Lucy Hale Award

Lucy Hale Award 2024 – Recipient announced

As part of RNCM Disability Awareness Week (29 Jan – 2 Feb) we are pleased to announce Gema Lu Cai as the first ever recipient of the Lucy Hale Award.

Thank you to all the students who took the time to submit applications for the Lucy Hale Award.

2024 marks the inaugural year of the Lucy Hale Award, set up in memory of RNCM composer Lucy Hale (1994-2021) by her family, to support disabled and neurodiverse students at the RNCM through an annual award, which will last in perpetuity.

The award exists to support RNCM students in their creative practice and has been won this year by Spanish pianist Gema Lu Cai. Gema is a fourth year student specialising in music education.

Gema was diagnosed with a learning difficulty and ADHD during her time at RNCM and will use the award to purchase her first own piano. Having a quality instrument at home (with silent mode, suitable for living in a flat) she will be able to offer piano lessons to her students at home, saving precious travel hours each week. This will fundamentally create more hours for her to practice and write academic essays - both of which, she currently struggles to do due to her disability meaning she needs extra time to absorb information and take breaks.

The quality of this piano will enable her also expand her music teaching capacity with an appropriate instrument, easing her ability to take on extra work. By additionally being able to also practice at home it will support her sensory issues and enhance her mental health.  Gema is delighted to receive this award “This will change my life” she said.