Student to perform alongside legend
THE power of music has had a profound impact on Jessica Berwick’s life.
Having been singing for as long as she could remember, the USQ Creative Arts student has turned her childhood passion into a career and now dedicates most her time sharing her love of music with others as a singer and vocal tutor.
“Music has always been there for me and I am incredibly lucky I get to share what I love most with the community and the people closest to me,” said the 26-year-old vocalist who also plays piano and guitar.
“As long as I can continue to feed my hunger for vocal knowledge, practice it every day, and mentor others to achieve whatever musical greatness they desire, I will be happy.”
Later this month, Miss Berwick, who is originally from Dalby, will lend her considerable talent as a backup singer for Australian music legend Wendy Matthews as part of the Little Village Sessions.
The Little Village Sessions is a concert series produced by USQ Music lecturers Bruce Woodward and Mark Sholtez which pairs high-profile musicians with the lecturers and students of USQ’s Music program in a one-off concert.
“I am very excited to play alongside such a renowned singer-songwriter like Wendy Matthews,” Miss Berwick said.
“Opportunities like this don’t come along very often, and I am eager to learn as much as I can from such a respected musician.”
Nearing the end of her Bachelor of Creative Arts degree, Miss Berwick said the USQ program had given her the chance to pursue her passion and hone her craft, while also learning from leading industry professionals.
“I love to sing, but I wanted to learn everything I could about my voice and develop it to the best it could be,” she said.
“The Music course has helped develop my skills and abilities across all areas of music, as well as creating career ideas and opportunities particular to them.
“I am incredibly fortunate I get to learn from musicians and mentors such as Bruce Woodward, Mark Sholtez, Helen Russell, Melissa Forbes and Alison Riethmuller.”
The Little Village Sessions featuring Wendy Matthews will be held at the USQ Arts Theatre on September 27.
For event details, visit artsworx.usq.edu.au.