Applications are now open for the 2024 Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary Trust in South Africa.
Closing date for the bursary: 14 June 2024.
Fine Music Radio (FMR) 101.3, a beloved community radio station located in Cape Town, is widely recognized for its remarkable combination of classical and jazz music.
In keeping with its long-standing tradition, the station is once again presenting the FMR Bursary Trust Awards, which aim to nurture and encourage aspiring music students. These prestigious awards are dedicated to supporting and empowering the future generation of musicians.
About the FMR Bursary Trust in South Africa
The FMR Bursary Trust in South Africa offers an invaluable opportunity for aspiring musicians and music scholars to pursue their dreams, while making a positive impact on the local arts and culture scene.
By supporting the next generation of musicians, FMR is contributing to the growth and development of the classical music industry in South Africa, preserving the country’s rich musical heritage, and providing a platform for talented students to flourish.
If you are a student passionate about music and eager to make a difference, the FMR Bursary Trust may be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for!
Bursary Fields available
The FMR Bursary Trust is an exclusive opportunity that covers studies towards a performance Diploma or Degree in Music, with the following categories:
- African Music (vocal/instrument)
- Classical Vocal
- Classical Instrumental
- Jazz Vocal/Instrumental
Eligibility Criteria for the FMR Bursary
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the bursary program:
- South African citizenship with proper residence proof.
- Must be living in South Africa.
- Enrolment in an accredited and recognized tertiary educational institution in South Africa.
Selection Process
The FMR Bursary Trust Awards will include the following rounds:
First Round:
- The first round of the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary Trust Awards will consist of a pre-recorded audition video, followed by a final round in May 2023 at the Baxter Concert Hall.
- The competition is open to South African residents who are currently enrolled in a tertiary institution. Proof of academic registration and South African ID must be submitted with the application form, as well as a signed reference letter from your teacher.
- The competition includes four categories:
Music genres include classical voice, classical instrumental, jazz vocal/instrumental, and African music.
Preliminary Round:
- Preliminary round performances must be submitted for adjudication as pre-recorded videos that will be uploaded on YouTube as unlisted.
- The link should be included with your application. If you have any difficulty uploading a video to YouTube, please email [email protected].
- A maximum of three applications from each category will advance to the final round.
Final round
- The final rounds will take place in the Baxter Concert Hall in May 2023. Classical: Wednesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Jazz/African: Saturday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.
- Competitors agree that the FMR Bursary Trust Competition may record and use their performances at their discretion.
- Fine Music Radio will broadcast the final round, and each competitor will receive a copy for personal, non-commercial use.
- Competitors selected for the final round must provide FMR with complete details, including ensemble/accompanist names and instruments, by May 2, 2023.
- Competitors who exceed their permitted time may be asked to stop their performance at the jury’s discretion.
Adjudication:
- All decisions of the adjudication panel are final and no appeal will be considered.
- No feedback from the adjudication panel will be made available until after the final round of the competition.
- The preliminary and final rounds are adjudicated independently (i.e. performance scoring is not cumulative.)
- Adjudication criteria will include general presentation and balanced programme compilation. In addition, for the jazz and African categories marks may also be given towards the instrumentation and arrangement of the pieces, as well as leadership within the ensemble.
Repertoire:
Competitors must create a programme that lasts no longer than 15 minutes. This should include at least two pieces with opposing styles.
- The Classical Vocal category should include at least one opera aria and one art song.
- Competitors in the African Music category are required to show skill on at least two instruments, one of which may be the
- Competitors must repeat the works from the preliminary round in the final, but change in repertoire may be permitted if submitted before May 1, 2023. For all categories, the backline ensemble shall not exceed four members.
Video submission requirements
- The preliminary rounds are handled by reviewing videos uploaded online.
- Videos should be filmed in landscape orientation, at 720p or greater resolution, with good audio and visuals.
- The video should start with the contender announcing their name and a complete list of compositions performed, including the title and composer/arranger.
- The video must be uploaded to YouTube (unlisted) under the title “FMR Bursary Trust” (competitor’s name) and category.
- In the video description, the contestant must give the titles of the works and composers.
How to Apply
Start by downloading the full bursary call document.
Documents Required:
- Short biography of no more than 300 words
- Letter of motivation (including career goals and intended use of funds)
- Proof of registration from the institution you attend
- Endorsement letter from teacher/lecturer
- Link to your video submission for the audition (Unlisted Video)
- Full programme details, including composers, arranger, instrumentation and accompaniment
- Applications must be submitted online at: FMR Bursary Application 2024
Closing date for the bursary: 14 June 2024.
