Scholarships and awards
There are two ways in which University of St Andrews matriculated students can obtain help with vocal and instrumental tuition costs through the Music Centre: scholarships and the Hebdomadar's Music Fund.
In most cases, awards are made at the beginning of the academic year following competitive auditions at the start of the semester. They are open to any current student at the University, with the exception of vocal scholarships which are not open to first-year students.
Choral and organ scholarships are sometimes also awarded prior to the start of the academic year.
No student will be awarded more than one scholarship in any one discipline (i.e. singing, or one particular instrument).
Scholarships are awarded afresh each academic year (with the exception of St Salvator’s Chapel Choir scholarships). If you have already auditioned unsuccessfully in a previous year, you are welcome to audition again this year. Last year’s scholars are required to audition again, and are not automatically awarded another scholarship.
All scholarship recipients are required to join the Music Centre.
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St Salvator's Chapel Choir
A choral scholarship with St Salvator's Chapel Choir is one of the most prestigious musical opportunities available at the University of St Andrews. Every member of the choir holds a scholarship and is required to sing in two or three services every week during teaching time. The choir also sings at graduations, tours internationally, records CDs, makes radio and TV broadcasts, and works with eminent musicians such as Dame Emma Kirkby and Peter Harvey.
The scholarship covers the full cost of singing tuition at the Music Centre, free participation in the annual choir tour, and Sunday lunch.
St Leonard's Chapel Choir
A number of scholarships are available for members of St Leonard's Chapel Choir. These cover the full cost of singing tuition at the Music Centre.
Organ scholarships
Up to three organ scholarships are awarded each year. Organ scholars accompany either St Leonard's or St Salvator's Chapel Choir. The scholarships cover organ tuition with the University Organist Tom Wilkinson and Honorary Professor of Organ Henry Fairs, recital opportunities, masterclasses with leading organists, and participation in international organ academies.
Renaissance Singers scholarships
The Renaissance Singers award up to three scholarships per year: one specifically for a tenor plus two others. Students should be experienced choral singers with some sight-reading ability.
A new award for 2021-22: in addition to the above, we will appoint a suitable member of the choir as assistant-conductor. This will include some hands-on experience each week, the possibility of directing part of a performance, and weekly mentoring. For further details and to apply, please email director Gillian Craig gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Scholarship holders are required to:
- sing in weekly rehearsals on Tuesday evenings during semester
- perform concerts and evensong performances in St Salvator's Chapel and in venues around Scotland
- attend occasional tours in the UK and Europe
- take and active part in the running of the choir.
The scholarships cover the cost of a full year's singing tuition at the Music Centre.
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Instrumental scholarships are offered as either individual or ensemble scholarships. They pay the full cost of weekly half-hour (or one hour in some cases) instrumental lessons, plus ensemble coaching, for the academic year. Though formal musical qualifications are not a condition for applying, we would normally expect candidates to be of a standard of at least ABRSM Grade 8. Scholars are expected to attend lessons punctually and reliably and to devote time to private practice, as guided by their teacher. In addition, scholars will be expected to become fully involved in the musical life of the University, for example by playing in Music Centre ensembles. Each scholar will be expected to perform at least once during the year in a Music Centre concert; guidance will be given by the Director of Music.
Piano scholarships: Up to four piano scholarships are available, including two Christina Kennedy Piano Scholarships which provide one hour of tuition per week. Piano scholars have solo performance opportunities in masterclasses and concerts. As well as working on solo repertoire, all piano scholars are expected to undertake regular accompanying duties. The extent of these duties may vary depending on experience, but is likely to include accompanying other students in lessons, rehearsals and performances. The maximum regular contact time per week is two hours and thirty minutes. Accompanying is overseen by the Head of Instrumental Studies, Bede Williams.
Organ scholarships: Information about organ scholarships can be found here.
Brass ensemble scholarships: A number of brass scholarships will be awarded to students who will make up the Music Centre’s brass quartet/quintet. Each student will receive individual tuition and weekly coaching as part of the ensemble from Bede Williams. The groups will be expected to rehearse regularly between coaching sessions, and to be available to play at University events.
Jazz quartet/quintet scholarships: Students will receive lessons from an instrumental specialist and coaching as a quartet/quintet from Richard Michael. Students with little or no experience in improvisation are welcome to apply, though scholarship recipients will normally be those with some experience in jazz improvisation. String, wind, brass, keyboard, guitar and percussion players are welcome to apply.
Saxophone quartet scholarships: Up to four saxophone scholarships will be awarded to students who will make up the Music Centre’s saxophone quartet. Each student will receive individual tuition and weekly coaching as part of the quartet from Cat Evison. The quartet will be expected to rehearse regularly between coaching sessions, to participate in the Saxophone Ensemble, and to be available to play at University events.
String quartet scholarships: As a result of a generous bequest from the estate of Hetty Buchanan, a cellist who was deeply involved in music in St Andrews throughout her life, we are able to offer scholarships to string players who will make up the Hetty Buchanan String Quartet, as well as one or two other quartets if suitable candidates present themselves. Each student will receive individual tuition from an appropriate teacher, regular coaching as part of the quartet from Feargus Hetherington, and occasional coaching from Lucy Russell (Honorary Professor of Strings, and leader of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet). The quartets will be expected to rehearse regularly between coaching sessions, and to be available to play at University events.
Wind quintet scholarships: Up to five wind scholarships (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn) will be awarded to students who will make up the Music Centre’s wind quintet. Each student will receive individual tuition, and weekly coaching as part of the quintet from Alex South and from other visiting tutors including members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The quintet will be expected to rehearse regularly between coaching sessions, and to be available to play at University events.
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Vocal scholarships are open to all undergraduate students. Though formal musical qualifications are not a condition for applying, we would normally expect candidates to be of a standard at least ABRSM Grade 8 in classical or music theatre repertoire. Successful applicants will be expected to attend lessons punctually and reliably and to devote time to private practice, as guided by their teacher. In addition, scholars will be expected to become fully involved in the musical life of the University, for example by performing in appropriate Music Centre ensembles. Each scholar will be expected to perform at least once during the academic year in a Music Centre performance; guidance on this will be given by the Head of Vocal Studies, Jonathan May. Auditions are held during Orientation Week.
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Hebdomadar's Music Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need, following a confidential assessment by the Director of Music and Director of Student Services. The awards pay half the cost of weekly half-hour instrumental/vocal lessons throughout the academic year: the student must pay the balance themselves. There is no audition for these awards: applicants should complete a Hebdomadar's Music Fund application form (PDF) and return the completed form by 4pm on the Wednesday of Week 1.
The Hebdomadar's Music Fund is supported by a number of individuals and groups, including the Kate Kennedy Club.