Tom Hodgson, past-president of the Durham Region Concert Association, speaks to students and guests at an event held on campus to announce the concert association’s donation of $20,000 toward a bursary for students enrolled in the Music Business Administration and Music Business Management programs.

September 30, 2010

Durham College welcomed members of the Durham Region Concert Association to its Oshawa campus on September 30 along with professors, program co-ordinators, students and members of the college’s academic team as the concert association proudly announced a $20,000 donation to the college.

The donation will be used to develop the Durham Region Concert Association Bursary which will be awarded annually to students who are enrolled in the Music Business Administration or Music Business Management programs who achieve an academic standard and have a demonstrated financial need. Both programs are housed under the college’s School of Media, Art & Design.

The concert association’s contribution of $10,000 meets the criteria necessary to qualify for the Government of Ontario’s matching program, the Ontario Trust for Student Support, to create a total endowment of $20,000.

“The Durham Region Concert Association is thrilled to provide this donation to Durham College’s music business students,” said Rick Kerr, president of the Durham Region Concert Association and a Durham College professor. “By supporting these students and their pursuit of meaningful careers in the entertainment field, we continue to embrace Durham Region’s strong musical heritage, a legacy we have been honoured to be a part of for more than 40 years.”

The two-year Music Business Administration and three-year Music Business Management programs prepare students to manage the business aspect of the music industry with graduates going on to potential careers in the music industry. Potential opportunities include artist management; working with booking and talent agencies, marketing and promotions firms and record labels; music publishing; and intellectual property rights management.

“On behalf of everyone at Durham College, I extend my warmest thanks to the Durham Region Concert Association for its significant financial support,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president of Academic, Durham College. “This financial award will help students avoid what can be unfair barriers to their education because of their financial circumstances and give them the support required to pursue their education in a field they are both passionate and determined about.”

Students interested in learning more about the bursary, should contact the college’s Financial Aid and Awards office at 905.721.2000 ext. 3036 or visit www.durhamcollege.ca/EN/main/financial_info/scholarships_bursaries.php.