Palfreman music scholarships are worth up to 10% of fees; music exhibitions are worth £500 towards tuition in one instrument or voice.
Scholarships and exhibitions are awarded on the basis of an audition. Music awards are available to both external applicants and pupils progressing from the Senior School.
The role of music scholars and exhibition holders
The musical life of the Foundation is very active, and music award holders are expected to play a full role in supporting and developing this. Those who audition on an orchestral instrument will be expected to join the Symphony Orchestra (which rehearses after school on Wednesdays); singers will join The Singers (a choir which rehearses after school on Tuesdays), and pianists should be prepared to be involved in solo and ensemble performances as appropriate.
Other instrumentalists are equally welcome to apply and the role they could play as a potential music scholar will be discussed at the audition. Above all, music scholars should lead by example, both musically and also by being punctual and regular in their attendance at rehearsals and concerts.
Application
To apply for the Palfreman music scholarship, all applicants can download the scholarship form or contact the admissions office to request the forms.
Applicants should be of Grade 7 standard or above at the time of the audition. Applicants will be considered for both scholarships and exhibitions.
Auditions
During the audition applicants will be required to perform a 10 – 15 minute recital on their main instrument or voice, demonstrating the ability to perform in contrasting musical styles. They will also be asked by the director of music to talk about their current musical activities. Applicants may, if they wish, perform on a second instrument or voice for up to 5 minutes. As part of the audition process applicants will be expected to show that they already make an appropriate contribution to music in their current school. Auditions take place in the Octagon at the Senior School and an accompanist will be provided free of charge. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to arrange their own accompanist for the audition if they wish (at their own expense).
Terms
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in early December. The Principal’s decision is final. We do not disclose marks, grades or rankings. Successful applicants are required to accept or decline scholarships by early January. Having accepted a scholarship for the Stephen Perse Sixth Form, applicants are required to withdraw from the application/scholarship process of all other schools and colleges. External applicants must meet the academic requirements for entry to the Stephen Perse Sixth Form.
Details of all key scholarship examination, audition and interview dates are available here.
Please note that auditions and interviews relating to applications for other scholarships and awards may take place on a different day from the academic scholarships and external applicant entrance tests; therefore external applicants must be available for both in order to be considered. External applicants must pass normal entrance assessments to be offered a place at the Sixth Form.
When an external applicant is applying for an occasional vacancy after the formal period for application and testing has elapsed, an application for an art, drama, music or sport scholarship may only be considered if awards remain outstanding. Academic scholarships and Foundation awards are not available for applicants who do not sit the entrance examinations and attend interviews on the designated day.
Scholarships, which are not means tested, may be held in more than one discipline simultaneously and may be combined with financial assistance (in the form of a bursary).