Music scholarships
Scholarships are available to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Music scholarships and awards
Mary Lill Scholarships
The Department of Music at the University of Sheffield is delighted to offer the Mary Lill Scholarships for 2025 entry. These scholarships are funded through the generous bequest of Mary Lill, an alumna of the university (1953-1957) who retained a lifelong love of music. They are intended to support aspiring music students who meet widening participation criteria, including those who come from low-participation backgrounds. Through these scholarships, the Department aims to further enhance not only the diversity of our own student body, but also the next generation of music performers, educators, scholars, and music industry professionals.
The University will award up to three undergraduate scholarships, administered through the Experience Sheffield Scholarship scheme. Students accepted on to both the BMus (single honours) and BA (dual honours) and making the University of Sheffield their first-choice preference are eligible to apply.
Each successful applicant will receive £3,600, paid in two instalments of £600 per level of study, for up to three years. Applications are processed through the Experience Sheffield Scholarships.
- Sir Henry Coward Organ Scholarship
Frequency: One award is available
Duties: Postholder fulfils the conventional duties of an organ scholar at Sheffield Cathedral
Value: TBC
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study Music at the University of Sheffield
Assessment: Audition
Enquiries: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk- Sheffield Cathedral Organ Scholarships
Post: Senior Organ Scholar
Duties: Rehearsals and choral services at Sheffield Cathedral; residency in Sheffield throughout the choir terms
Value: £7000
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield
Enquiries: james.mitchell@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk- Sheffield Cathedral Choral Scholarships
Frequency: Up to eight scholars are in post at any one time
Duties: Rehearsals and choral services at Sheffield Cathedral; residency in Sheffield throughout the choir terms
Value: Annual bursary of £2,800 and a £200 contribution to the cost of singing lessons
Eligibility: All applicants holding an offer to study at the University of Sheffield
Enquiries: music@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk- Escafeld Chorale Associate Soloist
Frequency: One award is available, maximum tenure two years
Duties: Rehearsals and performances in solo roles with Escafeld Chorale
Value: £400
Eligibility: All current Music students at the University of Sheffield
Assessment: Audition
Enquiries: s.e.pitts@sheffield.ac.uk- St John's Ranmoor Organ Scholarship
Frequency: Frequent
Duties: The Organ Scholar will support the music department by playing for services, accompanying and occasionally conducting the choir and assisting with the training of the Choristers and Juniors under the direction of the Director of Music. The exact role will be tailored to the strengths, experience and ambitions of the candidate.
Value: £1200 + opportunities for tuition
Assessment: Application is by CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how being Organ Scholar at St John’s would help you develop as a church musician
Enquiries: music@stjohnsranmoor.org.uk- Shipman Conducting Scholarship
Frequency: Occasional
Duties: Director or Assistant Director of one of the university ensembles – Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, or Chamber Choir.
Value: £1200
Eligibility: All current Music undergraduates at the University of Sheffield
Assessment: Audition- Mrs Stewart Blake Prizes
Frequency: Three annually
- Mrs Stewart Blake BMus Prize (£75)
- Mrs Stewart Blake Dissertation Prize (£75)
- Mrs Stewart Blake Special Project Prize (£75).
- Mrs Stewart Blake Recital Prize (£75)
Eligibility: Final year BMus students
Assessment:
- Best overall degree result
- Best result in the Level 3 Dissertation module
- Best result in the Level 3 Recital module
- Philip John Lord Composition Prize
Frequency: One annually
Value: £75 in books or scores
Eligibility: Final year BMus students
Assessment: Best result in the Level 3 Composition Portfolio module- Julian Payne Prize
We award the student with the highest mark at the end of first year, and the student that receives the highest mark for their student recital.
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