Applications are currently being sought for the next round of The Bill Whelan International Music Bursary. The Bursary programme which was established in 2005 to support Irish music students studying abroad has already assisted a number of students from different disciplines ranging from film scoring, orchestration and music composition to continue their studies in the UK, USA and Germany. The bursary scheme is administered with the assistance of The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).
The very high costs associated with studying at prominent international music institutions raises significant obstacles for most Irish students offered places at such universities. The introduction of this award eases the burden significantly. Ongoing support and mentoring from the bursary selection team means that students are in a prime position to maximise their study and networking opportunities.
“As we head into year six, I am delighted to note the progress in the work and careers of the recipients to date and would encourage any students to come forward for the 2010 awards” outlined Bill Whelan at the announcement of bursary deadlines for 2010.
“Receiving the financial support which enabled me to study Screen Composition at the Royal College of Music in London in 2006 was just one of the incredible privileges that came my way through being a Bill Whelan Bursary recipient. Along with the respect that has come from being supported by Bill, I can barely describe the extent to which his sustained encouragement and enthusiasm has accelerated my career and personal development as a composer, both at and away from my writing desk. Having studied and worked alongside so many ’emerging’ composers also fighting for successful careers, I am constantly aware of the gift the Bill Whelan Bursary has been to me, and have yet to hear of a funding scheme that can offer anything comparable” added bursary recipient Anna Rice.
Full details and online application forms are available at: https://imro.ie/content/bill-whelan-bursary
Closing date for submissions 28th May 2010
Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing & Membership (IMRO)
Tel: 01-6614844 Fax: 01-6763125
E-mail: keith.johnson@nullimro.ie
