13+ Music Scholarships
13+ music scholarships are awarded to talented 12 and 13 year old musicians who are looking to pursue their passion for music. These scholarships are offered by private schools and provide recipients with financial assistance of up to £50,000 per year, high-quality music education and performance opportunities.
Prelude Education is Britain’s only music-specialist scholarship advisory service and we offer a variety of bespoke support to parents help their children achieve music scholarships.
What is a 13+ music scholarship?
13+ music scholarships are awarded to talented young musicians who are looking to pursue their passion for music. These scholarships are typically offered by independent schools, private schools, and grammar schools, and provide recipients with financial assistance, as well as access to high-quality music education and performance opportunities.
To be considered for a 13+ music scholarship, students must typically demonstrate a high level of proficiency on their chosen instrument or in vocal performance (at least Grade 6). They may also be required to take a written exam, provide references, and undergo an audition or interview process.
WHAT GRADE DO YOU NEED FOR A 13+ MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP?
To be considered for a 13+ music scholarship, students must typically need to be at least Grade 6 and demonstrate a high level of proficiency on their chosen instrument or in vocal performance.
Ralph Allwood MBE, Ex-Director of Music at Eton College for 26 years, leads our Music Scholarship team
We offer
Private lessons from specialist music scholarship teachers
Consultations with Ralph Allwood MBE
Mock scholarship auditions
Personalised shortlist of scholarships suited to your child
Year-long bespoke scholarship plan for your child
WHAT IS THE STANDARD EXPECTED FOR 13+ MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS?
Schools that offer 13+ music scholarships have varying requirements and also assess different areas. In general, however, successful 13+ music scholarship applicants will be expected to:
Play at least two instruments, or voice and one instrument
Attained at least Grade 6 standard in their principal instrument. Note, students do not need to have taken music exams (e.g. ABRSM) but must be able to play to at least the level of Grade 6
Complete an audition
Some schools, however, have further requirements.
The St Paul’s School 13+ music scholarship, for instance, requires students to perform, sight-read, respond to aural tests, complete a 20 minute written paper and answer general questions relating to their music making. The written paper involves transposing music, translating musical terms into English, and writing a short piece of music in response to a prompt.
The Eton College 13+ music scholarship, or Music Award, process asks candidates to play two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument and one piece on their second instrument (if applicable) and to sing one piece if singing is offered; to read at sight; and to do ear tests as appropriate to their technical standard.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR AN 13+ MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP?
It's important to note that competition for music scholarships at top independent, private, and grammar schools can be fierce, with many talented students vying for a limited number of scholarship spots.
It's important to start preparing early — we recommend two years — and to work with an experienced and knowledgeable music teacher.
As Britain’s only music-specialist scholarship advisory service, we have supported over 400+ students to achieve music scholarships and offer a range of services to support children to achieve scholarships at their first choice schools.
Parent looking for more music scholarship advice? get in touch today
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Ultimate Guide to Music Scholarships
Interested in how to best prepare your child for a music scholarship? Read the best Ultimate Guide to Music Scholarships written by music scholarship experts.
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Music Scholarship Advisory Services
Looking for further support in how to achieve a music scholarship? Read more about our Scholarship Advisory Services for 11+, 13+ and 16+ music scholarships
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Watch Ralph Allwood Discuss Scholarships
Watch Ralph Allwood MBE, Director of Music at Eton College for 26 years, discuss 6 tips of how to get a music scholarship to British private and independent schools.
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Free Music Scholarship Resources
These resources have been created by our music scholarship experts, including by an ex-Director of Music at Eton College and a teacher at Westminster School
