Countess of Munster Musical Trust

The Countess of Munster Musical Trust is a UK charitable trust established in 1958 by pianist and philanthropist Lady Munster. It provides Study Grants of approximately 4,000 GBP to outstanding classical and jazz singers, instrumentalists, and composers pursuing postgraduate performance-based study at UK institutions. The Trust also funds exceptional jazz musicians in the final year of their undergraduate performance course. Approximately 70 awards are made each year. Applicants must demonstrate both outstanding performance ability and financial need. The Trust is best suited for advanced students at UK conservatoires who need gap funding for postgraduate study.

Application Details

Who Can Apply

The Trust accepts applications from four groups:

• UK citizens: Must be resident in the UK and/or have completed a continuous course of education in the UK within the last 10 years (before February 10, 2026)
• Commonwealth students: May apply for postgraduate funding within the UK only
• International students (non-Commonwealth): Must have previously completed an undergraduate course in the UK
• Jazz undergraduate students: Exceptional jazz musicians may apply for funding towards their final year of a performance-based jazz undergraduate course

What Is Funded

• Postgraduate performance-based classical music study (instrumentalists and singers)
• Postgraduate performance-based jazz music study (instrumentalists and singers)
• Postgraduate composition study (composers)
• Final-year undergraduate jazz performance study (exceptional jazz students only)

What Is NOT Funded

• Undergraduate classical study
• PhDs, MPhil, DMus, or Doctorates
• Music technology, music education, music therapy, arts administration, or music business degrees
• Non-performance-based courses

Application Timeline for 2026

• January 1, 2026: Applications open online
• February 10, 2026: Application deadline (midnight). Application form, video links, and references must all be submitted by this date
• February 17, 2026: References deadline (midnight). Two references must be submitted online by this date
• April 17 to May 21, 2026: Auditions

Audition Dates for 2026

Application Requirements

• Online application form (no other format accepted)
• Video recording links (the Trust provides a guide on how to produce a suitable recording)
• Two references submitted online:
  • One must be the applicant's current teacher
  • The other must be someone with up-to-date knowledge of the applicant's musical training (e.g., Head of Department)
• References must be submitted through a unique link sent automatically to referees when the application is submitted
• It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure referees receive and respond to the reference email
• References received in any other format will not be accepted
• References cannot be submitted after February 17, 2026

Other Funding from the Trust

• Interest-free instrument loans: Available to former beneficiaries for the purchase of musical instruments
• Stephen Oliver Award: Awarded biennially to an emerging composer who has written a work for music theatre, to assist with bringing that work to performance
• Neil Black Award: Annually awarded to an outstanding woodwind player for postgraduate study and career development
• Oliver Knussen Award: Annually awarded to an outstanding composer for postgraduate study and career development

Key Benefits

• 4,000 GBP per year: Can cover a meaningful portion of postgraduate tuition at UK conservatoires where fees typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 GBP
• Open to all classical and jazz instruments plus voice and composition: One of the broader UK scholarship programs in terms of instrument coverage
• International students eligible: Non-UK students who completed an undergraduate degree in the UK can apply, which is unusual for UK trust funding
• Jazz undergraduate funding: One of the few UK trusts that funds final-year jazz undergraduate study
• Recital Scheme: The Trust operates a Recital Scheme that provides concert opportunities for its award holders
• Multiple funding streams: In addition to Study Grants, the Trust offers instrument loans and specialized awards for composers and woodwind players

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

• Financial need required: The Trust explicitly states that awards go to "outstanding performers who can also demonstrate financial need." If you cannot demonstrate financial need, your application will not succeed regardless of your musical ability.
• Small number of awards: Only approximately 70 awards are made each year from a large pool of applicants. The Trust states that "very many applications are ultimately unsuccessful."
• UK study only: All funding is for study at UK institutions. If you plan to study in the US, Europe, or elsewhere, this Trust is not an option.
• Classical and jazz only: No funding for popular music, music production, musical theatre, music technology, music education, or music business.
• No undergraduate classical funding: Only postgraduate classical study is funded. Undergraduate classical students must look elsewhere.
• References are strict: Two references must be submitted online by February 17, 2026. If your referees miss the deadline or submit in a different format, your application will be rejected. The Trust does not accept late references under any circumstances.
• Auditions are in person in the UK: If you are an international student studying in the UK, you must travel to the audition venue at your own expense.
• Funding starts in September: The Trust's funding cycle aligns with the UK academic year. If your course starts at a different time, you must contact the Trust to discuss options.

Real-World Example

A 23-year-old British cellist accepted into the Master of Music program at the Royal Northern College of Music for September 2026 applies for a Countess of Munster Study Grant. The MMus tuition is 28,000 GBP. She has savings of 5,000 GBP and expects to earn 6,000 GBP from teaching and gigging during the year, leaving a shortfall of 17,000 GBP.

She submits her online application on January 15, 2026, including video links of her performing Dvorak's Cello Concerto and a Bach solo suite. She provides her current teacher's email and her Head of Department's email as referees. Both referees receive the automated link and submit their references before February 17, 2026.

She is invited to audition on May 11, 2026 (Strings day). She performs two contrasting pieces for the panel. In June, she is notified that she has been awarded a 4,000 GBP Study Grant. Combined with a partial scholarship from the RNCM and her own earnings, this reduces her shortfall to approximately 7,000 GBP, which she covers with a career development loan.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The Countess of Munster Musical Trust is one of the most significant sources of postgraduate music funding in the UK. The 4,000 GBP award can cover 15 to 40 percent of postgraduate tuition at a UK conservatoire, depending on the program. For jazz musicians, it is one of the few trusts that funds both postgraduate study and the final year of undergraduate study.

The key to a successful application is demonstrating both outstanding ability and genuine financial need. The Trust turns away many applicants each year, so you should be realistic about your chances. If your teacher does not consider you ready for a competitive audition, the Trust advises waiting a year before applying.

Contact the Trust at Max@munstertrust.org.uk or call 0207 7591220 with questions about eligibility or the application process.

Visit the Countess of Munster Musical Trust Study Grants page for the most current application form and deadlines.

Related Opportunities

• Help Musicians UK for broader UK postgraduate music funding
• ABRSM Scholarships for study at the four Royal Schools of Music
• The Drake Calleja Trust for UK-based classical singers, instrumentalists, and accompanists
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Schools Directory to find UK conservatoires for postgraduate study