Silas′ mum
“I don’t think it would be an over-statement to say this scholarship has been completely life changing for Silas as well as for his close family.”
Finchcocks Scholarship Scheme
Finchcocks Scholarship Scheme
Providing access to piano education for children 11-18
About the scheme
Launched in 2024, the Finchcocks Scholarship Scheme offers a year’s scholarship of piano tuition for children of secondary school age, who would love to learn the piano.
Funding covers up to 30 half-hour lessons over the course of one academic school year and is available to those who:
- have a passion for music and are very keen to learn the piano
- will attend lessons and practise!
- have access to a school piano to practise throughout the week
- qualify for free school meals or are known to the school to require financial or social support
Sheet music will be provided by Finchcocks upon request from their piano teacher.
What we’d like in return!
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They are excited to have a go!
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That they turn up punctually and reliably (to make the most of the opportunity)
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They practise! (At school, if at home not possible.)
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(Safe guarding allowing) they are happy for a photo of them to be taken at the piano with their teacher and for us to receive a little report update each term to hear how they are doing.
How to apply
Applicants must be referred by the coordinating school music or piano teacher. Please contact our Programme Director Jenny Maslin jenny @ finchcocks.com for an application form, or download here and return by email.
History of the Finchcocks Piano Scholarship Scheme
2024
Finchcocks Scheme launches
Our established Finchcocks Festival has raised funds for local music projects since its inception. In 2024, we decided to broaden our focus to a national one, offering financial support to children who show a passion for music and the piano. We strongly believe that music and piano lessons should be accessible to all children showing a desire to explore their musical talents.
We sent out word via our newsletter and social media and received some wonderful applications. 5 scholars were selected across the UK, from Belfast to Newcastle! Liaising with schools or music providers we coordinated a (school) piano teacher – with the relevant safeguarding checks – local to the children. And so our first cohort took to the ivories!
2025
The scheme proves a success and is extended to 2025-26!
Piano teachers send termly updates on scholars, reporting happy progress, school performances and even a recording of an astonishing piano composition in the style of Chopin, played at an end-of-term concert.
2026
Two more places opened up.
Following a generous private donation and an especially fruitful fundraiser festival, a commitment to extend the first cohort’s provision was made possible – and two more places were opened up.
The scheme now supports 7 young scholars in the piano education!
2027
Applications now open!
Applications are now open for September 2026-July 2027.
See below for how to apply!
FAQs
- Does tuition take place at Finchcocks?
No. Tuition is in partnership with the young person’s school. We aim to fund tuition for a visiting, peripatetic piano teacher at their own school so that they can enjoy being part of their own music department, practise on the school’s pianos and receive extra support from their music department. - How much does funding cover?
Funding covers upto 30 half-hour lessons over the course of an academic year. - Does the young person need to play well?
No previous piano experience is required and any ability is considered – beginner through to advanced. - When does funding begin?
Ideally, funding can begin in January, otherwise at the start of a school term. - How do I apply?
Applicants must be referred by the coordinating school music or piano teacher. Please contact our Programme Director Jenny Maslin jenny @ finchcocks.com for an application form, or download here and return by email.
