MRFM Scholarship Program
2026 Murray River Fine Music Scholars
These talented students are studying with Helena Kernaghan (piano), Kaori Sparks (violin) and Lauren Schmutter (voice)
Our scholars and their teachers will be featured in a concert on
Sunday 24th May, 2pm at the Wodonga Senior Secondary College Performing Arts Centre.
Laylah Baines, 2026 MRFM Scholar
Laylah Baines is a young singer-songwriter. For the past few years Laylah has shared her soulful music at numerous venues and events across the region.
Her unique blend of country/folk and heartfelt songwriting transcends beyond her years, leaving audiences with insightful and powerful stories through enriching melodies.
Laylah is currently taking lessons with local singer and vocal teacher Lauren Schmutter.
Kaitlyn Ferrer, 2026 MRFM Scholar
Kaitlyn Ferrer is a young musician who began violin lessons at the age of 7 and has continued to develop her skills and love for music under the guidance of local violinist and teacher Kaori Sparks.
Kaitlyn is expanding her musical abilities, studying piano with Grace Kernaghan. Her dedication to both instruments reflects her commitment to broadening her musicianship and artistic expression.
Kaitlyn is an active member of the Albury Wodonga Symphony Orchestra, where she gains valuable experience and contributes to performances within the community. She has also participated in the Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod and in 2025 her awards included the Best All-Round Professional Performance (Strings) and Overall Age Champion (Under 12 Strings). Kaitlyn continues to pursue excellence in her musical studies, with upcoming AMEB examinations in Piano (Grade 6) and Violin (Grade 8).
Fela Gilbert, 2026 MRFM Scholar
Fela has been playing piano since the age of five and is currently preparing for the AMEB Grade 4 examination, along with Grade 3 theory. He loves performing, especially at the Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod where he’s earned many medals, and at the Regional Victorian Music Teachers Association competition (in North-East Victoria), where in 2024 he placed second in his age group and in 2025, first in his age group.
When he’s not competing in piano competitions, you might spot him busking at local markets, happily sharing his music (and a chat) with anyone who stops by. He also enjoys festivals like Rosewood where he explores different instruments, and the Border Music Camp, where he plays his newer second instrument—the tenor saxophone.
Outside of music, Fela is an avid Warhammer fan. He spends time building and painting characters, then putting them to use in games with fellow enthusiasts at the local store.
William Paffen, 2026 MRFM Scholar
Whether it’s tinkering on a guitar or tackling orchestral scores, music plays a huge role in Billy’s life. At 16 years old, he has already played the piano for a decade, first discovering his love for music through local Musikids and keyboard lessons with Kathryn Pyle.
For the last four years he has studied under Helena Kernaghan, who has helped refine his technique and artistic expression. Billy enjoys the challenge of playing solo classical piano, especially emotive romantic pieces, and for him daily piano practice is an escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. He also loves making music with others, playing the cello in the Albury Wodonga Symphony Orchestra.
Billy has been a recipient of the MRFM scholarship for the last four years and is currently working towards his AMEB Certificate of Performance. Notable achievements include:
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Geoffrey McFerran Regional Piano Competition age champion (2024, 2025)
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Winner of the Piano Championship, Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod (2025)
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Age aggregate and “Most Promising Pianist” awards, Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod (2024, 2025)
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First prize in three sections at the Wangaratta Eisteddfod (2024)
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AMEB Grade 8 Comprehensive Piano Exam (2025)
Previous Murray River Fine Music Scholars
William Paffen 2024-2025
Billy gave exceptional performances at the 2024 Albury Eisteddfod, collecting two gold medals and one bronze, we well as the age aggregate award for under 14s, a prize for the highest mark of the eisteddfod for his performance of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune' and the Archie Kirkwood Encouragement Award for the most talented pianist aged 16 and under.
"This scholarship has been a huge boost for me and I’m very grateful for it. It’s given me the chance to keep growing as a musician — learning, performing, and challenging myself. I know I wouldn’t be on this path without the support of Helena Kernaghan, my family, and the Murray River Fine Music scholarship."
Bianca Wijerathne 2025
Bianca has been studying piano with our artistic director Helena Kernaghan since 2022.Recent achievements include first place for Own Choice Solo (grade 6 and above) at the 2024 Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod; first place for Own Choice Solo (9-10 years) and Classical Solo (9-10 years) at the 2024 Wangaratta Piano Competition and; first place for 10 years and under at the 2024 Geoffrey McFerran Young Regional Victorian Piano Competition, in Wodonga.Alongside music Bianca enjoys crafting, reading and mathematics!
Poppy Millgate-Kimball 2024
Bianca Blackberry 2022-2023
Daniel Steer 2023
Dylan Forge 2021