HALE School graduate Peter Havlat (18) has accepted a prestigious music scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London, making him the only 2016 WACE graduate to achieve the honour.
After earning 100 per cent for the practical component of his ATAR Music exam and receiving a Subject Certificate of Excellence for Music, Peter auditioned and was offered places at several universities.
These included the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama London, Royal School of Music London and, of course, Royal Academy of Music, where he accepted a position on scholarship.
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READ NOW“The biggest scholarship I was offered was at the Royal Academy, so I have taken that,” Peter said.
“I really wanted to study in London as obviously the music programs there are world class and there are so many opportunities.
“Also, I am an English citizen as I was born there and my older brother studies piano at the Royal Academy too.”
Music is certainly in Peter’s blood.
His mother taught him, his two brothers and sister piano as young children, and he has also been learning the flute since he was seven.
His younger brother Eddie plays violin and drums, and is Hale’s Vice Captain of Music this year.
Peter was Hale’s Music Captain last year and immersed himself in as many music opportunities as possible as a member of several ensembles, including Hale’s Senior Concert Band, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Woodwind Quintet, Hale St Mary’s Concert Band and Hale St Mary’s Cantate.
He was also a member of the School 2014 Music Tour to Vienna and has achieved a Diploma of Australian Music Examinations Board Associate in Music, as well as a Diploma of Licentiate in Music.
Peter plans to head to London mid-year to commence his studies in September, although he still needs to find funding for the remainder of his tuition as well as living expenses.
His undergraduate degree will take four years and he would consider extending that to take on a Masters degree.
Ultimately, Peter hopes to play in one of the world’s top orchestras and perhaps pursue a solo career.