A quartet of outstanding Otago students is eagerly anticipating the chance to kickstart their music careers, after being selected as next year's SIX60 scholarship recipients.
Established in 2021 by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and SIX60, one of New Zealand's most successful bands, the scholarships include a $10,000 rent rebate, as well as mentoring from the band and access to the University's recording studios.
Successful 2025 recipients Emilie Murphy, Ben McMorran, Jamie Hall and Casey Jowsey will live together in SIX60's iconic Castle Street property that the band purchased in 2021.
For Emilie, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts and Science majoring in Music and Chemistry, the scholarship is a once in a lifetime chance.
"I'd been looking at this scholarship before I even came to university, so to hear that I had won the scholarship was incredible," she says.
"The opportunity to learn alongside three incredible musicians and to work with the band is a dream come true."
The vocalist has been playing guitar and piano since about the age of five, and has so far released music on Spotify with other musicians.
"This scholarship to me feels like an open door into the music industry and I can't wait to see where it leads me."
Fellow recipient Casey Jowsey, a first year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Music with a minor in Theatre Studies, says he was in "complete shock and full of emotional happiness" when he got the news,
"I almost thought it was a dream," he says.
Jamie Hall, who is studying towards an Arts and Commerce degree, majoring in Music and Marketing, says he's very grateful for the scholarship.
"I was in shock when I got the call and just spent the rest of the day with a massive grin on my face," he says.
"I'm also really proud to be the first drummer to get this scholarship."
Ben McMorran, completing a Bachelor of Arts and Science majoring in Pharmacology and Information Science, says he was "stoked" to get the call from the Scholarships Office.
SIX60 lead guitarist Ji Fraser says the band is really excited to work with this group of students.
"The last couple of years we've been lucky enough to mentor some incredible and inspiring scholarship recipients, and we expect another great year."
Deputy-Vice-Chancellor External Engagement Professor Jessica Palmer congratulates the recipients on their success.
"The University is excited that a new group of young people gets to experience this very unique scholarship that only Otago can offer.
"We look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes them."
