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Young Musician Support Award Scheme

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How YMS Can Help YOU...

Joining YMS will provide access to many activities and opportunities which may not be available otherwise:
  • The chance to meet other talented young classical musicians from across North Devon
  • Free tickets to classical concerts
  • Opportunities to meet and work with visiting artists
  • Masterclasses with top musicians
  • Formal performance opportunities
  • Mentoring from experienced professional musicians and teachers
  • Financial help for those in need
Once a year, YMS holds auditions to find North Devon’s outstanding classical music students. The students should have been studying for at least a year and must be under the age of nineteen on September 1st next year.  They must show commitment and enthusiasm, as well as demonstrating ability on their instrument of choice.  YMS advertises the auditions in the local media as well as seeking nominations from schools and music teachers.

Applications can be made via the online form (below) or by post.  The form asks for contact information and details of the candidates’ musical experience.  There are also some questions for the parent/guardian.

The YMS committee select candidates to audition based on the information provided on the form plus a reference from the student’s teacher or school

Auditions are held in the Music Department at West Buckland School which offers facilities unavailable elsewhere locally, including practice rooms with pianos where the candidates can warm up, and a recital room with a grand piano for the auditions. There is also space for the parents and candidates to meet one another. If transport to and from West Buckland is an issue, please let us know as we may be able to help. YMS is very grateful to West Buckland School for the use of their Music Department practice and recital rooms. 

YMS Awards

YMS awards are modest but effective and are available to those in real need. Over the last few years YMS has been able to award an average total of £3,500 giving financial support to some twenty young people. Happily, a relatively small sum can enable a fifteen minute lesson to be increased to half an hour, a broken instrument to be repaired or a young musician to join in at a music residential and experience ensemble playing for the first time – all potentially life-changing

Application for Awards 2025

  1. Applicants must be aged under 19 on 1st September 2026
  2. The closing date for applications is 2nd November 2025.
  3. Teacher’s references should be received no later than 9th November 2025.
  4. Applicants will be informed of the time of their audition no later than 16th November 2025.  An early or late time slot may be requested.
  5. Auditions will be held at West Buckland School on Saturday 22nd November 2025

The Audition & Award

The audition itself will take 10-15 minutes according to grade. There are three professional musicians on the Audition Panel led by YMS Artistic Director Ambrose Miller. Candidates will be asked to perform two short contrasting pieces. The candidate may also be asked to play scales etc at their grade level and to tell the panel a bit about themselves. An accompanist will be available on the day and the candidate will need to supply the music in advance. Teachers are most welcome to attend and to accompany if this is preferred. Parents of candidates younger than 12 years old will be able to sit in on the audition if they wish.

The auditioning panel will be looking for real potential and/or outstanding ability, together with enthusiasm and a broader interest in classical music beyond the chosen instrument. It is important that the candidate’s teacher or referee can confirm these attributes.

Whilst the student is auditioning, the parent(s) or guardian will be invited to discuss the student’s specific needs and aspirations with members of the YMS Committee. If applying for a financial award, no documents are required but please be prepared to discuss the family situation, the degree of financial need and the use to which an award would be put. Applications for awards are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

After The Audition

Candidates will be contacted by e-mail within a week or so of the audition. If YMS decides, at its sole discretion, that a financial award is appropriate, payment will be made by online bank transfer and you will be asked to provide your bank details. A financial award is only made in cases of actual need. 

Young Musician Support - Application Form - 2025

2025 Awards for North Devon’s talented Young Classical Musicians. To be completed by the candidate and their parent or guardian.
PARENT'S/GUARDIAN'S NAME
Full postal address including postcode
Email
NAME OF CANDIDATE
Don't forget to tell us about all of the instruments that you play
Please tell us a bit about yourself, what you like about music and learning to play, your experience of performing and ambitions for the future. (Max 200 words)
Please tell us a bit about your family and how you think YMS might help support your child's development as a musician. (Max 200 words)
If you are applying for financial support, please provide any relevant information regarding your circumstances.
Do you have time to be more involved with the work of YMS, e.g. as a committee member?
SOCIAL MEDIA & DATA PROTECTION - Please indicate if you are willing to share your email address with others for matters related to YMS activities.
Would you like to join a WhatsApp group for informal chat and exchange of ideas?
Please indicate whether you are happy for YMS to use your child's first name and image in publicity relating to YMS activities
DATA PROTECTION By submitting your application, you are consenting to us holding your data in accordance with GDPR regulations. No information provided to YMS will be disclosed to any third party organisation.