MDA SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2025 - 2026

                         'APPLICATION FORM'

The MDA music scholarship fund was created through charitable donations. It is aimed at young people in the Hartlepool area who wish to start, or advance, their music studies. These may be instrumental, vocal or theory studies.

Our aim is to give scholarships / bursaries to students up to the age of 18, based on the musician who demonstrates significant musical potential and commitment.

The opportunity is open to all, including existing or previous recipients who are welcome to re-apply.  

What does the scheme guarantee?

The scheme guarantees funding for attendance of lessons (and other sessions) for a full academic year. Sustained high quality instrumental or vocal tuition delivered by MDA music tutors

Access to resources and support as required, (printed music, exam fees, even instruments and accessories - when available).

Participation in the MDA music ensembles (where applicable) is expected, as are concert performances. These opportunities are run to aid progress to all pupils, (brass band, concert band and other ensembles as and when appropriate).

What is a MDA Music Scholar?

MDA Music Scholars are students who demonstrate their unfaltering desire and ability to overcome barriers in order to achieve their aspirations.

Below are some of the criteria on which each application will be evaluated.

• Individual determination and resolve to succeed.
• Setting of future goals and plans to achieve them.
• Level of access. From novice to any level.
• Resident in the Hartlepool area.
• Demonstration of particular talent / potential and showing a clear commitment to their own musical development.
• The recipient’s parent/carer commits to; actively support the student in all aspects of the scholarship programme.

Auditions/Interviews for short-listed applicants

Applications need to reach us by midnight on Monday 30th June 2025. Our auditions will take place Sunday 6th and 20th July 2025, at The Mick Donnelly Academy of Music, Hartlepool enterprise Centre, Brougham Terrace, TS24 8YE. If you are successful, you will receive an email to inform you of your audition time.

The audition will be friendly and informal to ensure all students enjoy a positive experience. For successful applicants, tuition will commence in the autumn term (September) 2025 and last for the whole of the academic year 2025 – 2026.

AWARDS AVAILABLE THIS YEAR

The Neisha Day Trainer Scholarship for Singing and Piano

This Scholarship is open to vocal and piano students. This Scholarship is for 1 year

      Sponsors - Family of Neisha

The Hartlepool Brass Band Scholarship for Brass and Percussion instruments 

This Scholarship is for 1 year

      Sponsors - The Hartlepool Brass Band - In memory of past members .

                                    Peter Craddy, Alby Pattison and Steve Cole

The Alby Pattison Scholarship for All instrumentalists and singers

This Scholarship is for 1 year

       Sponsors - Family of Alby

The Mick Donnelly Academy Scholarship X 2

This Scholarship is open to all instrumentalists and vocal students. This Scholarship is for 1 year

      Sponsors - MDA Scholarship fund

If you would like to send your application to us in by post (by no later than midnight Monday 23rd June 2025) our address is;

The

Mick Donnelly Academy of Music

Hartlepool Enterprise Centre

Brougham Terrace

Hartlepool

TS24 8EY

Below you will find an electronic application form, please complete all the fields that are marked * and press send form.