From St Benedict’s to the Queensland Conservatorium

Angus Smith 

Class of 2022

For Angus Smith, music has always been more than a passion. It has been a calling. Since graduating from St Benedict’s College in 2022, Angus has pursued that passion with unwavering dedication, building an exciting future as a classical guitarist at one of Australia’s most prestigious music institutions, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Driven by a clear goal throughout his school years, Angus set his sights on gaining entry to the Conservatorium and immersing himself in the highest level of musical training. Today, he is living that dream, studying under renowned Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp while continuing to develop his craft as a performer and musician.

After graduating, Angus went directly into university study, enrolling in a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

"I knew very early on that my entire goal leading up to the end of school was to be accepted into the Con," Angus said.

His desire to study classical guitar at an elite level, particularly under the guidance of Karin Schaupp, motivated him throughout his senior years and provided a clear direction for life after school. For Angus, the opportunity to work closely with one of Australia's leading guitarists was a dream he had long been working towards.

One of Angus' proudest achievements since graduating is an upcoming concerto debut with the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra.

Following a highly competitive audition process, Angus was selected to perform as a soloist with the orchestra under Australian conductor Peter Luff. The opportunity is particularly significant, with only a small number of Conservatorium students earning a place each year.

Angus will perform the Guitar Concerto by renowned Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, a work first published in 1951 that is believed to be receiving its Queensland premiere.

"It is a really special opportunity for me," Angus said.

The performance represents not only years of dedication to his instrument, but also recognition of his talent and hard work as an emerging musician.

Currently in his fourth year of study, Angus continues to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of music performance.

He credits much of his growth to the mentorship of Karin Schaupp, whose influence has had a lasting impact on both his musical development and personal journey.

"She has been such an incredibly positive and influential light in my life over the last few years," Angus said. "To have the opportunity to work so closely with such an incredible musician is simply a dream come true."

Reflecting on his time at St Benedict’s College, Angus is grateful for the many teachers who supported his growth, both as a musician and as a person.

In particular, he credits the College’s music staff with providing the strong foundation that helped launch his career. The opportunities to perform during his school years played an important role in developing the confidence and experience that he continues to draw upon today.

"I look back and am particularly grateful for the many lunchtime concerts that Mr White put on," Angus said. "They gave myself and many other students the special opportunity to perform for a big audience."

Those experiences, he says, continue to benefit him as a performing musician.

Beyond music, Angus also speaks warmly of the many teachers across different subject areas who helped shape his character and supported him throughout his schooling.

"I feel incredibly lucky and grateful that all of those teachers were in my life at the time that they were."

For current St Benedict’s students, Angus has a simple but powerful message: "Find what you love and pursue it endlessly."

For Angus, that passion has always been music. He believes that dedicating himself to what he loves has given him a sense of purpose and fulfilment that extends far beyond academic or professional success.

"With that love and pursuit guiding me every day, any other worries or issues that I face sort of melt away and pale in comparison."

As Angus continues to build an impressive career in music performance, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passion, perseverance and opportunity come together. From the music rooms of St Benedict’s College to the stage of the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, his story is an inspiring example of following your dreams and embracing every opportunity to grow.