Dominic Lee is having a farewell party this weekend to say goodbye to his hometown of Tauranga. But it won't be your typical gig.

The classical cello player is performing at Tauranga Art Gallery to serenade his townsfolk, family and friends and to fundraise for a big life-changing move to the US.

Classical cello player Dominic Lee is heading to the US to study for a doctorate in music. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Dominic's been awarded a Howard Hanson Scholarship to attend America's top music school – the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York.

Known for performing in Tauranga with his violin-playing sister Anna Lee, Dominic left Bethlehem College aged 16 to study at Victoria University's School of Music.

'When I'm on-stage the cello and myself is one – if I wasn't performing the world would feel odd,” says the 17-year-old, who leaves for New York on June 30.

'It feels right and everything is at peace.”

Dominic picked up the cello as a hobby at age eight, following his mother Maria's musical footsteps. She was a South Korean opera singer.

'At one point it became my passion and my dream to reach the top,” says Dominic.

'I want to make cello my life and glorify the Lord with music.”

By 15 Dominic was playing in international competitions and was named overall winner in the 2013 Valsesia International Music Competition and winner of 2013's Seoul National Music Competition.

Maria says she never made Dominic practise, she only accompanied by playing piano when he asked.

'Now, many times I feel it's hard to even take a breath,” says Maria. 'It's so overwhelming.”

Wining first prize in the American protégé competition with sister Anna, Dominic's debut US performance will be at the Carnegie Hall in New York on July 5.

He's aiming to study for seven years to gain a doctorate in music.

Dominic's leaving gig – Grazia – featuring guest artists is from 4.30pm at Tauranga Art Gallery.

Tickets cost adults $15, students $10 from Wang Asian Supermarket or Tauranga Art Gallery. Door sales will be available, with proceeds going to Dominic to help him reach his dream.

'Attending this prestigious school, living costs in the USA and travelling are very expensive so I'm hoping many people may be interested in sponsoring or supporting my future.”