Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), in collaboration with NYJO (National Youth Jazz Orchestra), is delighted to announce the launch of two full jazz music scholarships for its one-year Level 4 Music Foundation course, beginning in September 2026.
Each scholarship provides full course tuition, accommodation in Cambridge for the duration of study, all meals and weekly one-to-one lessons, removing financial barriers for talented young jazz musicians ready to take their next steps into professional training.
The Level 4 Music Foundation course at CSVPA is an immersive and dynamic programme designed for those aged 17 and over who have completed their Level 3 qualifications and are ready to take the next step in their musical development. Created to equip learners with the tools to build a pathway into today’s music industry, the course offers real-life music experiences through collaboration with professional venues and record labels, as well as a rich curriculum spanning composition, theory, performance, and recording. It enables students to refine their skills while broadening their musical knowledge and understanding, with flexibility that allows them to explore personal areas of artistic passion and emerge as well-rounded, confident musicians.
CSVPA has partnered with NYJO to offer two talented musicians this opportunity. Yvette Griffith, Chief Executive of NYJO, said:
“Our partnership with CSVPA enables us to offer something truly transformative; an opportunity for talented young musicians to explore higher education without the financial barriers that so often hold them back. These scholarships create the space for students to test their potential, experience dedicated, high level training and build the confidence to imagine a future in music. It aligns powerfully with our purpose of widening access, nurturing emerging talent and creating pathways that are truly open to all. I’m proud that together, we’re opening doors that might otherwise remain closed and offering a real, ambitious route forward for the next generation of jazz artists.”
In addition to the two jazz scholarships, CSVPA is also offering three further music scholarships for students passionate about any genre of music who wish to pursue their education in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Vijay Prakash, Music Pathway Leader at CSVPA, highlighted the significance of these new opportunities:
“CSVPA is proud to announce the launch of a series of life-changing scholarships for emerging young musicians across the UK. These awards reflect our continued commitment to empowering the next generation of creatives with the knowledge, skills, and professional experience needed to advance their musical careers.
Through study within our specialist music department and in collaboration with industry partners including NYJO, Arts Club Cambridge, and Arts Club Records, students will gain invaluable practical insights that will support their progression into the music industry and help them realise their artistic ambitions.
Our goal is to reach talented, deserving students for whom further education may otherwise be out of reach. We believe that widening access to the arts is a collective responsibility, and these scholarships represent an important step for us toward ensuring that opportunities within the creative industries are open to all.”
Aspiring musicians across the UK are encouraged to apply now for these exceptional opportunities. These scholarships aim to support young artists with strong potential, dedication, and a passion for music.
For more information about the Music Foundation course and details on how to apply for the scholarships, applicants should visit CSVPA’s website: www.csvpa.com.
What Is Included In The Music Scholarship?
Each scholarship provides full course tuition for our Level 4 Music Foundation course, accommodation in CSVPA standard ensuite single bedrooms for the duration of study, three meals a day during the week and two meals a day at the weekend, and weekly one-to-one lessons.
What Is The Level 4 Music Foundation & What Will I Study?
The Level 4 Music Foundation course at CSVPA is an immersive, practical and hands-on programme designed for students aged 18 and over who have completed their A Levels and are ready to take the next step in their musical development. Created to prepare learners with the tools to take the next steps on their path into the music industry, the course offers real-life music experiences through collaboration with professional venues and record labels, as well as a rich curriculum spanning composition, theory, performance, and recording. It enables students to refine their skills while broadening their musical knowledge and understanding, with flexibility that allows them to explore personal areas of artistic passion and emerge as well-rounded, confident musicians.
The year’s lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and one-to-one tuition ultimately culminate in each student completing a Final Major Project for assessment.
What Performance Opportunities Will I Have?
- Throughout the course you will have a number of opportunities to perform both within CSVPA and at external venues.
- For students on our Classical pathway, we hold two music recitals in the breathtaking setting of St Catherine’s College Chapel, one of the University of Cambridge’s colleges.
- Pop Night in a high-energy and much anticipated event for our Pop & Contemporary artists. This performance opportunity gives them to space to debut their own music, as well as play together as a band.
- CSVPA has connections with venues in Cambridge, including Arts Club Cambridge, where students gain confidence in performing to a public audience.
Why CSVPA?
Here, they have the facilities required for you to really further your musical development. We have a professional standard recording studio, fully equipped rehearsal rooms, and spaces for ensemble and solo practice.
All their Music tutors have industry experience and insight that they share with students. Guest masterclasses and workshops are frequently held by visiting musicians, producers and other industry professionals.
Students also have access to our other tutors, so if you need support on creating a music video or you want assistance in designing a cover for your album, you will be able to call on the expertise of our Film and Graphic Design tutors.
CSVPA is a creative hub. As well as musicians, they have students studying on our acting, musical theatre, art and design courses. Inspiration is in abundance as you will be surrounded by and living with other students who share a similar passion for creativity.
How Do I Apply For A Music Scholarship At CSVPA?
Aspiring musicians across the UK are encouraged to apply now for these exceptional opportunities. These scholarships aim to support young artists with strong potential, dedication, and a passion for music.
To apply, students must:
- Complete the Application Form (choose ‘Music Foundation’)
- Submit a video of you performing your instrument, singing, or submit some of your production work. Follow our guidelines for more information.
- Record a video of yourself talking to camera explaining what drives you as a musician, what your ambitions are and what you would like to achieve both in your time at CSVPA and in your further career in the industry. We want to get to know you.
Below are some questions to give you a starting point for your video:
- Tell us a bit about yourself (your musical background and what experience you have as instrumentalist/composer/producer
- Why do you want to come and study with us at CSVPA (what would you like to get out of this course)
- What would you like to go on and do in the music world? (Don’t worry if you don’t have a clear idea of this, it’s a big question! Just some thoughts on the directions which interest you)
- What kinds of music do you like to make
- Tell us about a musical hero of yours. Why do you like them? (feel free to talk about specific tracks/albums/style)
Contact CSVPA With Any Questions
Have a look at the FAQs on CSVPA’s scholarship page
For more information about the Level 4 Music Foundation course, on how to apply for the scholarships or any other questions you may have, applicants should contact our Admissions Team: [email protected].