Photo submitted by Mike Wesson
Dr. William Green, dean of the Lee University School of Music, congratulates Matthew Wilkinson on his receiving the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award at Lee.
This grant is awarded annually in agreement with stipulations set by The Presser Foundation, established by music publisher Theodore Presser to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in music performance.
Wilkinson, a rising senior at Lee pursuing a bachelor of music in piano performance, was selected for this award by the School of Music dean and faculty based on his excellence in music performance and outstanding musical accomplishments as a student.
As a recipient, he will be designated a “Presser Scholar” and will receive a cash award of $4,800.
Wilkinson is from Mebane, N.C., and currently studies piano with Lee University assistant professor and accomplished pianist Ning An. Wilkinson was the second-prize winner at the Zelpha Wells Piano Competition at Stillman College in 2011, has performed in Lee’s Honor Recital for the past three years, and has participated in master classes with renowned pianists Jon Nakamatsu, Russell Sherman, and Burkhard Schliessman.
Wilkinson has also studied accompaniment and technique with Dr. Gloria Chien, an associate professor at Lee, and has distinguished himself as a much sought after accompanist.
He collaborates frequently with a wide variety of students, faculty and ensembles for recitals, lessons, and performances and served as accompanist for the Lee University Chorale 2011 Summer Tour of Ireland. Other musical involvements at the university include Lee University’s Jazz Ensemble, Choral Union and Symphony Orchestra.
Recently, Wilkinson broadened his skills to the organ and currently serves as organist for the New Hope Presbyterian Church. He has scheduled an organ recital performance this fall in the Lee University Chapel.
Presser Undergraduate Scholar Awards are distributed to a number of accredited institutions throughout America. Past recipients at Lee University include Lamprini Lindeman (2011), Christopher Oglesby (2010), Sabbath Ward (2009), Rachael Skidmore (2008), Michael Land (2007), Brooke Upton (2006), Troy Strand (2005), Rachel Ogle Laney (2004), Amy Shallenberger (2003), Brian Shaw (2002), RaeAnna Hooper (2001), and Jeffrey Jewsome (2000).
