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  1. Prices
  2. Help with costs

Help with costs

We want all children and young people to have access to enjoyable music and arts activity.  If you are unable to meet the full costs of our services, there may be help available. This page contains information about our Charging, Remissions and Subsidy Policy plus information about schemes that we operate in Severn Arts, as well as those run by external organisations.

If you know of any other schemes that could reduce costs for young people, please let us know so we can add them to our list.

Contact us if you would like to talk to us about help with costs.

Free instrument hire

Read our eligibility criteria and apply for free instrument hire for students receiving music lessons from Severn Arts

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What would qualify my child for free instrument hire? 

Parents/carers will be able to apply in the following circumstances:

  • Your child is eligible for Free School Meals (excluding Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM))
  • Your child is in receipt of Pupil Premium
  • Your child is receiving a Severn Arts Music Award
  • Your child is on the Worcestershire Furthering Talent programme
  • Your family is in receipt of Universal Credit which has replaced the following benefits:
    • Child Tax Credit 
    • Housing Benefit 
    • Income Support 
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Working Tax Credit 
  • You are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit
  • Your child is a Looked After Child or Previously Looked After Child
  • You are in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

Apply for instrument hire

Published: 12th January, 2020

Updated: 6th June, 2023

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Charging, Remissions and Subsidy Policy 2023-2024

We provide an accessible and broad range of music services to engage and encourage children and young people to explore their creativity, offering subsidised rates for students who are resident and/or attending state sector schools in Worcestershire.

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We provide an accessible and broad range of music services to engage and encourage children and young people to explore their creativity (herein after referred to as students). There is no requirement for schools to provide free access to music lessons, but we aim to ensure affordable music lessons and wider music services are available to students both in schools and in our music centres out of school hours. We are committed to working with all Worcestershire schools where possible.  

We offer subsidised rates for students who are resident and/or attending state sector schools in Worcestershire. Individual, small group and whole class tuition booked by schools is charged at £42.90 per hour and £45.00 per hour when booked directly by parents/carers. For example, this would mean that a 30-minute lesson for three students would cost £7.15/£7.50 each.  

Subsidised instrument hire is available to individual students who are resident and/or attending state sector schools in Worcestershire. All instruments (subject to availability) are hired at the same rate. Hire rates are £36.40 per instrument per term (or part thereof). The first payment must be paid before the instrument is released. Further charges will be invoiced at the beginning of each term. Instruments will be supplied ready to play having been fully serviced. The replacement of consumable items (such as reeds) is the responsibility of the student/parent/guardian. Subsidised instrument hire includes full insurance, including accidental damage. 

Instrument hire is also available to individuals or groups who do not qualify for the subsidised rate. Rates vary depending on the instrument and duration of hire. Suitable insurance is the responsibility of the hirer.  

Worcestershire schools are also able to hire instruments on the same subsidised basis as students. In addition, instruments are provided free of charge to schools for First Access Music Education (FAME) sessions. Schools taking part in the Play On! Initiative are able to hire instruments for the sessions at the reduced rate of £14.00 per term.  

Membership of music centre groups is open to all Worcestershire students from beginners to grade 3 level. There is no charge for membership of these groups.  

Membership of orchestras and bands is open to all young people who have achieved around grade 5 or equivalent (grade 3 for Worcestershire Intermediate Orchestra). Membership costs £150.00 a year (payable in three equal instalments in Autumn, Spring and Summer terms). There is no additional charge for joining multiple orchestras or bands.  

Further help with costs is available to students whose families meet specific criteria. To qualify, parents or guardians or the student must be in receipt of at least one of the following:  

  • Free school meals (excluding Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM)) 
  • Universal Credit (or Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based JSA, Income-based ESA, Working Tax Credit)
  • Incapacity Benefit 
  • Pension Credit 
  • Student is a Looked After Child or Previously Looked After Child 

Unless the student is entitled to free school meals and we can confirm this with the school, those claiming further help will need to provide supporting documentation.  

Those students who qualify for help with costs are entitled to free music instrument hire and free membership of bands and orchestras. They can also apply for a Music Award which provides £50.00 off the cost of tuition per term for one year. The number of Music Awards is limited in each academic year. Each student is only entitled to one Music Award.  

Students who qualify for help with costs are encouraged to ask their school if they have any additional support they might be able to offer. There are also schemes run by other trusts and organisations that may be able to offer further support. See the ‘Help with Costs’ pages of the Severn Arts website for more suggestions.  

If you have any other questions or queries about our Charges, Remissions and Subsidy, please contact us on [email protected] 

Published: 19th January, 2020

Updated: 16th August, 2023

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Severn Arts Music Awards Scheme

Support for Worcestershire children and young people to develop their talent and take the next steps on their musical journey.

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Please note Music Awards for the academic year 2023-24 are full.

We are delighted to be able to offer the Severn Arts Music Awards Scheme.  Music lessons are a great way to build confidence, social networks and musical talent, but we know that not all families can afford the full costs.  Families can now apply for a 'Music Award’.  This will provide support for music lessons, free instrument hire and free ensemble membership.    

What would qualify my child for an Award?  

Parents/carers will be able to apply in the following circumstances:  

  • Your child is eligible for Free School Meals (excluding Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM))
  • Your child is in receipt of Pupil Premium
  • Your family is in receipt of Universal Credit which has replaced the following benefits:
    • Child Tax Credit 
    • Housing Benefit 
    • Income Support 
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Working Tax Credit 
  • You are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit
  • Your child is a Looked After Child or Previously Looked After Child
  • You are in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) 

Please note you will be asked to upload a photo or scan of one supporting document with your application.  

How do I apply for an Award? 

Please complete our online application form and tell us you think you are eligible for an Award. You will be asked to upload a photo or scan of one supporting document with your application. If your child is in receipt of Free School Meals documentation is not required. 

Only one application per child can be made and, due to limited funds, Awards will be granted on a first come first served basis.   

Awards are granted for a single academic year – September to 31 August.  A new application for an Award must be made in advance of each new academic year. 

Please note applications for the 2023/24 academic year have now closed. We will notify schools when new Awards become available. 

NB: there is a cap on the number of Music Awards we can grant due to limited funding, but there is no cap on instrument hire or ensemble membership.  If you are eligible but unsuccessful in applying for a Music Award due to limited places, you can still apply for free instrument hire and ensemble membership – please follow the links below for more information and separate application forms.

How to apply for free instrument hire

Apply for free ensemble membership
 

For further information and any queries about the Music Awards Scheme, please contact [email protected]  

Published: 31st January, 2020

Updated: 9th November, 2023

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Free group/orchestra membership

Read our eligibility criteria and apply for free membership to Severn Arts music centre groups, bands and orchestras

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Do you need help with costs for music centre groups and orchestra membership?
What would qualify my child for FREE membership?

If you meet one or more of the following criteria your child will qualify for free membership: 

  • Your child is eligible for Free School Meals (year 3 or above)
  • Your child is in receipt of Pupil Premium
  • Your child is on the Worcestershire Furthering Talent Programme
  • Your family is in receipt of Universal Credit which has replaced the following benefits:
    • Child Tax Credit 
    • Housing Benefit 
    • Income Support 
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Working Tax Credit 
  • You are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit
  • Your child is a Looked After Child or Previously Looked After Child
  • You are in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) 

Please note you will be asked to upload a photo or scan of one supporting document with your application. 

How do I apply for a free place? 

Please complete our online membership form and tell us why you think your child is eligible for free membership. You will be asked to upload a photo or scan of one supporting document with your application. If your child is in receipt of Free School Meals documentation is not required.

Published: 1st February, 2020

Updated: 20th October, 2022

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Awards for Young Musicians

Means-tested funding towards musical costs for 5 -17 year old instrumentalists, composers, producers or song-writers from any genre of music

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Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) support talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social obstacles to progress their musical talent.

AYM offer up to £100,000 in grants each year to exceptional young instrumentalists, songwriters, composers and producers whose families are on a lower income. They provide flexible funding towards musical costs (like tuition, instrument costs or travel) plus individual support to cater to personal circumstances. This could be anything from mentoring and workshops with professional musicians, the chance to observe them perform, free tickets to concerts and performance opportunities.

Awards for Young Musicians

Published: 4th February, 2020

Updated: 6th June, 2023

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Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust

Providing funds to support a young person aged 18 to 21 playing the violin, viola or cello

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The Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust provides funds for tuition for instruments played with a bow; help towards the purchase of an instrument; some living expenses incurred whilst in full time or postgraduate education/studies at a recognised music college/university – supporting students aged 18 to 21.

The Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust

Published: 6th February, 2020

Updated: 13th June, 2022

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The Wrightson Trust

Support for music education activities for those aged 11 to 18

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The Wrightson Trust generally aims to benefit young people between 11 and 18 years. This includes support for lessons, choir/orchestra tour fees, music colleges etc. The assistance varies according to circumstances and distributions have ranged between £100 and £800. Grants are either ‘one offs’ or reviewable annual payments for a specific period. Two letters of support are required from the candidate’s tutors or teachers.

The Wrightson Trust

Published: 7th February, 2020

Updated: 13th June, 2022

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Take it Away

Providing interest free loans for musical instruments, equipment and software

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Take it away, supported by Arts Council England, provides interest free loans for instrument purchases at over 130 shops in England and Northern Ireland.

Take it away

Published: 7th February, 2020

Updated: 7th July, 2022

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Music for All

Funding for instruments and lessons

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Music for All provide advice and grant funding support to individuals to provide access to musical instruments and lessons. 

Music for All

Published: 7th February, 2020

Updated: 20th July, 2023

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Future Talent

Financial bursaries for young musicians, instrumentalists and singers from any genre of music

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Future Talent supports gifted young musicians from low income backgrounds from anywhere in the UK, typically families who have a household income of around £30,000 per year, or less, before tax (including benefits). Any young musicians on free school dinners would be eligible for one of these bursaries. Bursaries of up to £2,000 per year can be used on anything that will help to nurture a young musicians’ talent. For example, funds can be used for lessons, a new instrument or case, courses or maintenance. There is no specific grade requirement or level that needs to be reached. Some examples, given by the trust include: 

  • A 16/17 year old, grade 7/8 musician who is planning to study music in heighted education and needs their own instrument or extra lessons 
  • A 13 year old who has been learning for a few years and is progressing really quickly, who would really benefit from taking part in an ensemble/orchestral course, or who needs some more support with costs 
  • A year 5 or 6 continuer, who has gone through wider opportunities, and has managed to reach grade 2/3 by the end of primary school, but whose parents cannot afford to carry on with lessons 

The Mentoring, Advice and Bursary Programme also offers free orchestral days and performance classes, mentoring with a professional musician/conductor and development opportunities.

Future Talent

 

Published: 7th February, 2020

Updated: 14th December, 2021

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Fidelio Charitable Trust

Grants to support individuals over the age of 21 in participation of the arts

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Fidelio Charitable Trust welcomes applications for grants in support of the arts particularly for music, including Opera, Lieder, Composition and Dance. Fidelio looks to provide support for individuals or groups of exceptional ability. 

Fidelio Charitable Trust

Published: 7th February, 2020

Updated: 13th June, 2022

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Universal Music UK Sound Foundation

Funding for instruments and bursary awards for music students

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Universal Music UK Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples’ access to music education in the UK & Ireland. The Foundation provides different types of awards:

Instrument and/or equipment awards which allow schools and individuals in full time education for assistance with the purchase of musical instruments and/or equipment.

Bursary awards which allow students at the colleges or organisations (as listed on their website) to apply for assistance with tuition fees (these are handled directly by the college or organisation). 

Funding for eligible individuals towards music lesson costs, instrument/equipment hire and purchase and music courses within the classical genre through the Decca Bursary. 

Universal Music UK Sound Foundation

Published: 7th February, 2020

Updated: 7th July, 2022

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Funding Wizard

Search tool to find alternative funding opportunities

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Help Musicians is an independent UK charity offering support and opportunities for professional musicians of all genres. Their Funding Wizard is a search tool that allows musicians of any age to find different funding opportunities that may be available. Results can be filtered by musician type, genre, career stage, instrument type and award type.

Funding Wizard

Published: 14th December, 2021

Updated: 13th June, 2022

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Donate to our Music Awards Scheme

Donate to our Music Awards Scheme

Help us give the gift of music to families in need. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 11th June, 2018

Updated: 27th November, 2023

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Registered office: Suite 11, Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road, St John’s, Worcester WR2 4BN

Telephone: 01905 947300
Email: [email protected] 

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Charity Number: 1180335 | Company Number: 11033978

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