Dr Sattler has just been named one of Australia's 115 Churchill Fellowship Award recipients for 2019.

Next year he will head overseas for an eight-week research trip to six countries to investigate community leadership programs in music which could be introduced to Australia.

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"It's an absolute highlight, a complete highlight. I expect it will be life-changing," Dr Sattler said.

"It shows an extraordinary amount of faith being put in me to do this.

"The thing with the Churchill is you have to convince the trust you are the right person at the right time to achieve something important that they perceive to be important to the community. That's an incredible honour."

Dr Sattler said when he returned he would pass on his research through writing articles for journals and newsletters and through workshops and training programs with regional conservatoriums.

He said after his application was unsuccessful last year he spent six weeks preparing this submission.

Dr Sattler's musical career began aged 11, playing the cornet in his school band.

The Winston Churchill Trust, in honour of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, has funded research trips through donations, bequests and sponsorships for Australians since 1965. Each recipient will have an average of $27,000 to cover their trip costs.

This year's research topics range from Italian baking to heritage trade training.