Applying for a Bursary

Music should be for everyone.  But the path from raw talent to real opportunity isn’t always straightforward.  For some musicians, it’s harder than it should be.

The David Longdon Foundation Bursary exists to help change that.

If you’re a young musician aged 18 to 30, living in the UK, and you’ve faced barriers that have made pursuing your musical ambitions more difficult, we want to hear from you.

What the bursary is for

This award is designed to support your musical development in a direct, practical way.  That might include recording costs, studio time, equipment, course fees, tuition or software.  Whatever it is, it needs to be connected to your growth as a musician.

The bursary cannot be used for general living expenses.

Who can apply

You’re eligible to apply if you meet all the following criteria.

You are aged 18 to 30 at the time of the application.  You are currently residing in the United Kingdom.  You can speak honestly about the disadvantages or barriers you’ve faced that have shaped your journey as a musician.  You have a clear idea of what you’d use the funding for and why it matters to your future in music.

We welcome applications from solo performers, singer-songwriters, band members, music producers and music engineers.  If your relationship with music doesn’t fit neatly into a category, apply anyway and tell us about it in your own words.

The application process

Applications reviews begin:1st January

Application deadline: 12th February

You can apply at any time, but your application will not be fully reviewed until the review window opens. 

The application form is straightforward.  It asks you to tell us about your background, your music and what the funding would make possible for you.  There are no trick questions.  We’re simply asking you to be honest about where you are and where you’re trying to get to.  Set aside around 30 minutes to complete it.

As soon as you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email so you know it has reached us safely.

What happens after you apply

Every application is read in full by at least one trustee and at least one member of our panel.  We don’t skim, and we don’t make decisions lightly.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by 26th March.

Whether the news is good or not what you were hoping for, we will be in touch.  You won’t be left wondering.

A word before you apply

If you’re sitting on the fence, unsure whether your story is the right kind of story to whether your application is strong enough, please apply anyway.  The musicians we most want to reach are often the ones least likely to put themselves forward.  Doubt is not a reason to hold back.

Your music matters, and your story matters.  

This is exactly what the David Longdon Bursary is for.

Application reviews begin on 1st January. Don’t miss the 12th February application deadline.

Apply now (FORM)