Scholarships

The TDP Mary Lopez 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 $10,000 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.

TDP alumni who graduated between 2009 and 2018, who already have proven success in their musical field and who show potential for greater career longevity, are invited to apply for this scholarship.

The TDP Greg Prior Scholarship is offered in honour of Greg Prior, the late director and Deputy Chair on the TDP Board. Greg served on the TDP Board from 2015 until 2022 and supported the TDP model with great passion, commitment and distinction.  Greg was also a former NSW Department of Education Deputy Secretary and was a strong leader and advocate for public education.

This $7,000 scholarship is open to TDP graduates from the years 2019 – 2023 to help advance their musical ambitions in their early years after graduation.

The TDP Jacob Neale scholarship has been introduced in 2024 to honour the name, memory and legacy of Jacob Neale. This annual scholarship, valued at $5,000, has been made possible by Nicholas Gentile and The YOUniverse, and will be awarded to a graduate of the TDP who demonstrates outstanding aptitude as a music director of a band / orchestra, arranger, producer or multi-instrumentalist. Jacob Neale graduated from the TDP in 2012 and was the TDP Musical Director from 2017-2022. Jacob Neale has played a pivotal role in the lives of many young Australian musicians but sadly passed away at the age of 30 from brain cancer in 2023. All TDP alumni who have graduated since 2012 and meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.