Getting a grant for a music degree

[trishanne]

I am wondering if there is any funding for an older musician to get a degree in Music. I'm a trained therapeutic counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, however I cannot find a paid position in this field because of the British Governments inability to recognise the Counselling profession as a valid one. So as I am a strong singer/songwriter/guitarist, I have decided to grade in Music and will be eligible to take a degree starting in September 2008. Doing a degree in Music would enable me to train as a Music therapist which... Is recognised by the NHS. I find it strange that 5 years of training + six years of voluntary work alongside running my singing career doesn't suffice recognition but a degree in music + Therapeutic Counselling would.

I have come to the conclusion that in this world we have to buy our job. Unfortunately I have never been in a position to spend such an amount on a degree and take care of the bills as well and due to the choice of careers my CV isn't bringing any results for the Office positions I have also applied for even though I have the Business Skills. I think employers are afraid of the Counselling Skills.

So please can you let me know if there is any Grants or funding available for me, I am 42 and desperately searching for a way to move forward.

my email address is : [email protected]...

Please mark any correspondence with Music Grant.

Thank you

trishanne

[snapdarlich]

First thing I'd do is have a look the the prospectus for the Music college you're interested in and see if they offer any mature student scholarships. Most are always looking for students so if you're talented enough they may be willing to help you. Good luck.

[saxy_jag]

Set aside some time and visit your local library, and ask them for the Directory of Grant Making Trusts. It lists literally thousands of organisations that you may be able to apply to for funding.

As Snapdarlich says, it could be worth approaching the universities you're interested in applying to. Many of them have independent trust funds for needy and deserving students in various categories.

Also, have you considered the Open University? They offer (or they did a couple of years ago) a BA in Humanities with Music, if that would be any good to you. You can study part time whilst still working and they too have hardship bursaries you could apply for. The courses are rigorous but fun and I can thoroughly recommend them.