it!”
Ryan Yin (2023 Winner)
Information for Students/Teachers/Mentors
Our organ scholarships are awarded directly by the Duet Club with applications available February 1st of each year on this website.
For information about the Hamilton Music Festival and the application process for all other scholarships listed below, please visit the Hamilton Music Festival site.
Our scholarships range from $250 to $1000.
“I am absolutely honoured to have received the Duet Club Scholarship for Post Secondary Music Theatre. Thank you for supporting so many talented young performers at the Hamilton Music Festival. The money awarded…will help me to continue my formal training in theatre as well as classical voice.”
Brooke Vandervelde (2023 Winner)
Duet Club Program Scholarships
Ellen Ambrose is founder of the Duet Club and the first President from 1889 - 1901 and again from 1903 - 1915.
The Ellen Ambrose Memorial Scholarship was established in 1940 and is funded by the Duet Club.
For many years this scholarship was given to a promising piano or vocal student, and is presently given to a Level 10 Piano student.
Helen Livingston was a well-loved piano and voice teacher and member of the Duet Club Chorus.
Marion Fair was a lover of music and a dedicated member of the Duet Club and it’s Women’s Chorus. Her five children studied piano with Ms. Livingston.
The Livingston/Fair Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by Marion’s daughter, Marilyn Fair Collins.
This scholarship is awarded to a music student of any discipline living in the greater Hamilton area who has shown exceptional promise and excellent audience rapport.
Margaret Davis has been an integral member of the Duet Club and Chorus since 1967, serving as President from 1989-1991 and member of the Executive for many years. She is now the Honorary President.
As a pianist herself, she has always been interested in sponsoring a Level 8 piano scholarship.
This scholarship, funded by the Duet Club, is awarded to a student showing excellence and living or taking music instruction in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
This scholarship, funded by the Duet Club, is awarded to a student showing excellence in Music Theater and living in Hamilton or the surrounding area.
The Flora Carey Everett Memorial Scholarship was established for voice in 1998 by her family in memory of their mother, who passed away in 1997.
Mrs. Everett was a well-known teacher of voice and piano in Hamilton, Waterdown, and Burlington. She accompanied the Duet Club Chorus for many years and was President from 1960-1962.
This scholarship is given to a student attaining highest mark in Level X voice, List A,B and C (current RCM or CC syllabus) classes and living in Hamilton or the surrounding area.
Maresa Foden was a valued member of the Duet Club Executive and sang in the Soprano section of the Women’s Chorus for many years.
The Maresa Foden Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018. The Foden Family, Patricia, John and Christopher, continue to fund this scholarship in memory of their Mother.
It is awarded to a student with the Most Promising Voice, ages 12-16 years.
The Joan Heels Vocal Scholarships were established in 2014.
Dr. Joan Heels is a distinguished Hamilton Vocal and Piano Teacher, Examiner and Adjudicator. Her specialty is to prepare students for the RCM (singing) Examinations, musical festivals and auditions.
Dr. Heels also teaches vocal production to jazz, pop, and musical theatre performers and church choir soloists and choristers.
The Joan Heels 3 scholarships are given to a
Level, IX, X or ARCT Voice Student, of any age, Level VII or VIII voice student and Level V or VI voice student who show excellence in voice and are living in Hamilton or surrounding area.
Auldeen Montoux has been a valued member of the Duet Club and its chorus for many years.
Her scholarship was established in 2021 from donations given upon her retirement as an active church organist from her latest church for 38 years.
This scholarship is to encourage the study of the organ for talented young organ students.
Rhena McIlroy was a dedicated member of the Duet Club and Hamilton music scene for many years. This scholarship is presented in her memory to a local choir to promote excellence in choral work. The winning choir is asked to be part of the Duet Club’s Spring Concert each year.
The Rhena McIlroy Memorial Choral Scholarship was established in 1991 and is funded by the Duet Club.
Tne Eleanor (Betty) Russom Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022.
Betty Russom, a dedicated member of the DC, loved music.
She had a lovely singing voice and shared that talent in various ways for over 60 years. This cello scholarship is awarded in her memory and given by her son, Mark Russom.
