Published: 19 May 2025 132 views
The Ash Music Scholarships are prestigious undergraduate awards offered to five musically gifted students—both Home and Overseas—entering Imperial College London, providing free instrumental tuition at the Royal College of Music and fostering active participation in the College’s musical life for up to three years.
Free instrumental tuition at the Royal College of Music.
The scholarships are tenable for three years of a first undergraduate course. In exceptional circumstances the tenure of the scholarship may be extended beyond three years. Scholars will be expected to arrange lessons with their RCM professor to fit in with the academic timetable.
Holders of awards will be expected to take part in the College’s musical life, typically Imperial College Symphony Orchestra or one of Imperial‘s choirs. There are also many other instrumental and vocal ensembles on campus, providing a wealth of performance opportunities for everyone.
Evidence of ABRSM Grade 8 distinction (or equivalent, including other international musical qualifications). A copy of the mark sheet is required (not the certificate).
A reference from the instrumental/vocal teacher to be sent with the application.
A letter from the applicant detailing relevant musical experience.
In exceptional circumstances a high merit will sometimes be acceptable if supported by excellent references.
Please note: This scholarship is not available to continuing students.
A shortlist will be drawn up shortly after the deadline and auditions will then be held during the Easter vacation. Applicants will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces (on one instrument only) of not more than ten minutes in total. There will also be a sight reading test. A professional accompanist will be provided at the audition. Non-pianists should note that one piece may be unaccompanied but at least one work should be performed as a duo.
Successful applicants will be notified within two or three days of the auditions.
Applications (on one instrument only) should be sent in hard copy to:
Oliver Gooch, Director of the Blyth Music and Arts Centre, Level 5 Sherfield Building, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ
Giving contact details (postal address, email address and telephone number), specifying the department to which application is being made. References should be included with the applications.
International applicants who would find the audition in London impracticable should clearly state their intention to make an overseas application. They will be expected to provide a recent video file of two contrasting works, not exceeding 10 minutes duration. Each media file should not exceed 4GB. If your files are larger in size, we suggest converting/compressing the file. A good program to do this is Handbrake. See our video tutorial on using Handbrake. Audio files will not be accepted.
Overseas applicants should send in all initial paperwork by email before the closing date and, if shortlisted, will be invited to submit their video files to [email protected] by the day of the live audition.
Further details of this year's Ash Scholarship and Application Form (pdf)
For more details, visit Imperial College London scholarship webpage.
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