Who Can Apply?
• Students with Lessons in Schools in Kent and Medway: If you have an approved lesson with any music provider in a school in Kent or Medway, you can apply for financial assistance. Please specify the correct provider when applying. Please note that lessons that are already subsidised by Hub funding are not included in this offer.
Financial Assistance Details
• Amount: Successful applicants will receive 75% financial assistance, up to a maximum of £120 per term, for one course of instrumental or vocal tuition. This applies for three terms per academic year.
• Additional Support: Students who receive financial assistance for lessons are also eligible for 75% financial assistance towards the cost of ensembles at a Kent Music Centre.
For full details on eligibility and conditions, please refer to the Financial Assistance Criteria document linked below.
Musical Instrument Hire
If you qualify for financial assistance, we can also lend you an instrument from Kent Music’s stock, free of charge (subject to availability).
Financial Assistance for 2024-25
We are thrilled that our Financial Assistance scheme has now been extended to include students who live and/or study in Medway and we welcome applications from eligible students. Our 2024-25 funding for Kent students is limited but we are still accepting applications and aim to fulfil as many as we can.
How to Apply for Financial Assistance
To apply for our Financial Assistance scheme, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Review our Criteria and T&Cs to check that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Submit Application: Click the ‘Apply’ button below. You will be directed to our online portal, SpeedAdmin, where you can either log in to your existing account or create a new one
- Application Processing: Our team will process your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or need help with your application, please email us at financialassistance@kent-music.com
Financial Assistance for County Groups and Summer School Activities
If you need financial assistance for Kent Music County Group or Summer School activities, please follow these steps
- Download the Form: Click here to download the County Programmes Financial Assistance Application Form.
- Submit the Form: Fill out the form and return it with supporting documents to financialassistance@kent-music.com
Please note that applications for County Programmes financial assistance cannot be processed through the main ‘Apply Here’ button and must use the specific form linked above.
For more information, contact Leanne Hardy, County Programmes Lead, at lhardy@kent-music.com
Other Funding Opportunities
ABRSM Scholarships and Funding
Awards for Young Musicians
Offers financial support for a range of musical costs for talented young musicians.
Blyth Bursary
Offers up to 100% bursary for one student per year to Sutton Valence School, based on means testing. The bursary can be split between families.
EMI Music Sound Foundation
An independent music education charity that improves young people’s access to music education in the UK & Ireland.
Dance and Drama Awards
Provides assistance with fees and living costs at 19 private dance and drama schools.
Future Talent
Provides mentoring, financial support, and unique opportunities for young musicians under 18 from low-income backgrounds.
Kent and Medway Young Musicians’ Trust
Offers grants to promising young musicians to help them progress in their musical journey.
Music and Dance Scheme
Provides grants and fee assistance at 8 independent schools and 21 centres for advanced training.
Roger O'Shea Fund for Young Musicians
The Roger O’Shea Fund supports talented young musicians who need financial help to continue their studies. The fund offers up to £1,000 per year to cover costs like exam fees, accompanists, travel for auditions, or participation in some Kent Music programmes.
Eligibility
The fund is open to young musicians aged 19 or under who meet specific financial criteria.
To find out more about the fund and how to apply, please read the full details in our Roger O’Shea Fund Criteria document or email finance@kent-music.com.
SCALE Vocal Trust
Assists gifted young singers in need of financial support.
Swale Youth Development Fund
Provides grants for various activities, including music, dance, drama, and sports.
‘Take it Away’ Musical Instrument Scheme
Offers interest-free loans for purchasing musical instruments.
Talents and Interests Grant Scheme
Supports young people with grants for hobbies such as sports, arts, or music, applied for by a trusted adult.
Trinity’s Music and Drama Access Fund
Provides small grants to UK candidates experiencing barriers to accessing TCL qualifications. Grants can be used for exam fees, lessons, instruments, travel, and more.
FAQs
When can I apply for financial assistance?
If you are starting lessons, you can apply for financial assistance as soon as your lessons have been confirmed. If you already receive financial assistance, you will be invited to reapply for the new school year in the summer term.
Can both of my children have financial assistance?
Yes! There is no limit on the number of children in a family who can receive financial assistance, as long as the criteria are met.
My child is learning two instruments. Will all of their lessons be reduced?
No, unfortunately we can only support one course of lessons per child, so that we are able to help more students
My child’s teacher is not with Kent Music. Can we still receive financial assistance?
Yes, you can. Kent Music is the fundholder for the Kent & Medway Music Hub and so we allocate financial assistance to approved partner organisations. Contact us on financialassistance@kent-music.com to find out if your child’s teacher qualifies.
I am having trouble completing the form. Can you help?
We are always very happy to help applicants to complete the application form. Contact us on 01622 691212 to speak to our Finance Team who will be able to provide support. You can also email us at financialassistance@kent-music.com
Got another question?
Can’t find what you’re looking for, or want to speak to a member of the team? Give us a call on 01622 691212 or get in touch at the form below.