Bursary – Cumbria Music Hub

Westmorland and Furness Music Service

Young Musicians' Bursary

Supporting Young Musicians Across Cumbria

At Cumbria Music Hub, we believe every child and young person should have the opportunity to enjoy, develop and progress in music.

Our Small Bursary Scheme offers financial support to help remove barriers to participation, enabling more young people to access instrumental lessons, ensembles, performances, courses and other musical opportunities. Whether you need help with instrument costs, tuition fees, transport or other music-related expenses, we want to help talented and enthusiastic young people continue their musical journey.

Applications are open to children and young people aged 0-19 who live, study or receive music provision within Cumbria. We particularly welcome applications from families experiencing financial hardship, young people with SEND, care-experienced children, Armed Forces families, and those facing geographical or other barriers to participation.

Each application is considered fairly and individually, taking into account financial need, musical engagement and the positive impact that support could make. Before applying, we encourage families to explore other funding opportunities, and we're happy to signpost you to additional sources of support where appropriate.

Other potential sources of funding:

Future Talent Music Programmes

Music For All - National Youth Arts Trust Music bursaries

Young Sounds

Take it Away (interest free loans for instrument purchases)

Help Musicians | Musical instrument funding

Keldwyth Award for Cumbrian Young Musicians

Trinity College London Music Exams Music & Drama Access Fund

How to Apply?

Applications may be made on behalf of young musicians by parents / carers, schools, hub partner organisations and music group leads.

Assessment Criteria

Full Bursary Policy

Important Information

The bursary can help with:

🎵 Participation in music activities, courses or performances

🎵 Music group, choir, ensemble membership fees

🎵 Associated costs such as resources or transport where these support participation

🎵 Music lessons fees

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome for children and young people aged 0-19 who live, learn or receive music provision within the Cumbria Music Hub area. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need and/or face barriers to accessing music education and performance opportunities, including children and young people who:

• who are eligible for Free School Meals / Pupil Premium

• have special educational needs and disabilities

• are cared-for or care-experienced

• who may be experiencing financial hardship

• are facing barriers linked to geography, mobility or other family circumstances

• are from Armed Forces families

Key points:

✔ Funding is limited

✔ Applications must be submitted between 6 – 30 November 2027

✔ Applications will be assessed using the published bursary assessment matrix

✔ Applicants may be signposted to alternative sources of support where appropriate