Haydn Staples Piano Scholarship Programme

Hailing from Christchurch, Matthew began learning piano with Marnie Barrell in 2017 and by 2022 achieved his ATCL diploma with Distinction. In 2024, he began a Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland, studying with Stephen De Pledge, Rae de Lisle and the late Katherine Austin; mentors he is incredibly grateful to learn from. In 2025, Matthew was selected as an emerging artist for the At The World's Edge Chamber Music Festival, held in October. From that festival, he was awarded the 2026 Pettman Royal Overseas League Scholarship, enabling an extensive European performance and professional development tour. A passionate chamber musician, Matthew has performed in numerous ensembles ranging from duos to piano quintets.

Hana Tani is a third-year student at the University of Auckland, pursuing a degree in classical performance on piano under the tutelage of Stephen De Pledge. Her musical journey began at the age of six, and over the years, she has earned first place recognition in various competitions such as the North Shore, South and West Auckland Performing Arts Competitions as well as in the Institute of Registered Music Teachers (IRMTNZ) competition where she won the Margaret Doone Memorial Piano Sonata Scholarship and the D’D O’Connor Scholarship. Beyond the concert stage, Hana finds great joy in sharing music within the community. She has presented many solo recitals at retirement villages across Auckland, valuing the meaningful connections formed through live performance. Hana is committed to continuing her growth as an artist and performer, eager to explore new opportunities in the world of music.

Dylan Tang is a 20-year-old pianist in the final year of his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Auckland, where he studies under Rae de Lisle and Stephen de Pledge. He began playing the piano at the age of six and has since won several competitions across New Zealand, including the North Shore Performing Arts Competitions (NSPACS), the Lewis Eady competitions, and the Institute of Registered Music Teachers (IRMT) competitions. In 2023, he was awarded both the Mary Nathan Memorial Scholarship and the Margaret Doone Memorial Scholarship. Dylan was also selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition in 2024. He is passionate about exploring a wide range of repertoire and is committed to developing a refined pianistic playing. As both a soloist and collaborative musician, he strives to communicate deeply with audiences and continues to pursue opportunities for artistic growth and performance.