Fondation d'entreprise Banque Populaire - Project grants for performing musicians

Grants for young musicians from the Banque Populaire Foundation

You will receive a financial grant for 1 to 3 years so that you can focus entirely on your music during the challenging first few years immediately after graduating from the conservatoire. The Banque Populaire Enterprise Foundation does not disclose a fixed grant amount. The sum is calculated to ensure that you do not have to worry about finances whilst you are establishing your career. In addition to financial support, you will have the opportunity to learn from leading masters, take part in prestigious auditions, record your first album and give concerts. You will also become part of the Foundation’s network and receive ongoing guidance from its team. You will perform at the annual ‘Les Musicales de Bagatelle’ festival in Paris and as part of the ‘Generation Fondation Banque Populaire’ concert series.

Who can apply

• What you do: You are an instrumentalist specialising in classical or Baroque music, a chamber ensemble comprising two to four musicians, or a composer. Organists, conductors and singers are not eligible to apply.
• Diploma: You hold a second-cycle qualification (Master II or Artist Diploma) from the CNSMD in Paris or Lyon, or from ‘La Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth’, or an equivalent European qualification recognised by the selection panel.
• Age: Under 27 for soloists, under 28 for chamber ensembles (duos to quartets), under 40 for composers.
• Where you live: You will be living mainly in France for the entire duration of the scholarship.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• No fixed job: You are not currently a member of an orchestra and are not on the payroll of any other organisation.
• One shot: You may only apply once. If your application is rejected, you will not be able to apply again.
• What it does not cover: The scholarship does not cover stays abroad or the purchase of instruments.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s platform. The deadline for applications in the music category is 4 October. Please ensure that your application documents are complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Your documents will first be reviewed by a preliminary jury, followed by a full jury. If you pass the preliminary selection, you will give a live audition before the final decision is made.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is aimed at a narrowly defined group. Only graduates of conservatoires who have recently completed their studies, fall within a specific age group, live in France and do not hold paid employment in the music sector are eligible to apply. Selection is based on a live audition before a jury of twelve leading musicians. The pool of eligible applicants is small, but the standards are very high, and only a few winners are selected in each round. If you clearly meet the criteria and your performance impresses the jury, you have a genuine chance of success. Bear in mind that you only have one chance.