50-year-old Portadown man David Cassidy and 18-year-old Cara Linden from West Belfast have both begun their music degrees with the support of the scholarship, established by legendary musician and Queen’s University Artist in Residence, Sir Van Morrison. The fully funded scholarships will cover their tuition fees and living expenses throughout the three-year degree.  

David’s journey to Queen’s has been far from traditional. His preoccupation with music meant that he left school with just one GCSE after struggling to balance his passion with his studies. He played in numerous bands and went on to help form ‘Million Dollar Reload’. After splitting up, he spent years working in factories while continuing to write, record and perform. 

David says: “I always regretted failing in education, so I attended a tour of Queen’s University in 2023 and that then became my goal: I was going to study music at Queen’s. I worked hard for two years in Lisburn college, got my diploma and here I am. 

“Music is my passion. It has always been my life. I am dedicated to it because it has always been there for me, and it makes me feel alive. My immediate future plan is to graduate from Queen’s with a First. After that, I want to pass on what I have learned through teaching. I am also writing my first ever solo album at present. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to Sir Van Morrison, his team and to Queen’s University. I am so grateful for this honour.” 

Cara has just completed her A Levels at St Dominic’s Grammar School and has big ambitions to perform on the West End, as well as explore musical directing and production. 

Speaking about the scholarship, Cara said: “I chose to study Music Performance at Queen’s University Belfast because I believe Queen’s offers an inspiring environment where academic excellence meets creativity. Belfast’s growing arts scene is full of homegrown talent and opportunity, and Queen’s reputation for nurturing musicians and performers makes it the ideal place to further develop my voice, artistry, and musical direction.  

“Receiving the Van Morrison Music Scholarship is an incredible honour that supports me in continuing to grow as a performer and contribute to the rich musical legacy of Belfast. 

“Being offered this scholarship has been completely life changing and I am incredibly grateful to have been given this opportunity. I feel that now I have a real shot at pursuing dreams I thought were impossible.” 

Announcing the scholarship recipients, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer, said: “We are thrilled to announce the two very first Van Morrison Scholarship recipients, David Cassidy and Cara Linden.  

“The Van Morrison Scholarship represents an investment in talent, providing two gifted musicians with the support to turn their big ambitions into a reality. We are incredibly grateful for the support of one of the world’s most successful musicians and hope that his achievements will inspire our students.  

“We very much welcome David and Cara to Queen’s, are confident that they will enjoy the Queen’s experience, and look forward to seeing them both realise their dreams.” 

Congratulating the students, Eddie Friel, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, said:

“The Van Morrison Scholarships are a perfect example of how philanthropy can open doors and help our students reach their potential.Queen’s is committed to continuing to create ways to support those who have the skill and talent but may not have the resources to access education. 

We’re delighted to welcome Cara and David to Queen’s and wish them well in their careers.”