For the more ambitious and high achieving performers there are a rich variety of performance awards to apply for depending on your speciality. These include:
Advanced Popular Performance Scheme (APPS)
The Advanced Popular Performance Scheme enables students to participate in high-quality popular music at the University. It is open to undergraduates and graduates at all Colleges. Award holders receive coaching from industry professionals, potentially preparing them for professional careers as performers. Individual pathways are available for popular vocalists and groups.
Choral Awards
Choral Award holders receive a small financial award each year and, in most Colleges, they also receive a subsidy towards singing lessons. Other forms of support, such as subsidised meals and choir tours, are determined by the individual Colleges.
Conducting Scholarships
A small number of Conducting Scholarships are awarded each year. Conducting Scholars have the opportunity to assist leading professional conductors working with the Cambridge University Orchestra, or to conduct the Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra or Wind Orchestra, and they are considered for a place on the CamRAM scheme to receive 1-1 conducting lessons with Professor Sian Edwards at the Royal Academy of Music. Scholarships for the following academic year are awarded through the University Conducting Competition, which takes place in Lent Term.
Instrumental Award Scheme (IAS)
The Instrumental Awards Scheme enables gifted musicians to reach a high standard of performance in chamber music. Successful students are Award-holders for a year, and receive a small financial award (an ‘exhibition’), professional coaching of their ensemble, masterclasses, recital opportunities and a subsidy for instrumental lessons.
Organ Awards / Organ Scholars’ Forum
Organ Awards in Cambridge offer unparalleled opportunities to talented organists who wish to develop their skills significantly during the period of their academic studies. The awards vary from College to College but all include a small financial award and some support for music lessons.
University Lieder Scheme
The University Lieder Scheme is an advanced coaching scheme supporting the most promising singers and accompanists in the University. Tuition in all aspects of Lieder and song performance is given by award-winning pianist Joseph Middleton, along with visiting coaches. In recent seasons, artists who have coached duos on the scheme include John Mark Ainsley, Sir Thomas Allen, Dame Sarah Connolly, Joan Rodgers, Amanda Roocroft and Roderick Williams.
