Rising star and University of Waikato student Tayla Alexander has been singled out as a brand ambassador by leading piano and keyboard maker Casio Music NZ.
To celebrate New Zealand Music Month, Tayla released a music recording and video of Cinema Paradiso (Se) with Kiwi pianist Joyce Lee. Sponsored by Casio, the recording is available on iTunes, Spotify and other global digital channels.
“It felt surreal being chosen as a Casio ambassador,” Tayla says. “Their brand is all about representing the everyday hard-working musician. There’s something so genuine about that. All I ever want to do is make meaningful music and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
Tayla is halfway through her first semester studying for a Bachelor of Music. She’s balancing her studies with singing commitments, and she recently made the finals of the Hamilton Aria Competition.
She also received a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship from the university, which covers course fees and offers personalised academic support, specialist tutoring, and funding for skills development and leadership training.
“My university experience has been shaped and defined by the amazing support I receive as a Hillary scholar,” Tayla says. “It’s given me a chance to test my leadership abilities, as well as allowing me to perform alongside some very talented artists. Feeling excited about your education is the key to university success!”
