2024 Music Scholarships
Grow Your Musical Future!
Penrith Conservatorium of Music is now calling applicants for the 2024 Music Scholarships!
Through the generosity of our donors and benefactors, Penrith Con is offering seven highly sought-after scholarships to community members of the Greater Western Sydney region. Students and non-students of Penrith Con will be considered. These are assessed on live auditions only.
Penrith Con also offers a wide range of performance opportunities for Scholarship winners in 2024.
- Key Info:
- Dates & Times
- Tickets
Applications close at 11.59pm, Sunday 26 November 2023
Your audition time will be sent by email by Monday 4 December 2023
Auditions will be held in the Q Theatre at The Joan on Tuesday 12 December 2023 from 1 pm
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Scholarships will be awarded either as Full Scholarship or Half Scholarship in 2024.
A Full scholarship covers the total cost of a 30-minute weekly lesson for the whole year.
A Half scholarship covers half the cost of a 30-minute weekly lesson for the whole year.
You do not have to be an existing student of Penrith Con to apply.
However, you must have acquired at least Grade 3 in your selected instrument and be 22 years of age or under to apply.
The age restriction for voice students is 25 years of age or younger in 2024.
Open to residents of the Greater Western Sydney region.
Some scholarships require residency within Penrith LGA.
Our 2024 Scholarships are open to all instruments, including voice, except where specified.
FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
- Richard Bonynge Scholarship (Piano Only)
- Penrith City Council Mayoral Scholarship
- KellyPartners + BergerPiepers Emerging Talent Scholarship
- Penrith Con Impromptus Scholarship
HALF SCHOLARSHIPS
- Ars Musica Australis Scholarships
- Penrith City Council Regional Talent Scholarship
- Penrith Conservatorium Half Scholarship
AUDITION PREPARATION
Candidates need to prepare two contrasting pieces of music that show their musical and technical abilities. The two pieces will be performed back-to-back with no break. Each piece must not exceed four minutes in length. Two copies of the music must be presented to the panel at the beginning of the audition. Candidates will need to arrange their own accompanist if required. Candidates using a backing track must bring their own equipment to facilitate this (e.g. a smartphone and Bluetooth speaker).
AUDITION CRITERIA
The audition panel will consider the applicant’s demonstration of:
- Technical Ability
- Musicality
- Expression
- Phrasing
- Sensitivity
- Solo performance technique
- Musical Knowledge
The audition panel will allocate scholarships based not only on individual performance but also on the needs of the Conservatorium (E.g. to build program & instrument areas).
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
All scholarship recipients must avail themselves to a minimum of four performances throughout the year as a condition of their scholarship. Included in the four, is the Annual Conservatorium Concert held at the end of the year which is a compulsory event for all scholarship students where they will showcase their talent and hard work to guests and representatives of the sponsors.
FEEDBACK REQUIREMENTS
All scholarship recipients are required to complete two update reports and letters per year on their progress and feedback regarding the scholarship program for the benefit of Conservatorium Management and scholarship sponsors.
PRIVILEGES
All scholarship recipients will receive two complimentary tickets to a performance from The Joan’s season. All scholarship recipients will receive a complimentary enrolment to applicable Penrith Conservatorium group workshops, ensembles and classes where places are available. This does not include the Penrith Youth Orchestra.
MEDIA RELEASE
Video and still photography may be taken of Scholarship Students from time to time for the purpose of promotion and/or training. By applying for a Scholarship, applicants give consent for media to be used as such.
Our Scholarship Supporters
SUPPORT US
Become a champion of musical excellence and local creativity!
Opportunities for corporate and private sponsors are available for those considering providing local students with local artistic opportunities to attain musical prowess.
Invest locally, invest in youth, invest in music! Explore tax-deductible support and further benefits you and your organisation can enjoy!
“Joan and I were always happy to hear about the splendid Conservatorium in Penrith along with the Concert Hall. It gives me great pleasure to help some young students in their studies. Music brings such happiness to our lives.” – Maestro Richard Bonynge AC, CBE
