University of Surrey - The HR Taylor Trust Scholarship

What the HR Taylor Trust Scholarship gives you

You will receive a grant for your music tuition fees or for buying an instrument. There is no fixed amount, so the figure given in the ‘Quick Facts’ section is for guidance only. You should state how much you need and include a brief overview of your income and expenditure; each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The grant is paid once a year, once you have provided evidence that you have started your course and paid your tuition fees. The funding comes from the Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust, which was established in 1997 to promote music and the performing arts in Surrey. The Trust works in partnership with the University of Surrey, the Royal College of Music and other institutions. Support for living costs is not usually included.

Who can apply

• Field: You are studying music or are about to start a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and are planning a career in the music industry.
• Nationality: You are a British citizen.
• Surrey link: You live in Surrey or have close ties to the region. Students at the University of Surrey are also eligible to take part, even if they live elsewhere.
• Talent: You are an exceptional musician. As a guideline, Bachelor’s students must hold a recognised diploma in their principal instrument and, for a secondary instrument, a standard equivalent to approximately 8. Master’s students must hold a recognised diploma as well as a degree awarded with ‘First Class’ honours or an equivalent qualification.
• Activity: You play a wide range of music to a high standard. You also help others with their studies or performances, and not just at your own school or university.
• Financial need: You are unable to cover the full cost of your studies or your instrument yourself.
• Who cannot apply: Professional musicians and students at foreign universities.

How to apply

Please apply by email to the Foundation’s administrator. Please submit a maximum of six pages: your CV, at least two letters of reference, proof of your connection to Surrey, your statement of purpose, a brief financial overview and the amount you are requesting. The trustees meet five times a year, so your email must be received by one of the following deadlines: 9 November 2025, 18 January, 15 March, 7 June, 13 September and 8 November 2026. Their decision is final.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is aimed at a narrowly defined target group: British musicians with a genuine connection to Surrey, an exceptional standard of musical ability and a demonstrable financial need. As a result, the pool of eligible applicants remains small. If you clearly meet these criteria and can provide evidence of this, your chances are good. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and you determine the amount yourself. Therefore, a well-justified, realistic amount is more important than a high one.