Apply for Music Capital Scheme Award 4 – Ireland

The Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and provides funding for musical instruments. As part of this initiative The Music Network National Instrument Collection has been established to offer high-quality string instruments on a loan basis to exceptional young classical musicians.

They are seeking applications from advanced violinists, violists, and cellists who are in the early stages of a professional performance career.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individual classical violinists, violists and cellists aged 18 and over who are:
  • Irish citizens or resident in the Republic of Ireland. Irish citizens do not need to be living in Ireland in order to apply.
  • In the final year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and about to embark on a professional performance career or have completed their 3rd/4th level education within the last 3 years.
• Music Network is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals within culturally diverse communities and from people with disabilities. Music Network encourages musicians with access or support requirements who wish to submit an application to make contact with us as early as possible before the deadline so that every effort to provide reasonable accommodation can be made.

Selection Criteria

• The following criteria will be used to assess each application:
  • Track record and demonstrated potential in music performance (performance in both non-professional and professional environments will be taken into account) (50%)
  • Impact receiving an instrument from the Collection would have on career plans (20%)
  • Demonstrated need for an instrument loan (20%)
  • Evidence of ability to secure Irish and/or international professional performance opportunities during the loan period (10%)

Application Requirements

• A description of the instrument you currently play.
• Your Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages outlining relevant education/training and performance experience).
• Provide details of your performance experience and career path to date.
• Details of upcoming performances and future career plans.
• Details of how, at this point in your career, having access to a new instrument will support your career development.
• 3 recordings, at least one of which must be a video and one of which must feature unaccompanied playing. Recordings can be shared as web links or mp3 files.
• 2 letters of recommendation from former or current teachers/mentors (contact details must be included with their permission to be contacted).

For more information, visit Music Network.