Grants are on offer to young people in Hartlepool to help them with their musical studies.
The money is available from the Preston Simpson and Sterndale Young Musicians’ Trust – an educational charity administered by Hartlepool Borough Council.
The Trust makes financial awards of varying amounts of up to £1,000 to young musicians, both instrumental and vocal, who live in or have strong links with Hartlepool to enable them to study music at any educational establishment providing courses in musical education.
The grants are designed to assist those students who have already achieved a good standard in their musical studies and who may wish to make use of their musical ability in their future careers.
The Trust makes annual awards of grants and also hosts an event in Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre during the summer at which the award winners are invited to perform.
To qualify to be considered for a grant, applicants must:
- be aged between 14 and 25 on 31st July in the year the award is made
- have been born in the borough of Hartlepool or have/have had a parent who has lived in the borough for not less than five years.
They should also be able to show a keen interest in music and have an above average musical talent indicated by:
- a minimum standard of Grade V in the Associated Board Examination or an equivalent qualification from Trinity College London and
- membership of bands and orchestras or
- evidence of participation in musical concerts or
- a genuine intention of pursuing a musical career, including at this stage a commitment to GCSE Music.
Chris Simmons, Chair of the Trust, said: “Over the years the grants have played an important part in helping many talented young people in Hartlepool to overcome financial hurdles in the pursuit of their musical careers.
“This year grants were given to 35 young people, in varying amounts of up to £1,000, so they are well worth applying for.”
Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “The Preston Simpson and Sterndale Young Musicians’ Trust has helped many of Hartlepool’s outstanding young musicians to develop and flourish.
“I would very much encourage our young people to apply to be considered for one of these excellent grants.”
Further information and the application form are available online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/PSST.
Alternatively, contact Rebecca Broughton at Hartlepool Borough Council on 01429 523806 or e-mail psst@hartlepool.gov.uk.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 12th December at 12 noon.