About the Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship

Rotary supports musicians to reach their full potential

The Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship presented by the Rotary Club of Melbourne, offers support to talented musicians requiring assistance to further their career or studies in music.

The purpose of this scholarship is to identify and support emerging Victorian musicians who demonstrate exceptional talent and potential but lack access to essential resources and opportunities. By providing financial assistance, Rotary Melbourne aims to level the playing field and ensure that economic barriers do not hinder the growth and development of promising artists. The ultimate goal of this award is to significantly contribute to the artistic and professional development of the recipients.

We aim to:

  • Enable recipients to pursue advanced training, purchase necessary equipment, or engage in opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible due to financial constraints.

  • Provide a platform for recipients to showcase their talent, potentially opening doors to further opportunities in the music industry.

  • Measure the impact of the award by tracking the professional achievements and milestones of the recipients in the years following their receipt of the award.

The Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship consists of:

A monetary award totaling $10,000:

  • $5000 first prize
  • $3000 second prize
  • $2000 third prize

Prize money can be used toward tuition, instrument purchase, concert travel.

The scholarship is open to all Australian citizens and will be awarded based on a comprehensive application process.

Requirements

To be considered for the Melbourne Rotary Music Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Active Engagement in the Music Community: Applicants should demonstrate their active involvement in their local or regional music community. This can be through participation in performances, community music groups, local events, or other relevant activities that showcase their commitment to music.

  • Australian Citizenship or Domestic Status in Victoria: The applicant must be an Australian citizen or a domestic student residing in the state of Victoria. Proof of residency or citizenship will be required.

  • Demonstration of Musical Aspiration: Candidates must display a strong and genuine desire to develop and grow as musicians. This could be evidenced through their past achievements, ongoing projects, or future plans in the field of music.

  • Evidence of Hardship and Need for Support: Applicants must provide concrete evidence of financial or other hardships that impede their musical development. This can include, but is not limited to, personal or family financial statements, descriptions of specific challenges faced, and how the scholarship will alleviate these difficulties.

  • References from Musical Referees: Two references are required from individuals who are well-acquainted with the applicant's musical abilities and community involvement. These referees should ideally be recognized members of the music community, such as music teachers, conductors, or professional musicians, who can provide insights into the applicant’s talent, character, and potential.

FAQs 

I'm under 18, can I apply for the scholarship myself? 

Applicants under 18 are welcome to apply and must submit the form with a parent or guardian signature. 

How do I apply for the scholarship? ​

To apply for this scholarship, interested artists are required to submit the following:

  • A 3-5 minute performance video showcasing your musical skills.

  • 2 written statements (100-200 words) about your music journey.

  • A biography detailing your musical journey, achievements, and aspirations.

  • A reference from a music teacher who can attest to your dedication and potential.

What happens after I apply for the scholarship?

Students' and schools' applications will be assessed by a team of judges, including industry professionals and internal staff. 10 candidates will be shortlisted, but only 3 top performers will receive the scholarship and perform at the final showcase. The date, venue, and format of the showcase (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) will be announced at a later date. 

How is the shortlist selected? 

Each performance will be judged based on analytical and stylistic criteria relating to a scoring system that incorporates different genres of music. This means that the judges will look at how the performance showcases the elements and principles of the applicants selected style of music alongside their application details. Categories judged on will be: tone quality, intonation, rhythm, technique, memorization, and degree of difficulty.

APPLY HERE


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