Scholarships
The Conservatorium is offering Community Music Scholarships in 2026
Each year the Conservatorium of Music offers scholarships to both internal and external students under the age of 18 (or vocalists aged up to 25). Music scholarships include part or full payment towards the cost of Individual Lessons and Ensemble fees with the additional benefit of public performance/recording opportunities.
2026 Conservatorium Scholarship offerings will include:
- Full Music Scholarships - weekly 30-minute Individual Lessons plus the option to join a Conservatorium Ensemble and participate in Music Craft lessons
- Half Scholarships – 50% reduction in Individual Lesson, Ensemble and Music Craft fees (participation in an Ensemble and Music Craft is optional)
- Quarter Scholarship – 25% reduction in Individual Lesson, Ensemble and Music Craft fees (participation in an Ensemble and Music Craft is optional)
- Fusion Ensemble Scholarship – full year of ensemble membership. This ensemble formed in 2024 involves students working together to create/arrange and perform new music in a fusion of genres and instrument combinations. It is intended for students who would like to continue learning from their current external teacher but would like to collaborate with like-minded musicians in a group setting. Students must be having single study lessons at the Con or at one of our partner schools.
- Singer/Songwriter Scholarship – this entitles the recipient to 12 hours of song writing and production mentorship over the course of the year. Please note, applicants for this scholarship will need to include an original song (2-4 minutes) in their audition video
Please note the piano student with the highest score in the auditions will be awarded the Linda Herron Community Piano Grant which entitles the recipient to one year of 30-minute Individual Lessons.
Audition Requirements:
- Applicants are required to film/record (using a device such as a phone) a piece of their choice (no longer than 4 minutes) and upload the performance to YouTube, or a shareable Google Drive/Dropbox folder.
- At the end of the audition performance clip, applicants are encouraged to say a few words about their musical interests and aspirations.
To apply: please complete all required fields in the online form and remember to include the link to your audition.
Applications open on Saturday, the 1st November and close 4:30pm, Friday, the 28th of November. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by COB, Monday, the 15th of December.
For further information, please contact conservatorium@newcastle.edu.au or call 4921 8900.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.