WESLEY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Music Scholarship
Applications are currently closed
Introduction:
Scholarships may be offered to suitable candidates who show particular talent in music. These scholarships are not open to existing students, except for the Wesley Preparatory Department. These scholarships have been introduced in order to attract promising young musicians who will enhance the standard of music by their participation in the various musical events in which the College is involved each year. Scholarships provide for a proportion of the fees for a three or six year period. The Scholarship Secretary, Kirsten Ringland can be contacted by emailing kirsten.ringland@wesleycollege.ieAwarding of Scholarship:
Scholarships may be awarded to one or two First Year entrants. A portion of fees for another student may be considered if the adjudicating panel feel it is warranted. An additional scholarship may be awarded to a pupil entering the College at the start of the senior cycle (Transition Year or Fifth Year). Existing students are not eligible to apply. Scholarships will be awarded for a portion of the general school tuition fees, but fees for individual lessons in music will not be included. Once a scholarship has been awarded, it will be reviewed annually, based on progress made and on participation in the musical life of the College being deemed sufficient to justify the continuation of the scholarship. This application is made on the understanding that the decision of the audition panel is final and that neither the panel nor individual members will discuss the merits of individual candidates or aspects of any assessment following the decision.
Audition Guidelines:
The scholarships will be awarded following audition and only where a sufficiently high standard is shown.
1. Those being considered for a junior cycle scholarship should have reached a Merit or Distinction in Associated Board Grade 3 standard in their main instrument or equivalent and should show evidence of involvement in other musical activities.
2. For the senior cycle scholarship, the expected minimum level would be that of a Merit or Distinction in Associated Board Grade 5 standard in their main instrument or equivalent and should show evidence of involvement in other musical activities.
3. The selection process will comprise three phases:
a. An Application Form will be returned to Wesley College.
b. The College will require a short video of the applicant performing two pieces; these must be submitted with the application. We would recommend using WeTransfer or an unlisted YouTube link to submit performances to the scholarship secretary via email: kirsten.ringland@wesleycollege.ie
c. A selection of candidates will be asked to attend a further audition.
4. The selection committee, which will conduct the auditions, will be comprised of an external Chairperson, the Head of Music in the College, another music teacher from the college and may also include the Principal.
5. While emphasis will be placed on the standard orchestral instruments, any instrument, and/or voice, may be presented.
6. For the recorded submission/audition two contrasting pieces of the candidate’s own choice will be required.
7. Important - If a student is presenting two or more instruments for the recorded submission/audition it is strongly advised that they present a piece for each instrument. This will give the adjudicating panel a better idea of their overall musical standard.
8. A personal statement, written by the candidate, must be completed using the headings provided on the application form.
9. A reference from the candidate’s main instrument teacher is also required.
10. Should a candidate be invited for an audition in the College, they are expected to:
• provide their own accompanist for their two contrasting pieces.
• prepare a simple song for audition to be performed with their accompanist or a backing track (breaking voices will be taken into consideration).
• prepare for a sight test, an ear test and general interview.
11. It is expected that those awarded scholarships will join the College Choirs, Orchestras and/or groups and be prepared to perform with them throughout the school year - e.g., on Prize Day, at the annual Carol Service, at the Music Festival and at morning Assembly. It is also expected that all scholarship holders will participate in Music as a subject at Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert.
12. Scholarship holders would be expected to give priority to College activities in the event of a clash of events with an external engagement, except where the Head of Music agrees otherwise.
13. Individual musical tuition may be arranged either privately or in the College. Recipients do not have to take individual lessons in Wesley.
Musical Experience:
Applications should include full details of musical experience to date and of the standard attained.
Personal Statement:
A personal statement written by the candidate should also be included outlining how he/she envisages contributing to the musical life of the College.
General Note:
Wesley College maintains the highest standards of music making and teaching. The Music Department enjoys the expertise of teachers who also occupy positions of professional integrity in the world of music outside the College. Likewise the College is proud of the many past pupils who have graduated from Wesley into the major choral and orchestral bodies of this country and beyond. It is confidently expected that those awarded scholarships will further enhance the College’s standards and reputation in this respect.
Applications will open at the beginning of September, one year prior to the year of entry
Download application form below to apply:
Music Scholarship Application Form
Wesley Music Links:
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