Financial support for young musicians

The following organisations offer financial support to young musicians. Each one has it’s own criteria for providing financial support and it’s own application process. In most cases the applicant will need to have made some progress and be able to demonstrate musical ability, skill and potential.

Havering Music School Remissions Policy

To be considered exempt or part exempt from Havering Music School’s charges you must be in receipt of either:

  • Universal Credit(provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods) see note below
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit..
  • Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

We will require written evidence of the benefit which you receive. Evidence must be provided on an annual basis.

In May 2020 FoHMS with Havering Music School set up a Hardship fund for children in challenging circumstances. This could cover from 50% of the fees. A letter of application is required and proof of hardship either financial or emotional. Email application and evidence to musicschool@havering.gov.uk.

Other Support

Here are some organisations that offer funding for young musicians:

Awards for Young Musicians
The Awards for Young Musicians programme offers up to £100,000 in means-tested grants each year, helping young musicians grow and develop their musical potential.

Future Talent
Future Talent supports gifted young musicians up to age 18 from challenging backgrounds who need guidance to enable them to flourish on their musical journey. Financial assistance can be used to fund a variety of musical costs including lesson fees, contribution towards instrument purchase/ hire, ensemble fees and grade fees.

Help Musicians 
Help Musicians UK is the leading UK charity for professional musicians of all genres. They offer people the extra support they need at a crucial stage that could make or break their career.

Music for All 
Music for All believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn music. They provide grants to individuals of all ages as well as communities.

King’s Trust

As well as offering its own grants to help young people aged 11+ with education, training and jobs, the Trust has a useful list of alternative organisations who offer funding. Please click title for website.

Universal Music UK Sound Foundation
Universal Music UK Sound Foundation provides Instrument & Equipment Awards open to schools, teachers and individuals in full time education as well as Bursary Awards through music colleges.

​The Scholarship Hub
Search and apply for UK scholarships, grants or bursaries for university on this comprehensive database of funding for UK/EU undergraduates and postgraduates to help reduce student debts.

Please click on an Icon to visit the website