Purpose of the Bursary

ICMSS is committed to enabling suitably talented and experienced amateur musicians to
access our annual week-long chamber music course, regardless of financial circumstances.
The bursary scheme exists to support applicants who would not otherwise be able to afford
the full course fee.

About the course

• A residential week of chamber music coaching based at Queen Anne’s School, 6,
  Henley Road, Reading RG4 6LE
• Open to pianists, string and woodwind players, and French horn players
• Minimum expected playing standard: Grade VIII or equivalent
• Course fee: £830, including accommodation, meals, and professional coaching
  

Who Can Apply for a Bursary?

You can apply if:

• You meet the musical standard and suitability criteria for the course
• You would be unable to attend without financial assistance
• You have not previously received a bursary from ICMSS
  

Criteria for bursary awards

• Benefit to other course members
  The success of the course depends on a balance of different instruments as well as musical
  ability. The extent to which the applicant’s participation will be beneficial to the course as a
  whole will be reflected in the benefit to other course members.
• Benefit to the wider public
  The development of the applicant’s knowledge and skills in chamber music may be expected
  to benefit other people in their future appreciation and experience of chamber music whether
  as participants in performance or as audience members or as part of their education.
• Requirement for financial assistance to attend
  The bursary is intended to help people attend the course who would not otherwise be able to
  afford to do so. This is likely to include students and those with modest incomes. Applicants
  will be asked to provide a summary of their financial circumstances and this information will
  naturally be treated in the strictest confidence.
• Availability of funds
  ICMSS has limited funds available for the funding of bursaries and the number of bursaries
  awarded is limited by the availability of such funds. Distribution of bursaries will be made in
  the most equitable way possible, taking into account the merits of individual applications
  where necessary.

How to Apply

• Complete the standard course application form on the ICMSS website (via Applications page)
• Download and complete the bursary application form. Open pdf form or download MS Word form
• Send completed form to info@icmss.co.uk
• The deadline for the receipt of application forms is 31 January
• Applications will be considered in order of receipt and will be judged according to the
  criteria listed above
  

A panel of Trustees will consider applications for bursaries and applicants will be informed
of their decision as soon as practicable. The Trustees will maintain complete confidentiality
in respect of any information supplied by applicants and all such information will be kept
securely and shared only as necessary to determine a decision on an application.