Remembering
Mike "Beard Guy" Taylor
Mike Taylor was a person who truly embodied the phrase “life is for living”. Deeply passionate about family, friends, business and music alike, he poured his heart and soul into everything that he did and made a massive impact on the lives of people all over the world.
Many people came to know Mike as the silent, stoic, larger-than-life “Epic Beard Man” that comprised 1/5 of Walk Off the Earth, but few were aware of just how kind, caring and compassionate a person he really was. Mike cared deeply about music education, and worked closely with charities like MusiCounts to help provide young people all across Canada with the opportunity to play, perform and learn about music.
With this in mind, we are so proud to announce the first annual Mike Taylor Music Education Bursary with the Sound of Music Festival and Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. This award will help a promising young individual from the Burlington area pursue their dreams of a career in music and allow Mike’s life and legacy to live on for generations to come.
The Mike Taylor Bursary seeks to recognize a youth that embodies the spirit of Musician, Athlete and Community Leader, Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor as demonstrated by their application essay and references. Those who live within Burlington and are actively participating in strengthening music in our community will be given special preference
Annual Award: $1000
The Mike Taylor Bursary seeks to recognize a youth that embodies the spirit of Musician, Athlete and Community Leader, Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor as demonstrated by their application essay and references. Those who live within Burlington and are actively participating in strengthening music in our community will be given special preference
Eligibility:
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Students must be applying and/or accepted to a recognized post-secondary institution in a Music/Production/Fine-Arts related program
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The Mike Taylor Bursary will be paid directly to the student and is to be used solely for tuition, books, supplies and any additional fees required for students’ course work.
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After the winner is chosen, enrollment and GPA qualifications will be confirmed.
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If applicant does not meet the stated requirements, the award will then be given to the next eligible runner up.
Application & Judging
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Applicants should submit an essay of no more than 1000 words outlining their involvement in the Musical field in their community and how they capture the essence of Mike Taylor of Walk of the Earth.
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Essay is to be accompanied by a current resume and two reference letters from sources other than members of immediate family.
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Judging will be conducted by a panel from the Sound of Music Festival and Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP.
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Successful applicants must consent to their image and story being shared in a public forum verbally, digitally and through any other media deemed necessary.
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Applications can be sent electronically to Bursary@Soundofmusic.ca.
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Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm on April 22, 2022.
Special Thank You To:
