You are probably aware that making the decision to continue your training after school is not going to be cheap. However, if you've really got what it takes to be a success then there are ways you may be able to get help towards your finances.
If you continue learning after 16 - either
in full-time education or through work-based learning - there are various Government schemes you can apply for to get financial help with the cost of your studies. These will usually depend on your household income and can help toward costs of living and learning.
For those wishing to become dancers, actors
or stage managers then the Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA)
are an option. They offer greatly reduced tuition fees and can help with
living and study costs at some of the leading private dance and drama training
providers. You must be aged over 16 for dance courses and over 18 for acting
and stage management courses.
There are other potential sources of funding
such as the BBC Performing Arts Fund (formally Fame Academy
Bursary Trust). The fund helps aspiring music-makers and performers looking
for a way to get ahead and includes bursaries for instrument and equipment,
education, urban music and musical theatre. To-date the fund has allocated
£2.4 million to fund young musicians, from a range of genres, to help them
pursue their musical careers. Further information can be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund/musicaltheatre.
Aspiring musicians should also look at the various awards
and scholarships offered by the Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF).
In addition to these individual award schemes the MBF provides an on-line
database of other sources of funding called the Funding Wizard. The database
lists the various MBF awards, as well as many others, and also contains
useful advice and tips for students.
There is also help available for younger students. The
Government's Music and Dance scheme is aimed at young musicians
aged 8 to 16 (on first application) and for young dancers aged 11 to 16
(on first application) with exceptional potential and dedication and who
do not have the financial means to access the training they need. The grants
are means-tested and an audition will be involved.
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