The University recognises the role that music and culture plays in the development of the individual and the benefits cultural activities bring to the wider University community. The scholarship is intended to encourage excellence and development in extra-curricular music performance, and includes instrumental/vocal tuition with experienced teachers.
Around fifteen scholarships are awarded to new applicants each year. Students returning to the University in their second or third year are able to apply for a University Music Performance Award, which entitles them to a year's worth of instrumental / singing tuition in support of their involvement in music-making.
The scholarship rewards a recipient’s involvement in the extra-curricular musical life of the University; scholars are usually expected to contribute to a minimum of
two relevant ensembles (where appropriate) as part of their commitment to the scholarship scheme. Scholarships will normally be allocated only to those students whose musical interests and talents can be supported within the University community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Scholarships/Awards will normally be allocated only to those whose musical/vocal interests and talents can be supported within the University community. The number of years of instrumental and/or vocal study and performing experience, as well an applicant’s potential, will be taken into account.
Scholarship/Award recipients must be prepared to represent the University and to contribute to the cultural life of the University by participating in activities and events. Candidates must also be willing to act as ambassadors for the University and to agree to be featured in University publications and press releases.
The University of Kent reserves the right to withdraw the Scholarship/Award if the formal criteria are not met. In particular, if for any reason the holder ceases to be a registered student at the University, it will be suspended immediately.
To apply for the Music Performance Scholarship (new registrants only) you should download the Application Form.
To apply for the Music Performance Award (returning students only) you should download the Application Form.
Once completed, e-mail your application to the Music Administrator (as a typed Word document or PDF only - other formats will not be accepted).
Applications will be considered and candidates who have been successful at this stage will be invited for interview and audition. Unsuccessful candidates will also be informed. (Due to the high volume of applications we receive each year, unfortunately it is not possible to offer specific feedback at this stage of the application process. We do, however, encourage all students to enjoy and participate in musical provision at the University.)
It is vital that, if your application is accepted, you then arrange an interview with the Director of Music as soon as you arrive at the University – these will be held in a number of Office Hours which will be published on-line prior to the start of term.
There is no deadline prior to the start of the academic year, but early application is advisable. Applications will only be considered up to 9am on Tuesday 17 September 2024, except in exceptional circumstances.
Interviews will be held in Welcome Week during which your audition will be arranged.
Music Scholarships/Awards are intended to recognise and encourage excellence. Applicants would usually be expected to demonstrate some or all of the following criteria when submitting their written application:
If you would like to discuss the Music Scholarship/Award Schemes prior to your application, email the Head of Music Performance.
Candidates needing particular support or accessibility will be able to highlight these both on the written application form and at interview where necessary. For information regarding accessibility and Gulbenkian / Colyer-Fergusson, please see details on the Gulbenkian website here.
Funded jointly by Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent, three individual scholarships for KMMS first-year students of £1,000. Intended to recognise existing musical talent, encourage excellence and development and reward participation in extra-curricular music performance these also include instrumental/vocal tuition with experienced teachers.
For information about other scholarships available at the University, including academic and non-academic scholarships and overseas loans, please follow the link below
Third-year Music Performance Scholar reading Law, Meg Daniel, in music by Enesco and Taffanel
Read profiles of some of the University Music Scholars.
"One of the reasons I chose Kent was for its great facilities and the warm atmosphere in Colyer-Fergusson"
"It has allowed me to purchase a new bag for my bagpipes and has covered the travel and membership that I pay to practice with the Glenduart Pipes and Drum Band."
"I intend to make the most of all the musical opportunities available to me while I am at Kent"
"Gaining the scholarship led me to achieve a dream I didn’t even know I had: leading the Symphony Orchestra"
"I chose Kent especially for its wonderful music facilities and it was a huge deciding factor when picking my top choice"
"All of the extra-curricular music activities have been a lovely way for me to relax away from my studies"
