Financial Support
Each bursary has its own eligibility criteria. These may include factors such as financial need, challenging circumstances, musical potential, age or where you live.
Not sure where to start? Choosing the right bursary can sometimes be confusing. If you can’t find the right scheme or would like advice before applying, we’d be happy to help. Book a meeting with the Octagon Music Hub team to discuss your options.
IN-SCHOOL SUPPORT
Dorset Music and Somerset Music (referred to as Music Services) work with schools to provide instrumental and vocal tuition, instrument hire &other music opportunities. Financial support may be available through schools, your local music service, or a combination of both.
If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, Pupil Premium or your family is experiencing financial hardship, speak to your school in the first instance. If the school is unable to provide support, ask them to contact your local music service to explore the financial assistance that may be available. Need more help? If you’ve spoken to your school or music service and still need advice, we’re here to help.
CHANGING KEY DORSET
Changing Key Dorset is an independent charity supporting children and young people across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset to access and progress in music, particularly those facing financial hardship or additional life challenges. Through bursaries and financial support, the charity helps ensure that young people are not prevented from participating in musical opportunities because of their circumstances, recognising the important role music can play in confidence, wellbeing, creativity and personal development.
OCTAGON MUSIC HUB
The Octagon Music Hub Bursary Scheme has been created to help talented young musicians overcome financial barriers to high-quality music education. Through a range of bursaries, we support young people to access specialist tuition, ensembles, courses and progression opportunities.
GYAT
GYAT is a specialist music centre offering high-quality out-of-school music education and progression opportunities for children and young people across Somerset and the surrounding area. Based at Richard Huish College in Taunton, the centre forms part of the wider Guildhall Young Artists network led by the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
JOHN NOWES YEOVIL EDUCATIONAL BURSARIES
The John Nowes Yeovil Educational Bursaries provide financial support for young people aged 16–24 from Yeovil and the surrounding area. Funding can help with university, apprenticeships, accredited training, music and arts courses, and other educational costs. Applications open during set funding rounds each year, so please check the published deadlines before applying.
YOUNG SOUNDS
Through the Young Sounds UK Thrive programme, talented young instrumentalists, singers, songwriters, composers and producers can access financial support to develop their musical potential. As well as funding, Thrive offers a nationwide community of young musicians, alongside inspiring opportunities, advice and guidance to help you progress on your musical journey
SOUTH WEST MUSIC SCHOOL
South West Music School supports young musicians with exceptional potential through its Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) programme. Means-tested grants from the Department for Education’s Music & Dance Scheme can help cover fees for eligible families, ensuring talented young musicians can access specialist training regardless of their financial circumstances.