The Drake Calleja Trust

The Drake Calleja Trust is a UK-registered charity that provides scholarships ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 GBP per year to outstanding classical singers, solo instrumentalists, and accompanists living and studying in the UK. The trust is open to all nationalities and has no upper age limit. Funds can be used for fees, instrument purchase, masterclasses, competitions, recordings, and concerts.

How the Drake Calleja Trust Works

The trust financially and artistically supports talented young classical musicians studying in the UK. Each academic year, scholars receive between 1,500 and 5,000 GBP depending on individual circumstances. The trust also provides performance opportunities and career development support.

Eligibility

• Age: 18 or over on September 1 in the year of application. No upper age limit.
• Disciplines: Singers, solo instrumentalists, and accompanists. The trust does not support ensembles, composers, conductors, music theatre, or jazz students.
• Location: You must be living and studying in the UK. If you are not yet living in the UK, you can apply for an online audition.
• Enrollment: You must prove that you will be enrolled as a student at a UK institution for the applicable academic year (2026-27 for the current cycle).
• Nationality: Open to UK, EU, and international students.
• Standard: Applicants must be of outstanding quality and demonstrate financial need.

Application Timeline for 2026

• January 5, 2026: Applications open
• February 9, 2026: Applications close at 23:00 (11 PM)
• April 2026 (date TBC): Shortlist of auditionees announced
• May 2026: Auditions in London and Manchester
• June 2026 (date TBC): Results announced

Audition Process

Shortlisted applicants perform at live auditions in London or Manchester:

• London: Razumovsky Academy (May 7-8) and National Opera Studio (May 9-10)
• Manchester: The Stoller Hall (May 21)
• Online option: Available only for musicians not yet living in the UK

Auditionees perform a program of at least two contrasting pieces lasting approximately 10 minutes, followed by a short interview. A free piano accompanist is provided if needed, with 15 to 20 minutes of rehearsal time before the audition.

Application Requirements

• Online application form (no other format accepted)
• At least 2 video recordings lasting approximately 5 minutes each (YouTube links preferred)
• Recordings must be made within the last year
• Audition program (can be changed later)
• Budget for academic year 2026-27 (outgoings, income, and shortfall)
• Personal statement (600 word limit)
• Full biography or CV
• Name and email address of a referee

Real-World Example

A 22-year-old Romanian soprano studying at the Royal Academy of Music applies for a Drake Calleja Trust scholarship in January 2026. She submits two YouTube videos of her performing Puccini and Mozart arias, a 600-word personal statement explaining her goal to pursue an opera career, and a detailed budget showing her annual costs of 38,000 GBP (tuition: 28,000 GBP, rent: 8,000 GBP, living costs: 2,000 GBP) minus her current funding of 20,000 GBP, leaving a shortfall of 18,000 GBP.

She is shortlisted in April and invited to audition at the Razumovsky Academy on May 7. She performs "O mio babbino caro" and "Voi che sapete" with the provided accompanist, then has a short interview with the panel. In June, she is awarded 4,000 GBP for the 2026-27 academic year. She uses the funds to cover part of her tuition shortfall and to pay for a summer masterclass in Italy.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are a classical singer, instrumentalist, or accompanist studying in the UK, the Drake Calleja Trust is one of the few scholarships with no upper age limit and no nationality restrictions. The 1,500 to 5,000 GBP award can cover a meaningful portion of your annual costs, especially when combined with other funding sources like ABRSM scholarships or institutional bursaries.

The key steps are:

1. Prepare at least two high-quality video recordings within the year before applying
2. Write a clear personal statement (under 600 words) explaining your career goals and financial need
3. Create a detailed budget showing your exact shortfall for the academic year
4. Submit the online application before February 9, 2026 at 23:00
5. If shortlisted, prepare two contrasting pieces for the 10-minute live audition

Contact the trust at info@drakecallejatrust.org or call +44 (0) 7973 333770 with questions.

Related Opportunities

• ABRSM Scholarships for study at the four Royal Schools of Music
• Help Musicians UK for broader UK music funding
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Music Schools Directory to find UK conservatoires
• Visit the Drake Calleja Trust for official details and application forms