The Richard Ely Bursary
Who is the fund for?
Individual young musicians or, in some circumstances, groups of young musicians who are:
- aged 5 – 21 years (or up to 25 years for those with identified SEND or for Care Leavers);
- living in the Dorset and BCP areas;
- facing challenging circumstances that are preventing them from accessing music-making or from progressing to the next step of musical learning.
What are challenging circumstances?
The Richard Ely Bursary looks to help young musicians overcome barriers which may prevent them from accessing music-making.
Barriers may include:
● Physical disabilities
● Special educational needs
● Being looked after children in care or care leavers
● Health conditions – relating to physical or mental health
● Being young carers
● Financial constraints
● Rural isolation
● Social exclusion
● Other barriers to accessing music
What support is available?
The Richard Ely Bursary Scheme provides one-off payments, or, in appropriate
circumstances, ongoing funding, to meet the cost support to access music-making. This
could support:
● The cost of music lessons
● The cost of other music experiences or activities
● The cost of fees
● The cost of travel
● Other forms of assistance – such as funding to support carers to enable access to experiences or the costs of specialist resources.
How to apply
Access to bursaries under the Richard Ely Bursary Scheme is open to all who meet the criteria and applications can be made at any time. Changing Key Dorset welcomes applications from individuals and from teachers, parents, carers or others on behalf of children and young people wishing to access funds. A supporting reference from an impartial person, (meaning someone who will not directly benefit from the funds such as an instrumental teacher or music leader who will be paid for the lessons that are funded). An example may be a school teacher, youth worker, support worker.
Due to the wish to encourage and support as many young people as possible to get involved in music-making, the funding available is limited, and so the maximum that will be awarded to support individuals is £300 each calendar year. There is no guarantee of ongoing funding, but CKD will consider repeat applications for ongoing support.
Decisions about funding are made by the Changing Key Dorset Trustees.
Applications are made online and can be made throughout the year:
- Spring Term 2024 closing date – Friday
1st December 2023
- Summer Term 2024 closing date – Friday
1st March 2024
Contact Us:
Changing Key Dorset c/o Dorset Music Service
Tel: 01305 225770
Email: youngmusicians@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Post: Unit 14, Uplands Industrial Park, Blandford Forum DT11 7UZ