Annual Awards Programme
Our 2017 Awards Programme attracted more than 300 applications; 130 young musicians were successful, with the average award being slightly higher than in previous years. The Application process closes in March each year and all applicants are notified, whether successful or not, by the end of May.
The Awards mechanism was completely revised this year and included the request for students to upload a performance Video which was reviewed by our adjudication panel. See our Application portal.
The 2018 Application process will be available in autumn 2017. If you are not already on our mailing list and wish to be notified when applications open, please register here.
If you would like a quick check to see if you will be eligible, click here
You may also download the 2017 Awards info sheet for details.
About our annual Awards programme.
We have been running our annual Awards programme for 19 years. To date we have given Awards to more than 1,000 exceptional young musicians, many of whom have gone on to prestigious music colleges and become professional musicians. Each year those in need of financial support towards the next step in their musical progression can apply for up to £2,000. The average Award value is £500. Provided that an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, they may apply annually, regardless of whether previous applications have been successful or not.
Other benefits of being an Award winner
As well as providing financial assistance, AYM supports Award winners by providing advice, guidance and access to a range of music-making, mentoring and performance opportunities throughout the Award year. An annual highlight is our Awards Day, when all our Award winners are invited to come together for an inspiring day of cross-genre music-making with the best musicians in the industry. We’ve worked with some incredible partners including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Royal Northern Sinfonia and the English Chamber Orchestra. Previous venues include BBC Maida Vale Studios, Royal Welsh College of Music, Trinity College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, The Sage Gateshead and the Royal College of Music.
Our Awards
Our main Awards are called Robert Lewin Scholarships and we grant a number of special Awards which are listed here. There is one application process for all Awards. To apply visit our application portal.
Getting an Award from AYM is just the beginning.
We’re proud that we offer so much more, in helping you to gain confidence, meet fellow young musicians, work with amazing professionals and perform live at our events. We are here to help you get the support you need; we look for talented young instrumentalists across all musical genres: our funding is designed to be flexible and responsive, so you can use it to progress your musical development according to your needs.
Being able to have my own bass will make a huge difference to my playing, making practicing much easier and giving me far more scope to develop my technique. It will motivate me even further towards a career in music. It will also really encourage me to know that other people think I am worth investing in. I am really impressed with AYM and the different kinds of support offered – the fantastic opportunity to play at the Royal College of Music, free RSNO tickets as well as the essential money. I really want to stay in touch! Callum
The deadline to complete an application for a 2017 Award was Friday 3 March.
For future interest, you will find all the information you need on our application portal; if you have a specific question, please complete the inquiry form below.
AYM has compiled a list of other organisations and grants givers who provide advice or support for young musicians. To view this click here.