Fees and funding

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Music Scholarships and Awards 

Mary Lill Scholarships 

The Department of Music at the University of Sheffield is delighted to offer the Mary Lill Scholarships for 2024 entry.  These scholarships are funded through the generous bequest of Mary Lill, an alumna of the university (1953-1957) who retained a life-long love of music. They are intended to support aspiring music students who meet widening participation criteria, including those who come from low-participation backgrounds. Through these scholarships, the Department aims to further enhance not only the diversity of our own student body, but also the next generation of music performers, educators, scholars, and music industry professionals.

The University will award up to three undergraduate scholarships, administered through the Experience Sheffield Scholarship scheme.  Students accepted on to both the BMus (single honours) and BA (dual honours) and making the University of Sheffield their first-choice preference are eligible to apply. 

Each successful applicant will receive £3,600, paid in two instalments of £600 per level of study, for up to 3 years. Applications are processed through the Sheffield Experience Scholarships. For more information please view the central pages

Sir Henry Coward Organ Scholarship

Frequency: one award is available.
Duties: Postholder fulfils the conventional duties of an organ scholar at Sheffield Cathedral.
Value: £TBC
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study Music at the University of Sheffield.
Assessment: Audition. 
Enquiries: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk.

Sheffield Cathedral Organ Scholarships

Post: Senior Organ Scholar .
Duties: rehearsals and choral services at Sheffield Cathedral; residency in Sheffield throughout the choir terms.
Value: £7000 
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.
Enquiries: james.mitchell@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk

Details

Sheffield Cathedral Choral Scholarships

Frequency: up to eight scholars are in post at any one time.
Duties: rehearsals and choral services at Sheffield Cathedral; residency in Sheffield throughout the choir terms.
Value: Annual Bursary of £2,800 and a £200 contribution to the cost of singing lessons.
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield.
Enquiries: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk 

Escafeld Chorale Associate Soloist

Frequency: one award is available, maximum tenure two years.
Duties: rehearsals and performances in solo roles with Escafeld Chorale.
Value: £400
Eligibility: All current Music students at the University of Sheffield.
Assessment: Audition.
Enquiries   Escafeld Chorale Sheffield   

St John's Ranmoor Organ Scholarship

Frequency: Frequent 
Duties: The Organ Scholar will support the music department by playing for services, accompanying and occasionally conducting the choir and assisting with the training of the Choristers and Juniors under the direction of the Director of Music. The exact role will be tailored to the strengths, experience and ambitions of the candidate.
Value: £1200 + opportunities for tuition 
Assessment: . Application is by CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how being Organ Scholar at St John’s would help you develop as a church musician - by emailing music@stjohnsranmoor.org.uk.

St John's Ranmoor Website

Shipman Conducting Scholarship

Frequency: Occasional 
Duties: Director or Assistant Director of one of the university ensembles—Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, or Chamber Choir.
Value: £1200
Eligibility: All current Music undergraduates at the University of Sheffield.
Assessment: Audition.

Mrs Stewart Blake Prizes

Frequency: Three annually.

  • Mrs Stewart Blake BMus Prize (£75)
  • Mrs Stewart Blake Dissertation Prize (£75)
  • Mrs Stewart Blake Special Project Prize (£75).
  • Mrs Stewart Blake Recital Prize (£75)

Eligibility: Final year BMus students.
Assessment:

  • Best overall degree result
  • Best result in the Level 3 Dissertation module
  • Best result in the Level 3 Recital module.
Philip John Lord Composition Prize

Frequency: One annually.
Value: £75 in books or scores.
Eligibility: Final year BMus students.
Assessment: Best result in the Level 3 Composition Portfolio module.

Julian Payne Prize

We award the student with the highest mark at the end of first year, and the student that receives the highest mark for their student recital. 

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.