Music Scholarships

In order to be considered for a University Music Scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be classed as a “home” student (i.e. been normally resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of your course).
• You must have selected Birmingham as your “firm” choice following an offer of a place on a full-time undergraduate programme (other than a programme offered by the Department of Music) commencing in September 2025.
• You must be performing at a Grade 8 standard in instrumental or vocal studies and supply both documentary (through either a Grade 8 certificate or a supporting letter from your tutor) and video evidence of your performing standard.

Please note that for Jazz scholarships, a supporting letter from your instrumental or vocal tutor can be accepted in lieu of standard grading certificates, if required (e.g. ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall, RSL Awards).

Each scholarship will offer approximately 17 hours of musical tuition per year for three years. Tuition will be administered by the Department of Music; tuition may be delivered either by tutors employed by the Department of Music, or at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. This musical tuition will have a cash value of £1,000 per year, or £3,000 over the lifetime of the award.

In order to continue to receive the University Music Scholarship in subsequent years, each University Music Scholar must make academic progression at a 2:1 standard in their studies and commit to playing in at least one University Music ensemble connected to the relevant scholarship (i.e. singing in a choir for a choral scholarship).

To apply, please complete and submit an online Music Scholarship application form. We have provided Music Scholarship Guidance Notes to help you make your application.

Applying with multiple instruments

Whilst we can only offer one scholarship per student, you are welcome to apply on multiple instruments if you wish; if doing so, please make sure to submit a separate application for each instrument on which you are applying (i.e. if applying on two instruments, you should complete the application form twice, submitting all relevant info and videos for each application).

Orchestral and Choral Scholarships

In addition to submitting your application, you are required to include:

• A copy of your Grade 8 or Diploma certificate or mark sheet (if you have not passed a Grade 8 examination, we will accept a letter from your instrumental/vocal tutor attesting that you are performing at a Grade 8 standard or above).
• Video evidence of your performing standard. This takes the form of two contrasting works taken from a recognised examination syllabus at either Grade 8 or Diploma level - please direct questions about repertoire to Eoin Funnell. We request videos are uploaded and submitted via YouTube.
• A copy of the sheet music from pieces that you have chosen to perform for your application.

Jazz Scholarships

In addition to submitting your application, you are required to include:

• A letter of reference from your instrumental or vocal tutor (or similar) outlining why you would be a worthy recipient of a scholarship.
• Video evidence of your performing standard. This takes the form of two contrasting jazz standards (see below), each of around 2-3 minutes in length:

1. 1. The first submission should feature a ‘head-solos-head’ arrangement with an improvised solo. This can be performed with a band accompaniment or a backing track.
   2. The second submission should feature a transcription of a recorded solo, using the original recording as a backing track.

• A copy of the notated transcription featured in the second video submission. This can be produced by hand or using music notation software.
• We request videos are uploaded and submitted via YouTube.

Repertoire List:

• Any tune from the ‘jazz standard’ repertoire. “Real Books”, or similar lead sheet compilation volumes, are a recommended source of this material.

Backing Tracks:

• iReal Pro is a recommended app-based resource for chord sequences and backing tracks. Other backing tracks, e.g. from the “Learn Jazz Standards” YouTube channel are also acceptable.

How to submit supporting materials

All supporting materials should be submitted via the online application form.  If you have any problems in doing this, please email fga@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

The deadline for applications for University Music Scholarships is 11:59pm on Friday 20th June 2025.

Following the deadline, all completed applications will be collated with documentary and video evidence, and forwarded to a selection panel composed of various members of the University Music artistic team. Selection of successful candidates will be based on academic merit (e.g. your A Level results), your musical performing standard as evidenced by your video, documentary evidence, and personal statement. Consideration will also be made on candidates' suitability for performing ensembles as part of University Music (e.g. orchestras, choirs, chamber groups).

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application at the end of August 2025.