On her 75th birthday, Marnie Carter received a surprise gift: her family and friends had gathered together to establish a music scholarship in her name.
As a vocal coach, pianist and singer, Carter understands the value of supporting students in pursuit of music education.
“When you think about all those people out there who are struggling to repay student loans, it’s sobering,” says Carter, who actively contributes to the scholarship.
Established in 2011, the Marnie Carter Scholarship in Music is awarded to students studying piano, collaborative piano, composition or music education. Carter was particularly moved by a conversation with Cameron Golinsky (BMus’13) who received the award during his final year at UBC.
“Cameron told me that he couldn’t have taken his last course if it hadn’t been for the award,” says Carter. “Every gift makes a difference and I’m honoured that my family and friends helped to create this award.
”Carter, a successful business owner, has been an inspirational force in the Vancouver music community since 1963. She is a council member of the Canadian Music Centre BC Region, a trustee of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Foundation, an advisory board member of the Vancouver International Song Institute, and a singer in EnChor, a vocal ensemble founded by the late Diane Loomer (BMus’82, DLitt’11).
“As a musician, I’m passionate about the art form,” says Carter, who sees the need to support the next generation of artists. “I’m very proud of the scholarship because I think it can help these wonderfully talented, young musicians.”
