World Heart Beat World Heart Beat Music Academy World Heart Beat Music Academy

Bursaries & Scholarships

The World Heart Beat Music Academy aims to give children and young people – many of whom would never have access to musical education – the opportunity to learn music within a structured programme, alongside other youngsters, and under the guidance of committed and inspirational musicians.

It is our vision to create a beautiful, inspiring place where children of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds can come and play music – together, individually, or with teachers. The Academy is also a place to go after school, at weekends, and during the holidays for lessons, workshops, practice facilities, and to play together in a range of bands and ensembles.

As a small charity we rely upon donations from generous individuals, trusts and companies to support our work with children and young people across London.

Apply for a bursary

To apply: Please submit a short letter of application to the Artistic Director at the World Heart Beat Music Academy, outlining why you need a bursary, and including any evidence that you feel supports your application.

Please send to:

The Artistic Director,
World Heart Beat Music Academy,
58 Kimber Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 4PP.

Or by email to:
info@worldheartbeat.org

Please note that there may be a waiting list for your chosen instrument, and for available bursaries. We do also run special projects for which bursaries may be available.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be aged 5-17 on 31 August 2023.
    If they are 17 now, and will turn 18 before this date, then they will not be eligible.
  • If aged 17-25, we run an apprentice and volunteer programme.
  • Be living and studying in the UK.
  • Be able to demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm and commitment to learning music.
  • Be able to evidence financial need in line with the guidelines below:

World Heart Beat fundraise continuously in order to be able to provide as many Awards as possible, but our funds are limited. In line with our charitable objectives, we must prioritise applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need in addition to musical commitment.

Our Awards Programme is means-tested. Our eligibility threshold is modelled on the lower level threshold employed by the Government’s Music and Dance scheme. This looks at the annual, gross, family income of the home in which the young person mainly lives, and takes into account the number of dependent children within that household. The following guidelines may help you decide whether to progress with an application:

  • Your gross annual family income is £30,000 or under: you ARE likely to be eligible to apply.
  • Your gross annual family income is between £30,000 – £40,000: you MAY be eligible to apply, depending on the number of dependent children within the household
  • Your gross annual family income is above £40,000: it is UNLIKELY that you will be eligible to apply for funding.

For the 2023 round, we will make our assessment based on household family income for the period April 2021 to March 2022.

Terms & Conditions

These are the terms and conditions for receiving a bursary.

You are expected to:

  • Abide by the Academy’s code of behaviour.
  • Attend at least 95% lessons as detailed on your timetable.
  • Ensure you are punctual to all lessons and register your attendance.
  • Inform the Academy of any changes in circumstances.
  • Commit to performances/events and any rehearsals as deemed appropriate by the Academy.

The Academy is expected to:

  • Keep records of your attendance.
  • Monitor your attendance and any absence.
  • Review your bursary/scholarship at the end of each term and will let you know within a reasonable time (reasonable being; half a terms’ notice, or a 5 week equivalent period) if your bursary has been terminated.
  • If you are ill or sick — The bursary will continue to be paid for you if you are ill or sick, but you must inform the Academy if you are ill for more than one week.
  • Absence — The bursary is given on condition of 95% attendance. If your absence is extended you must notify the Academy as to the reasons for your absence.
  • Behaviour — The bursary may be terminated before the reasonable time period in cases where behaviour and attitude to work has been deemed unacceptable, and in breach of the Academy’s code of behaviour by academic staff. The decision of the Academy is final.
  • Appeals – If you wish to appeal against the termination of the bursary you must speak with the Artistic Director.
  • Renewal – Depending on your financial circumstances, the bursary may be renewed, if agreed by the Artistic Artistic Director.

World Heart Beat uses the power of music to inspire, bring people together and make a positive impact

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