Hours of practice, years of study and one big goal is making Whakatāne musician Luke Spence’s dream a reality.

The 27-year-old euphonium player has been accepted to study a master’s of music performance of euphonium at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music, based in Manchester.

Excited about the incredible opportunity, Luke says he is keen to learn from some of the top brass musicians of this generation, such as Steven Mead and David Thornton, who he says have performed extensively all over the world.

“This has always been my biggest musical dream; to be surrounded by the top players in the world. My goal is to get my name out there, and try to get as many great musical opportunities as I can over in England.

“[England] is home to some of the top concert halls in the world, so playing at those venues is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Luke says he is from a family where playing music is the primary hobby. His father, Alan Spence, even taught him music at Trident High School in Whakatāne, and his mother and siblings all play music together.

“It’s a bit of a family affair really, we’ve always had fun playing music and have even done weddings together playing as a family.”

Since 2014, Luke has been based in Wellington, and finished studying music at Victoria University in 2017. His plan initially was to work in New Zealand until 2020 and then head overseas to pursue his master's, but was stopped due to Covid-19. 

According to Luke’s GiveALittle page, the costs of study fees and living costs combined to complete his degree are “substantial” and are in excess of $100,000.

Luke currently plays in the Wellington Brass band and is a member of the National Brass Band of New Zealand. Photo: Supplied.

To help aid himself on his journey overseas, Luke has set up both the online fundraising page and a series of concerts to help him get started for his trip.

Last weekend, Luke played a concert in Whakatāne, where he says has been practicing upwards of two to three hours a day to prepare.

At the concert, Luke says he was “overwhelmed” with the support of the community.

“We had a big afternoon tea and I got to catch up with loads of people. It’s always quite overwhelming the support I get from Whakatāne. They’re a tight knit community and really back their locals.”

Luke says in August, he is heading to Australia with the National Brass Band of New Zealand, marking the band’s first tour.

He then is hoping to catch up with his father, who now teaches music in Brisbane, before heading to Manchester on September 12.

Luke says when he returns to New Zealand after his master's, he hopes to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of kiwi musicians. 

For more information on Luke’s journey to Manchester, or to donate towards his fundraiser for his studies, visit the GiveALittle page.