Individuals

Children and young adults showing exceptional musical talent (e.g. music students or recent music graduates), who live in Surrey or have a strong link to Surrey and intend to make a career in music, can apply to the Trust for help with funding tuition or towards purchasing an instrument, should their financial means be insufficient. The Trust only grants funds for maintenance in exceptional circumstances. The Trust’s grants are confined to young and gifted musicians in Surrey who are UK citizens and exclude funding for courses at foreign universities.
Characteristics of exceptional musical talent would include (NB “instrument” includes voice):
a person of 16 or under who:

  • has achieved grade 8 (or equivalent) on one instrument and studies at least one other instrument at a high level (above grade 6);

  • is involved in a wide range of musical activities;

  • contributes to the learning of others and/or is involved in performing to others in the wider community i.e. not just at their learning institution; and,

  • intends to make a career involving the instrument(s) to which their bid relates.

a person of 18 or under who:

  • has achieved at least grade 8 (or equivalent) on one instrument and is around grade 8 on at least one other;

  • has achieved or is working towards a recognised diploma in their main instrument;

  • is involved in a wide range of musical activities;

  • contributes to the learning of others and/or is involved in performing to others in the wider community i.e. not just at their learning institution; and,

  • intends to make a career involving the instrument(s) to which their bid relates.

 

How to apply
Your application should be by email, no more than six pages long and comprise:-

  • your CV;

  • at least two testimonials from your teachers or other qualified persons. Testimonials, where possible, should be written on the referee’s headed paper, scanned and sent to us by email or be able to be independently verified;

  • your claim to a strong link to Surrey;

  • the reason for your application;

  • a brief financial summary showing income (student loan, earnings, savings, parental contributions etc) and expenses (course fee, living costs etc.). Where an applicant is under 18 years of age, the Trust also requires a summary of the parent/guardian financial circumstances;

  • the amount you are requesting from the Trust; and,

  • a copy of your passport (for ID purposes only) sent as a separate attachment.

If applying for financial help with tuition:

  • details of the length and cost of the course and how the course/tuition will further the applicant’s musical education and development.

If applying for help towards purchasing an instrument:

  • written quotes for two or more suppliers for the same instrument. Where you cannot avoid quoting for different instruments (they are second-hand for example), you should indicate a preference and explain. Links to a website or printouts from a catalogue are not acceptable;

  • detailed explanation of the choice of instrument – the explanation should include justification for selecting a new as opposed to a second-hand instrument, or vice versa, and why a particular make or model is required. Instrument purchases are capital costs and require additional consideration by the Trust;

  • whether you have applied to other organisations for funding towards the proposed purchase.

Each application is judged on its own merits. The Trustees’ decision is final.

 

Contact: Kate Perry, Administrator - admin@hrtaylortrust.org.uk
Address: HR Taylor Trust, 32 Chipstead Station Parade, Chipstead, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 3TF