Our Senior Scholarships are for musicians over the age of 18, with no upper age limit.

Each academic year we award scholarships ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 per scholar, depending on individual circumstances. Scholarships can be used to cover fees, instrument purchase, masterclasses, competitions, recordings, concerts and other related activities.

Important dates for 2025:
​
January 6th       -   Applications open
February 10th    -   Applications close
April (date tbc)   -  Invitation to audition
May (dates below) - Auditions
June (date tbc)  - Results announced


The auditions will take place in:

London - Saturday 10th/Sunday 11th May
London - Saturday 17th/Sunday 18th May
Manchester - tbc


There is also an option for on-line auditions for those unable to attend live.
This is for musicians not yet living in the UK.


GENERAL CRITERIA:

• Singers, solo instrumentalists and accompanists living and studying in the UK can apply.
 
• To apply to the Trust you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled as a student in the UK for the applicable academic year (next applicable year: 2025-26).

• We do not support ensembles, composers, conductors, music theatre or jazz students.

• Applicants must be 18 or over on 1st September in the year of application
 
• We are open to all nationalities: UK, EU and international students can apply.

• Applicants must be of an outstanding standard and be able to clearly demonstrate that they are in need of funding.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

• Applications must be submitted online using the form on our website. No other format will be accepted.

• Full biography or CV uploaded via the online form.

• Links to at least 2 recent video recordings lasting approximately 4 minutes each must uploaded via the online form. Longer recordings can be submitted but candidates must specify the section to be heard. 

• Name and email address of your referee.
We will ask for your reference if you are invited to audition.

• Budget for the academic year 2025-26.
Please provide as much information as possible. This should include:
Outgoings: Course fees, Rent, Bills, Travel, Food, Instrument costs
Income: Student Loan, Scholarships, Paid work, Money from Parents.
Shortfall. How much you still need for the year.

• The applications deadline is strict. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. No exceptions to this rule will be made under any circumstances.
 

​SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS:

• London. 
National Opera Studio.
The Clore Building, 2 Chapel Yard, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4HZ

• Manchester. 
Venue tbc



• The shortlist of auditionees will be announced in April 2025.

• The DCT allocates the audition times to the selected applicants.

• The cost of travel to audition is not covered by the DCT.

• All auditionees will have access to a practice room for 20-25mins prior to their audition.

• A piano accompanist will be provided if needed (free of charge). There will be opportunity to rehearse before the audition for 20-25mins.

• The invited auditionees are required to perform a programme of at least two contrasting pieces lasting approximately 10 minutes in total, followed by a short interview.

• If you are auditioning as an accompanist you must prepare two contrasting pieces, one instrumental and one vocal, for which you must provide your own soloists.

• The audition panel will be:

Matthew Hargreaves. Head of Scholarships & Artistic Planning at The Drake Calleja Trust.

Anna Wolstenholme. Principal Flute of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bryan Evans MBE. Music and Artistic Director of Diva Opera.


CONTACT:

Drake Calleja Trust, Sovereign House, 1 Albert Place, London N3 1QB, UK
+44 (0) 7973 333770
info@drakecallejatrust.org

www.drakecallejatrust.org
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