Robert Dalley-Scarlett Prize

The Robert Dalley-Scarlett Prize is awarded annually to postgraduate students at the University of Queensland who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence in music performance studies. The prize recognizes the top-performing student in specific advanced performance courses (MUSC7250 Performance Studies 9 or MUSC7260 Performance Studies 10) with a minimum grade of 7. The prize provides monetary value equal to the annual income from an endowed fund established in 1962 as a memorial to Dr Robert Dalley-Scarlett, a renowned Australian musician, organist, and music critic. Dr Robert Dalley-Scarlett (1887-1959) was an influential figure in Australian music history. He became one of the youngest Cathedral organists of his time when appointed to Grafton Cathedral at age 25, and later served as Director of the Queensland University Choral Society from 1920 to 1930. He organized the southern hemisphere's first Bach Festival and founded the Brisbane Bach and Handel Societies. The prize was established through generous donations from Mrs Dalley-Scarlett and public subscription, with the original fund of approximately $7,400 being augmented by additional gifts totaling $12,600 over subsequent years. Students are automatically considered for this award based on their academic performance in the eligible courses, requiring no separate application. Two prizes are awarded each year.