University of Lethbridge Digital Audio Arts student Kieirian Turner working on his assignment for class on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

As the volume dial turns up on the audio board, a one-of-a-kind melody pierces the ears of the audience.

This is an everyday occurrence for Digital Audio Arts (DAA) student Kierian Turner.

Turner has been at the University of Lethbridge for four years now and is going into his final year of the program.

Since a kid, Turner has always been interested in music and wished to someday be a famous artist. Turner said that music has helped him get through some rough times in his life and believes it’s his turn to give back to the music industry.

Over the last four years of university, he has managed to make a name for himself in the music business. Turner has worked on a few music events through the university as well. He was in charge of planning the Fresh Fest festival, as well as a classic hits concert the past summer.

Halfway through Turner’s summer, he was approached by his instructor Amandine Pras and was offered a one-of-a-kind scholarship.

The MusiCounts Scholarship was launched in 2018 and is awarded annually to six senior post-secondary music students. The scholarship was designed to help boost and launch the careers of these students through a $4,000 grant, as well as a week-long intensive mentorship program.

MusiCounts is a company that has been a leader in music education and is in association with the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts’ mission is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to the power of music education. The company offers a few different rewards, from student scholarships to teacher of the year awards.

Turner will be heading to Toronto in October for his week-long mentorship and said he is excited for what this opportunity will do for his career.

“I’m hoping I can make some lifelong connections who I can collaborate with in the future, both through the cohort of students and industry professionals,” said Turner.

Turner followed this up by stating that with graduating this year, he is looking forward to exploring possible career opportunities.

He has managed to maintain a high GPA over the four years and is said to have excelled both in and outside of class according to his instructors.

Amandine Pras, instructor in the DAA program said it was an easy decision to nominate Turner for this scholarship.

“Kieran’s very high GPA, multidisciplinary achievements and leadership experience make him the ideal candidate for this significant scholarship program,” Pras said. “The MusiCounts Scholarship will offer a highly valuable opportunity as he continues his education and pursues a career in the music industry.”

Following the week-long scholarship, Tuner is looking to finish his schooling and move on to the next chapter of his education.

A secondary degree in management is in the sights of the music artist along with the potential for pursuing his master’s in business administration.