Kwantlen Polytechnic University has awarded the largest music scholarship it has ever offered to a voice student from Surrey.

The Katherine Cummings Award, valued at approximately $5,000, will be awarded each year to a student either entering or currently enrolled in Kwantlen鈥檚 music diploma program.

The first recipient is Surrey resident Jonathan Michel, who has just completed his first year as a voice major in the diploma program.

Although originally pursuing a career in public relations, Michel could not suppress his love of music, and decided to enroll in a music program.

He has an extensive background as both a singer and an instrumentalist, and he plans to become a teacher.

鈥淭his will be a very valuable scholarship for a student studying musical performance at Kwantlen,鈥�  said Dr. Zdenek Skoumal, chairman of Kwantlen鈥檚 music department, which is located at its 91原创 campus.

鈥淭o a deserving student this award brings both encouragement and the opportunity to focus entirely on their studies.鈥�

Kwantlen offers a variety of music courses at its 91原创 campus, integrating theoretical, historical, and performance studies, and more than $1 million dollars in scholarships and awards.