Music scholarship

[Soymocha]

Hi there, our DS would like to apply for a music scholarship (the school asked him to as well) and the application process requires them to submit a statement explaining why they are applying for one.

Does anyone have any advice on the things we should consider when answering this? There isn't really much of a discount off school fees (hardly anything) but they do offer free instrumental lessons at school, though we would still use our teacher outside of school.

I suppose the reason DS would like to do it is to experience the process and to have a shot at it because if they did get it, it would be an achievement in itself. A recognition of the hard work DS has put into his musical studies these last few years. However, I don't think these are good enough reasons on their own?

I suppose they want to hear how getting a scholarship would tie into their long term goals but DS is only 10. Being truthful, DS doesn't want to attend a conservatoire though he is deeply committed to music playing in orchestras and ensembles.

We'd be grateful for any advice that anyone has. Thank you!

Not necessarily. I think the school would like to know what he might do when he’s with them. Depends on the school but I’ve known music scholars become Doctors and consider things as they go through secondary school. So concentrate on what he might do in school.

It’s normal for a school to have certain obligations for music scholars such as performance. However I would talk to him about his enthusiasm for making music, joining others who do the same and maybe mention something new he might try (singing for example) so you don’t snub the free lessons.

Look closely at what scholars should do and say how he can put effort into it to enhance music at the school. What ensembles do they have? Orchestras? He should also enjoy being a scholar and find it a pleasure and not all hard work. I’m sure posters will come up with other ideas however showing enthusiasm in the application goes a long way.

Thanks. This is helpful. The expectation is that a music scholar would be fully committed to musical life which is what DS currently does anyway as he's in the orchestra, ensemble and choir as he enjoys it. My only concern is that in a few years, he may feel differently. If he does get a scholarship, I'm not sure if he decides not to continue the full on musical commitment (e.g. to focus on academic subjects) and the music scholarship is withdrawn, whether that means the school place would be withdrawn. Presumably not? I need to double check this with the school.

We are coming into the process late so I am a little concerned about the amount of work that's required for the process (we need to get audition pieces ready for two instruments) and whether the extra practice is worth it. DS plays two very common instruments albeit at high level and it has been made clear to us that the preference is for orchestral instruments preferably not common ones.

@Soymocha
Im sorry. I didn’t realise he was already at the school. I assumed you were applying from an admission point of view.

You would need to read the conditions of the scholarship. At our school DC were free to make academic and career choices free of tie and without fear of money being taken away. Sports and drama scholars ditto! Usually scholarships do not depend on higher education destinations. Just what DC do in school. I think that’s fair, but check it out.

You may want to check on whether they have to take music GCSE. My DD has a music scholarship to secondary - she wouldn't have lost her place at the school, but she would have lost her scholarship if she hadn't picked Music as one of her options.

Worth finding out exactly what the expectations are. DD applied for lots of music scholarships and there was a very wide range.

Also check the school cater well for DC's particular instrument. I encountered so many schools who were very keen that DD take up the oboe or whatever they were obviously short of in their orchestra, and far less interested in her specialism (singing). It did make it easier to weed out the schools that wouldn't have been a good fit... DD's second study is also non-orchestral and she had no interest in adding a third.

Singing is quite an unusual one for a scholarship as choiristers sing. They are not in really short supply. My DD1 sang. As did quite a few in the school. Orchestral instruments are usually more sought after for obvious reasons.

OP - if the gain is just that your DS will feel proud of himself, I’d think again. My experience is that Music Scholars can’t opt out of their musical commitments, or at least it is made hard to do so, and as they grow into teenagers they resent the amount of time they have to spend doing something they are told to do by the Music Department. It’s almost regardless of whether they would have chosen to do it, its the being told that they have to that causes trouble.

I think the ideal position is to be a good musician who is in all the groups/orchestras/choirs/ensembles they want to be in, but who is able to say ‘sorry, can’t make that, it clashes with sports match / a friend’s birthday part / my plans for having a lie-in’.

It’s exactly the same for sports scholars and others who receive fee reductions from a school for a certain talent. It’s fair to give something back. My DD did orchestra, ensembles, choirs etc and wasn’t a music scholar! She didn’t give up. However she wasn’t sporty and you do have to choose what you want most. DD liked music and drama, but not sport.