Bursary Schemes

The York Music Hub Bursary Schemes aim to provide support to those whose financial circumstances may prove to be a barrier to accessing music education opportunities, and who are not able to access support or assistance from other sources. The Hub currently operates two bursary schemes:

  • YMH Tuition Bursary, towards the cost of instrumental/vocal lessons with one of our Approved Tutors. This bursary is paid directly to the tutor. 
  • Merchant Taylors Music Bursary Award, awarded to five talented young musicians to cover instrumental/vocal lessons with one of our Approved Tutors. This bursary is made possible thanks to generous support from the Company of Merchant Taylors York. 

Find out more about the bursary schemes, and how to apply, below. 

YMH Bursaries

The York Music Hub Bursary Schemes aim to provide support to those whose financial circumstances may prove to be a barrier to accessing music education opportunities, and who are not able to access support or assistance from other sources.

Tuition Bursaries are available for a limited number of children who are Looked After, and/or on Free School Meals, whether they have lessons privately or in school. They must be learning with a Music Hub Approved Tutor and be resident and/or attending school in York.  

Bursaries may be used to cover in part or in full the costs associated with instrumental/vocal lessons with one of our Approved Tutors. This award has been set up to provide young people with the opportunity to learn to play in a one-to-one setting.

Merchant Taylor Bursaries are advertised upon availability. These bursaries are awarded on a case by case basis. These bursaries are fully allocated for the 2023/24 academic year.

Depending on the Hub's funding, awards can be available at three fixed points during the school year. Bursaries are for a minimum of one term and a maximum of three terms, and will be reviewed at the end of the award period. Renewal is subject to the pupil’s attendance, behaviour and progress.

Application guidance

Prior to filling in the online application form, please read the information and guidance document, downloaded from below, as it contains important information about the scheme. 

 

INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

APPLY ONLINE

 

Merchant Taylors Music Bursary Award

Places available for two new scholars! Please see the terms of the award below, interested applicants please apply using the below link by Monday 18th March 2024!

Apply here!

 

Up to five talented young musicians will receive individual music tuition free, thanks to a bursary scheme backed by the Company of Merchant Taylors and York Music Hub. 

The scheme was launched in 2018 and supports young instrumentalists or singers who are not able to afford the kind of specialist 1:1 tuition that is needed to realise their potential. 

The award is up to the value of £900 and is expected to cover 30 to 36 lessons across the year (lesson duration to be discussed with the Hub and the tutor). The Hub will also cover the full cost of grade exams and an accompanist fee (accompanist fee up to £45) for each year of the award. 

 

APPLICANTS MUST: 

  1. Be 18 years or under whilst in receipt of the award; 
  2. Be eligible for Free School Meals or Pupil Premium or be Looked After by the local authority;
  3. Be able to demonstrate both talent and potential, typically Grade 5 or above. Applicants studying Music at GCSE or A Level, even if they have not yet achieved Grade 5, may also be considered; 
  4. Learn with a York Music Hub Approved Tutor; 
  5. Live and/or go to school in York. 

We can award up to five bursaries at any time. Each bursary lasts for 12 months in the first instance, with continued funding up to an additional two years, depending on demonstrated progress. The bursaries are currently being received by five talented young musicians. 

We are absolutely delighted to receive the support of Merchant Taylors Guild for this scheme, which is part of our commitment to ensure that young people are not hindered in their pursuit of musical success by lack of money or support.