We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of our new UCL Music Society Scholarships, especially as we celebrate our 70th anniversary!

For this academic year (2023-2024) we are offering 4 scholarships and an additional Alex Wu Concerto Scholarship. The application here is for one of the 4 scholarships. To be awarded the Alex Wu Concerto Scholarship, you must win the competition that will happen later in November 2023. 

There is a lot of information to read and lots that we require from you. PLEASE READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY AND ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED EVERYTHING TO US. To apply, you will have submitted this form to us.

These scholarships are means tested for both current and incoming students who show exceptional musical talent. Our scholarships give students the opportunity to have fortnightly instrumental or vocal lessons at a London based music college or conservatoire. If you do not currently have a teacher we will be able to provide you with one from a conservatoire. Each scholar is entitled to up to 13 lessons across the academic year, equivalent to up to £1,600.

UCL Music Society will pay for the music lessons undertaken by each scholar during the academic year. These scholarships are aimed at expanding horizons and providing opportunities to students from lower economic backgrounds to widen experiences in music.

Holders of the scholarship will be expected to take part in the relevant ensemble: orchestral players in UCL Symphony Orchestra and singers in UCL Chamber Choir and Symphony Chorus.

There are many other instrumental and vocal ensembles on campus, providing a wealth of performance opportunities for everyone.

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply. We will review your submitted video performance and application and draw up a shortlist of candidates. These shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person audition. The in-person audition will take place in the afternoon of Friday 27th October 2023 - please keep this date free. If successful, you will be emailed the following week.

The deadline for filling out this form is Friday 3 November at 23:59.

Eligibility - to apply for the scholarship you must have the following:

  1. You are of minimum Grade 8 with distinction standard or equivalent in an instrument or singing
  2. You are currently a member of Symphony Orchestra and/or Chamber Choir
  3. You are not able, otherwise, to afford to pay for instrumental or vocal lessons yourself

Application - to apply we require the following from you:

  1. Evidence of Grade 8 with distinction or equivalent (a copy of the mark sheet, not the certificate) - if you have higher performance qualifications, please also provide these
  2. A reference from the instrumental/vocal teacher (or someone who intimately knows your musical abilities)

What to prepare - what you will be submitting/playing for us:

There around 3 different pieces you will need to prepare for us

  1. First, submit a video recording of 2 contrasting pieces of your choice which each are up to 5 minutes. For example, Gigue from Bach Suite III for Unaccompanied Cello and Brahms Cello Sonata in e minor, 1st movement. N.B. We will not watch any longer than 5 minutes for either. Solo pieces are your own choice of repertoire for your instrument or voice. These are an opportunity for you to showcase what you are capable of as a musician. The choice of repertoire is completely up to you and we want to hear both your musical expression and technical ability through these solo piece.
  2. Lastly, prepare a piece of your choice which is 5-10 minutes that is accompanied (piano). We want to get a sense of how you perform with others. We rarely play music by ourselves, so it is a great chance as an audition to see how your musicianship is communicated with others. N.B. Please send us a copy of the accompaniment so that we can give it to the pianist. We will provide you with an accompanist (piano). If shortlisted you will be able to run through your piece with him in the week beginning Monday 23rd October 2023; we will let you know a specific date if shortlisted. 

N.B for the in-person auditions. There will be a warm-up room provided before your audition. Please turn up 20 minutes before your audition is scheduled; you will then be registered and have approximately 15 minutes to practise and warm-up. The accompanist will also be there to run through your piece with you once more. Latecomers risk losing their slot and might not be considered, so please be on time. 

The auditions will last around 15 minutes. We may ask afterwards some more questions about your application for the scholarship; such as why you are a good fit and why you deserve one.

 

Please reply to the email offering an audition with confirmation of your attendance and a copy of the piano accompaniment sheet music.

 

N.B. If we receive an incomplete application, we may not be able to consider it, so please make sure you read everything carefully. Any questions or concerns, please feel free to email [email protected] or [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed and auditioned by our panel. The panel's judgement is final. 

Lottie Craven - Vice-President of Music Society
Chris Bailey - Treasurer of Music Society
Matthew Scott Rogers - Conductor of UCL Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus and UCOpera