A Christchurch teenager has been awarded a scholarship worth about $400,000 to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the world’s leading schools for contemporary music.

Corban Blackwell, 17, is a student at Burnside High School. The scholarship covers tuition for his four year degree, but not accommodation, travel or living costs, which his family expects to come to about $50,000 a year.

He found out while on a study period at school.

“It was during a study period when I opened the decision letter. I was alone in a practice room at school and was so stoked with the letter, I went out around the block and immediately informed my music teachers about it!”

Blackwell said he had wanted to study at Berklee for years, ever since he first learned about the college.

“With all the hours I’ve put into the instrument I love, and the overwhelming support I’ve received along my decade long musical journey, it really is a joy to experience.”

He is the guitarist in Equilibrium, which won the national Rockquest competition last year and became the first band to take the title without a vocalist. As part of the win, the band recorded and released the single Rumination.

His goal was to tour the world with the band, he said.

“What started as a passion project with my mates, it is the way that I am able to collaboratively express the art and music that comes from my heart. I hope to inspire with my story, and eventually bring back knowledge and experience to the musical community of Christchurch.”

His father, Gavin Blackwell, said the family had never imagined Corban would earn a place at Berklee.

“As parents, all we’ve ever wanted is for Corban to find something he loves and have the opportunity to follow his passion.”

Watching his son receive the offer had been an emotional moment for the whole family, he said, because they knew how hard Corban had worked for it.

The cost of living in Boston was beyond what the family could manage alone, and a Givealittle page has been set up to help.

Gavin Blackwell said they were conscious many families were under financial pressure of their own. “Our focus is really on celebrating Corban’s achievement and sharing a positive story. If others choose to support him on his journey, we would be incredibly grateful, but above all we’re just so proud of what he’s accomplished.”

He also thanked Burnside High School and its special music programme for helping shape Corban into the musician and adult he was becoming.

Corban Blackwell said he would not have got there without his bandmates, his teachers and his family.

“The scholarship covers my tuition, but living in Boston is a big cost for us, so any support or even just sharing this story means a huge amount to me.”

As part of their Rockquest success, the band recorded and released the single Rumination, which can be viewed below.