Piano prodigy inspired by CQ teacher
Dedicated Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) piano student Donald MacGregor has taken the stage by storm at the 2025 Basel Junior International Piano Competition.
Hosted in Japan in 2025, the renowned online music competition attracted participants from around the globe, with Donald achieving international recognition when he was awarded the Outstanding Performance prize in the 13-15 years category.
“I almost didn’t believe that I got the prize at first. It was my first international competition, and first proper recording of a piece,” Donald said.
“My results from the Basel International Competition, have given me more confidence in pursuing music as a career, however, I want to try and get the highest ATAR I can, which would open many doors for other opportunities.”
Currently a Year 11 student at Mackay Christian College, the budding musician balances school with his musical studies under the guidance of CQCM Director Professor Judith Brown AM.
Professor Brown was also received the Teacher Award at the Basel International Online Music Competition.
“I was first introduced to CQCM by my former piano teacher in preparation for my LMusA Piano Comprehensive (Solo) where you are required to present a program of pieces and complete a general knowledge exam.
“When I started with Professor Brown, rather than playing just four or five exam pieces, we worked on several a year, both from the LMusA syllabus and from outside the syllabus.
“This exposure to all kinds of pieces allowed my technique to improve at a very high rate, especially with the pressure of having to learn to play the pieces at a much faster pace.
“My passion has developed exponentially, with my greatest interest in piano now being the works of Franz Liszt - who composed the work I played for the competition.”
During his studies at CQCM, Donald has achieved his Associate of Music Diploma (AMusA) in piano and classical guitar, and an Associate of Music Diploma (AMusA) in Cello, with distinction.
In 2025 he is working towards his Licentiate of Music Diploma (LMusA) in piano, cello and guitar.
Professor Brown highlighted CQCM’s commitment to providing artistic opportunities to students like Donald living in the in the regions.
“CQCM is a place where regional students can study with some of Australia’s best and most experienced teachers,” Prof Brown said.
“They can work towards exams with entities such as the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB), as well as strive for national and international recognition through participation in competitions and prizes.
“This training works side by side with the tertiary programs at CQUniversity and demonstrates the important artistic impact CQCM has in Central Queensland.”
Professor Judith Brown AM was a member of the Queensland Advisory Committee of the AMEB for several years, and in 2025 Dr Peter McKenzie assumed this important position.
Their knowledge and experience in many musical styles enables them to guide a variety of students to success on the international stage.
“With the help of Professor Brown, I hope to enter the 2026 Takamatsu International Piano Competition in Japan, which is held every four years,” Donald said.
“I am excited to see what else I can achieve under her guidance.”
