The 14-year-old Tokomairiro High School pupil has already started forging a name for herself in the country music industry, winning titles at various talent quests around the South Island.
But last weekend, she received her highest honour yet when she was named as the sole New Zealand singer picked to attend the Camerata youth country music school in the Australian country music capital of Tamworth.
The $5000 scholarship is the only one offered by Camerata in New Zealand and is always decided at the New Zealand Best of the West festival talent quest in Westport.
The 2009 event was held last weekend and Teisha's win was announced at the end of the gathering.
The annual week-long course is for talented young performers and musicians aged 18 years and under.
I'm just overwhelmed. I was speechless," she said yesterday.
Each year, the school hand-picks 21 students from around Australia and New Zealand to spend an intensive week of 16-hour days, working with and learning from music professionals who guide them through tutorials, workshops and performances.
The Camerata website said the school, formed in 2002, has a major focus on performance, songwriting and instrumental skills "stimulating students to learn and grow artistically, developing their individual talent while gaining valuable networking with their peers and industry professionals".
Teisha will take part in the 2010 school, to be held a year from now.
