The Leslie Barklamb Scholarship is the Victorian Flute Guild’s premier annual award, named in honour of renowned flautist and educator Leslie Barklamb, founder of the Victorian Flute Guild. ln her centenary tribute to Leslie Barklamb, past President of the Guild Mary Sheargold, refers to him as the “father of the flute in Australia.”
Established in 1973, the scholarship was created to encourage and support the next generation of talented flautists. It offers a platform for young players to perform in a formal setting, receive feedback from experienced adjudicators, and compete for recognition across a range of age groups and abilities. Application is via a form posted on the Guild website and in The Flautist magazine.
Structure of the Scholarship
The scholarship is open to young flute players from across Victoria, with multiple categories based on age and experience. Sections include:
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11 Years and Under
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13 Years and Under
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15 Years and Under (The Margaret Brooke Award)
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VCE/IB Section
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Intermediate Section 18 Years and Under (The Nariida Coleman Award)
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Senior Section 25 Years and Under (The Leslie Barklamb Scholarship)
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The scholarship process is held in two stages:
Preliminary Rounds
Held in late August, the preliminary rounds are where all candidates first perform. These auditions determine:
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Winners of the junior sections (11, 13, and 15 years and under) and the VCE/IB section
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Finalists for the Intermediate and Senior sections.
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Performances are adjudicated by leading Australian flautists and educators.
Finals Concert
The Finals Concert takes place in early September. It features:
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Performances by junior section winners, showcasing their chosen works and the set piece for the following year’s competition, and
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Live competition between the finalists of the senior sections.
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The concert is a celebration of excellence and musical growth, with the scholarship awards presented at its conclusion.
Upcoming Leslie Barklamb Scholarship Events
53rd Annual Scholarship – Preliminary Rounds
53rd Annual Scholarship – Finals Concert
Recent Leslie Barklamb Scholarship Results
2025 Scholarship Winners
2024 Scholarship Winners