Free instrument hire Read our eligibility criteria and apply for free instrument hire for students receiving music lessons from Severn Arts Expand 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 has been accepted on and is taking part in the Connect programme Your family is in receipt of Universal Credit Your child is a Looked After Child or Previously Looked After Child You are in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) How to apply Instruments need to be ordered online by clicking on the button below. To apply for free instrument hire, once you have selected your instrument, be sure to complete the option titled Apply for a discount/musicvoucher before completing your application. If you are already hiring an instrument from us and wish to apply for free hire, please complete a Discount Application from the Registration page by clicking here. When ‘Completing application’, please be sure to sign into your existing account (if you have not already) and do not try to create a new account. Apply for instrument hire
Severn Arts Connect Programme Support for Worcestershire children and young people to develop their talent and take the next steps on their musical journey. Expand Working in partnership with Young Sounds UK, we offer the Connect programme to help young people from low-income families sustain their musical learning after initial state-funded whole-class lessons end, so they can keep on progressing and playing music well into their teens and beyond. Those selected for the programme receive weekly instrumental tuition for a minimum of two academic years, as well as wider help for their musical progression in the form of an Individual Learning Plan. Students are also invited to a range of termly musical experiences called ‘Get Togethers’ and receive a personal bursary to support their ongoing progression. Entry onto this programme is by referral from the whole class music teacher or the child’s school only. More information about the Connect programme
Free group/orchestra membership Read our eligibility criteria and apply for free membership to Severn Arts music centre groups, bands and orchestras Expand What would qualify my child for free access to Music Centre Groups and Orchestra membership? Membership of Music Centre Groups is FREE for all. Orchestra and Band membership is normally chargeable, but provided your child meets the entry requirements and meet one or more of the following criteria, then they 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 has been accepted on and is taking part in the Connect programme Your family is in receipt of Universal Credit Your child is a Looked After Child or Previously Looked After Child You are in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) How to apply Band or Orchestra membership needs to be applied for online by clicking on the button below. To apply for free membership, once you have selected your band or orchestra, be sure to complete the option titled Apply for a discount/musicvoucher before completing your application. Apply for Band/Orchestra membership
Young Sounds UK Means-tested funding towards musical costs for 5 -17 year old instrumentalists, composers, producers or song-writers from any genre of music Expand Young Sounds UK support talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social obstacles to progress their musical talent. Young Sounds 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. Young Sounds UK
Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust Providing funds to support a young person aged 18 to 21 playing the violin, viola or cello Expand 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
Charging, Remissions and Subsidy Policy 2025-26 We provide an accessible and broad range of music services to engage and encourage children and young people to explore their creativity. Expand Click the link below to read our Charging, Remission and Subsidy Policy 2025-2026. Charing, remission and subsidy policy 2025-2026
The Wrightson Trust Support for music education activities for those aged 11 to 18 Expand 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
Take it Away Providing interest free loans for musical instruments, equipment and software Expand 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
Future Talent Financial bursaries for young musicians, instrumentalists and singers from any genre of music Expand 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
Fidelio Charitable Trust Grants to support individuals over the age of 21 in participation of the arts Expand 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
Universal Music UK Sound Foundation Funding for instruments and bursary awards for music students Expand 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
Funding Wizard Search tool to find alternative funding opportunities Expand 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