In 2021, TDP celebrated turning 30 and being home to over 300 graduates who have gone on to pursue inspiring careers in the music industry. The TDP program has seen more than 65% of graduates over the last 30 years sustaining careers in music and the performing arts. Over the last 15 years it is closer to 80%. This is an extraordinary statistic and in no uncertain terms supports the rationale for the existence of the TDP.
This year, TDP offered the Mary Lopez Scholarship for the very first time. This $10,000 scholarship is named in honour of Mary Lopez AM who co-founded the TDP in 1991 and created the unique TDP Training Program. Mary was the TDP’s Artistic Director until her retirement in 2018 and she has been instrumental in the nurturing, development and showcasing of Australian talent over a career spanning fifty years. Mary created the Schools Spectacular in 1984, which was the inspiration for the formation of the TDP in 1991.
It is intended that this scholarship will provide an opportunity for the career enhancement of a musician/performer who can demonstrate serious long-term commitment to their work, and who needs such assistance to take the important next steps in their career development. In 2021, it was decided that this scholarship be awarded to not one but three outstanding TDP graduates; Imogen Clark, Nicholas Gentile and Chris Rose.
