Music Scholarship

Musicians have an exceptional opportunity to apply for an annual Music Scholarship at Queen Mary’s College, a specialist package of support for gifted music students to aid them in reaching their full potential.

Music flourishes at QMC, we have a variety of popular and classical ensembles who perform in concerts at college and within the local community and two well equipped recording studios. Many of our students go on to study at conservatoires and universities such as The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, The British and Irish Institute of Modern Music, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, The Royal College of Music, Oxford, the Tonmeister course and LIPA.

Who can apply for a Music Scholarship?

The Scholarship is open to musically gifted students who play an instrument, sing or produce and who intend to study Music or Music Technology at QMC. You don’t have to have studied Music at GCSE or have taken formal grades but you should currently be a proficient performer or producer with a passion for music and for developing your skills. In addition to your College application, please complete this application form if you are interested in applying for a Music Scholarship. Auditions take place in the Spring term.

We acknowledge that it may not be possible for every student to gain a placement. For these students, our Careers and Progression Team have set up an online training and skills programme through a third-party organisation, which allows them to gain a certificate and learn valuable skills.

As a Music Scholar you will receive:

• Free tuition for one instrument with our instrumental/vocal teachers
• The guarantee of a Music Teacher as your Personal Tutor
• Extra support with applying to Conservatoires and Universities
• Lots of opportunities to perform at college events

What are the main criteria for being awarded a Music Scholarship?

• A determination to develop your instrumental ability
• An enthusiasm for regular active participation in College music activities and willingness to be an
  ambassador for music and performing arts here at QMC
• Attending the audition
• At the end of year 1 you will have a review with the music staff in which you will be able to continue your scholarship for a second year.

Outstanding Music Tuition

Our Music teachers passionately share their industry experience with students, offering unrivalled support, inspiration and expertise.

• Expert resident teachers with real industry experience
• Specialist peripatetic tutors covering a wide range of instruments and vocal styles
• Support across genres from classical to contemporary
• Preparation for auditions, university, conservatoire pathways and future music careers

Music Teachers

In addition to our resident teachers, students also benefit from a team of highly skilled peripatetic teachers and specialists, offering tuition across a wide range of instruments and vocal styles. This means students are supported in developing their skills across genres from classical to contemporary performance while also preparing for auditions, university and conservatoire pathways and future careers in the music industry.

Spotlight on three of our Resident Teachers

Francesco Serpetti graduated as a pianist from the Conservatoire of Trento before continuing postgraduate studies in piano performance, chamber music and modal music at the Academy of Florence and the Conservatoire of Venice. He has performed widely across Europe as a soloist and chamber musician and has worked as a musical assistant to conductor K Maximov. Francesco has held leadership roles including Director of Preparatory Courses at the Conservatoire of Trento and Head of Music in both State and Independent schools.

Rob Cavill studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts before beginning his career at SARM Studios in Notting Hill as an Assistant Engineer. He later worked as a freelance producer and engineer before qualifying as a teacher. Alongside teaching Music Technology, Rob continues to produce, engineer and perform, bringing invaluable real world experience to his students.

A graduate of the UK’s Academy of Contemporary Music and The Guitar Institute, Simon Barnard also holds a Masters degree from The Institute of Education. He teaches, examines and performs in a wide variety of styles from rock to jazz, and regularly writes for magazines such as Guitar World.

Applying for a Music Scholarship

Applications should be submitted by the end of March in the year you are due to start College. Auditions take place in April in the Dame Evelyn Glennie Performance Space at Queen Mary’s College. Make an application HERE.

At the Audition

“I chose QMC because of the warm, welcoming and supportive environment. It was a place where I could thrive, surrounded by music and theatre. The teachers and tutors were incredibly passionate and encouraging, helping me grow both as a performer and as a person.

Along with my core subjects (Music A Level, Drama A Level and English Literature A Level), I also studied Violin and Voice through the Music Scholarship. I had so many opportunities to perform, from recitals, concerts and theatre productions to playing violin in the Pit Band for the College musicals, which was an unforgettable experience.

Being part of the ensembles was a real highlight, and I made so many friends along the way!” – Lily