Summer School BURSARY PROGRAMMES

We aim to help talented young musicians attend the Belfast TradFest Summer School, taking place from Monday 28th July - Friday 1st 2025, with a focus on individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not be able to access this opportunity without our bursary scheme.

Bursary Programmes available:

Bursary recipients will attend over five days and course includes:

• Three-hour long music Masterclass in their chosen instrument, taught by world-class traditional musicians.

• Access to a programme of afternoon events, demonstrations, talks and workshops in traditional music technique, history and other aspects of traditional music that are generally unavailable outside of higher education programmes.

• The opportunity to play alongside top class traditional musicians in daily learner’s slow session which will enhance their musical skills.

• Access to full programme of open sessions alongside the best trad musicians in the world

• Performance opportunity at an end of Summer School concert in Belfast Cathedral.

The criteria are:

• Financial Need
  Applicants who experience financial challenges in attending the Belfast TradFest Summer School will be given priority. We take various factors into account when assessing need, including personal and household circumstances.

• Underrepresented or Disadvantaged Groups
  Priority will be given to individuals from groups that have historically had limited access to music education or cultural opportunities, including but not limited to those from minority ethnic groups, or those with disabilities.

• Commitment to Traditional Music Education
  Applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and contributing to traditional music, whether through past involvement in music summer schools, performance, or a desire to further their studies, will be given preference.

If you would like to sponsor a bursary place for a young musician to attend this year’s Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music, please click here