Music Prodigy from Malvern the Only Pennsylvanian Named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts

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Image of William McGregor via Michael Bryant, Philadelphia Inquirer.

Malvern resident William McGregor, an 18-year-old music prodigy, was recently named one of 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts from more than 5,000 candidates, writes Kathy Boccella for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

McGregor plays the double bass. His selection as the only Presidential Scholar in the Arts from Pennsylvania comes a year after the Juilliard-trained musician won the prestigious Stulberg International String Competition. It was only the second time a double bass player has won in 42 years.

“He plays well beyond his years, both technically and … with great maturity, sensitivity, and emotion,” said Margaret Hamilton, head of the Kalamazoo, Mich.-based competition, which comes with a $6,000 grand prize. “He’s a delightful young man.”

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McGregor is preparing to graduate this year from the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School in West Chester and begin studies at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

McGregor has spent thousands of hours practicing his art – including traveling to Juilliard’s pre-college program almost every Saturday for nine years.

At Curtis, McGregor will have a chance to learn from the world’s top bass instructor, Harold Robinson.

Read more about William McGregor in The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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