Third-year student named Songwriter of the Year

School of Music 3rd-year student Earl Ho has won The University of Auckland Songwriter of the Year.

Earl, who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music conjoint degree at the University, was judged the best amongst the six talented finalists at the Grand Final concert, held at the Maidment Theatre on 29 September.

Earl was also awarded some great prizes courtesy of MusicWorks, KiwiFM, the New Zealand Association of Music Producers (NZAMP) and Roundhead Studios.

"The final was such a fantastic night, with so much talent on show. I'm really stoked about the win and it will be a memory that I will cherish until the end of time," says Earl, who lives in Papakura.

Describing himself more as an entertainer than a singer-songwriter, Earl admits he has come a long way since performing Nesian Mystic songs at his high school’s lunchtime talent quests. He says he wants “people to smile and laugh rather than clap and cheer” and he uses music to “make the world a better place”.

In addition to original performances by the six finalists, the concert also featured guest appearances by the winners of the Songwriter of the Year: Schools Competition, which was held in June this year. Talented young musicians Evean Hunt (Otahuhu College, Auckland) and Emmeline Lee (Botany Downs Secondary College, Auckland) each performed a set of their original songs.

“The School of Music’s Songwriter of the Year competition sets new standards for New Zealand’s emerging singers and songwriters. The event clearly reflects the vital role the University plays in honing our students’ musical skills,” says Head of School, Professor Robert Constable.

For more information visit www.creative.auckland.ac.nz

The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (NICAI) comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.