Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursary
The bursary provides additional one-to-one, or small group lessons with a Conservatoire tutor.
About The Bursary
Each academic year, Leeds Conservatoire offers a limited number of instrumental, composition, and vocal bursaries across the disciplines of Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk Roots & Blues, Songwriting, and Voice. The bursary provides eighteen one-to-one, or small group lessons with a Conservatoire tutor during the academic year in which they are awarded. Any undergraduate student who will be in Years 1, 2, 3 (Levels 4, 5, 6) or Postgraduate (Level 7) in 2025/26 can apply for the bursary.[1]
A small group bursary could be offered for certain groups of musicians. The group size and make up would be determined by academic staff.
Please read the information and FAQs below before making your application.
How it works
How the bursary application works and what happens when awarded.
Applying For The Bursary
Any undergraduate student who will be in Years 1, 2, 3 (Levels 4, 5, 6) or Postgraduate (Level 7) in 2025/26 can apply for the bursary[1], whether you receive instrumental or composition lessons as part of your course or not.
Ideally you should be around Grade 6 standard on your chosen bursary instrument/voice, although we recognise that many of you will have not taken formal examinations on your instrument/voice, in which case, please describe on the application form, your level in terms of the projects you have been involved in.
Limited spaces will be made available for Foundation Year and First year students, but the same application criteria will apply.
We are also keen to support specific instruments (across different pathways) which may allow for a lower entry level. Please see the section below.
If you are applying for a Composition/Songwriting bursary, you must submit a portfolio of well presented original compositions that reflect the equivalent level as stated above. (Instructions for submitting are in the application form.)
[1]With the exception of students on the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre, BA (Hons) Acting or BA (Hons) Actor/Musician programmes and the MA programmes in the School of Drama.
Instrument Prioritising
There is no standard preference; however dependent on applications and the different requirements for ensemble performance, there may be differing priorities each academic year. For example, priority may be given to so-called “rare breed” and “endangered” instruments, if this is felt appropriate. In 2025/26 applications will be particularly welcomed from:
- Jazz: Trumpet, Trombone, Bass (electric and string[2]), Piano[3]
- Folk: Guitar, Harmonica, Irish flute, Melodeon/Accordions, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo
- Classical: Viola, Cello, Double Bass, French Horn, Oboe, Bassoon, Percussion
- Pop: Bass Guitar, Keyboard
[2] We encourage guitarists to apply for electric bass and electric bass players to apply for double bass. Please note, if you are awarded a bursary for jazz bass, you may be asked to be part of a Specialist Group Study curriculum band in addition to receiving the bursary lessons.
[3] Jazz harmony is a key feature of the course, and we encourage non pianists to apply for piano bursaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common enquiries about the bursary.
If I apply for a bursary will I definitely get one?
Applications for bursaries are competitive and limited places are available for bursaries across the disciplines of Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Songwriting, and Voice. The number of bursaries allocated per discipline however may fluctuate each academic year, to accommodate changing requirements for ensemble instrumentation etc.
Can I apply for a bursary for a different instrument to the one I already study?
Yes you can, as long as you are at about Grade 6 standard on the instrument you’re making your bursary application for.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Please limit your application to one instrument, unless you are applying for one for Piano and one for any of the instruments listed in the priority instruments list.
Can I apply if I don’t receive instrument lessons as part of the programme I study?
Yes you can, as long as you are at about Grade 6 standard on the instrument you’re making your bursary application for.
An example of a programme without instrument lessons could be BA Music (Business).
Do I need to re-apply if I was awarded a bursary last academic year?
Yes. All students must apply if they wish to be considered for a bursary. Being in receipt of a bursary in a previous year does not automatically mean you will be awarded a bursary in the following year, as priorities may change.
Can I apply for beginner’s lessons through the bursary?
No. You must be of a suitable standard (around grade 6) to apply for a bursary, or be able to provide evidence of a suitable standard of composition.
This is to ensure that you are able (if necessary) to participate in a Conservatoire ensemble or other curriculum/extracurricular ensembles.
If I miss my allocated lessons, will this affect my bursary?
If you are awarded a bursary and subsequently miss two or more lessons, your bursary entitlement will be removed. This may impact your application for a bursary in future years. If you are going to be absent, you must follow the absence reporting process.
Application
New students for 25/26 can apply for bursaries to start in the 2025 academic year by completing the online application form below.
The form is available from 12:00pm (noon) on Monday 29th September, and the deadline for applications is 12:00pm (noon) on Wednesday 8th October.
You are considered a new student if you are starting: foundation year, year 1 of the BA courses, a postgraduate course, and selected direct-entry or returning from study suspension students.
Please make sure that you are eligible to apply for a bursary before completing the questionnaire.