HOW IT WORKS
Find out details about our application process in a step-by-step guide and our application timeline, along with a selection of helpful FAQs.
THE PROCESS
Step 1: Apply
You’ll need to check you’re eligible for our programmes – visit Who Can Apply to find out. If you’re eligible, complete our application form and tell us about your musical journey, your ambitions, and the support you need. You’ll also need to submit recordings and a reference from a music teacher or mentor.
If completing the online form is difficult for any reason, please get in touch and we’ll provide an offline version.
Step 2: Financial Review
We review applications to make sure our support reaches the young people who are in our eligibility criteria.
If you are shortlisted, we’ll ask for information about your household income and financial circumstances to confirm your eligibility.
Step 3: Audition
Applicants for our Development and Senior Programmes who meet our eligibility criteria will be invited to audition.
This is a chance for us to get to know you, hear you perform and learn more about your musical aspirations. Auditions may take place in person or online.
Step 4: Join in!
Successful applicants join one of our programmes, depending on their age and musical stage. There can be some overlap, and we tend to prioritise a musicians age over their level.
Once part of Future Talent, each young musician receives:
- Financial support for lessons, equipment and musical costs
- Personalised guidance from a dedicated Programme Manager
- Opportunities including mentoring, masterclasses and performances
Once part of Future Talent, each young musician receives:
- Financial support for lessons, equipment and musical costs
- Personalised guidance from a dedicated Programme Manager
- Opportunities including mentoring, masterclasses and performances
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Our application process opens every other year. Our next application cycle will open in February 2028.
February-April:
Applications Open
May:
Shortlisting and Financial Checks
June–July:
Auditions and Offers
September:
Programmes start
FAQS
No. We assess musical potential, commitment and progress, not just qualifications.
Awards can contribute towards costs such as lessons, instrument purchase or hire, repairs, exam fees, ensemble fees, sheet music and some travel costs related to music.
In some circumstances, yes. We may consider applications where additional factors affect a family’s financial situation, such as disability-related costs.
No. Most applicants record their performances using a phone, tablet or laptop.
Yes. We welcome applications from young musicians across all genres and musical backgrounds.
We receive more applications than we can support each year, so we encourage applicants to take time preparing their application.
Yes, we consider singing and vocals as a primary instrument, in any genre.