RPS Opportunities
As a charity, year-round we raise money so we can offer a range of grants, commissions and opportunities to musicians at key stages in their careers. Here is an overview of what we currently offer, and when you can apply.
Some are opportunities we have initiated; others we have established in conversation with kind donors around their interests. We want to offer more such opportunities and are so pleased to hear from any individuals or organisations who could help us achieve that. You can instantly make a difference by becoming an RPS Member, or contact us about working together to create something new.
We continually strive to address how we can minimise barriers to the widest possible range of applicants, and you can read our Inclusivity Policy for more about our aims. If you would like to talk about any aspect of this, or sense anything that could deter you or another eligible candidate from applying, please get in touch.
We encourage you to follow us on social media where we always signpost when applications open. Click on the title of each opportunity to read more about it, who can apply, and how to apply, on its dedicated webpage.
As a charity, we are keen to support a wide range of musicians and initiatives. If you have already received any kind of funding from the RPS within three years of the closing date for any opportunity, we ask you not to apply at this time, but if eligible you may do so in a future year once that period has expired.
RPS COMPOSERS
Annually we support a cohort of composers who are looking to take their careers to the next level. Each receives a paid commission and premiere to write for a UK ensemble, festival or venue, alongside a year-long programme of professional development activities, workshops and mentoring.
Apply early February to late March
RPS DRUMMOND LOCKYER FUND FOR DANCE
For composers and choreographers collaborating for the first time, to help them bring exciting new works with live music to the stage, with two funding strands: for performance, and for research and development.
Apply early January to early April
RPS THEA MUSGRAVE COMPOSITION GRANTS
A new fund we are piloting in 2025 to support established composers writing a new work for soloist, duo, or chamber ensemble – not only contributing to their commission, but giving them and their intended performers some means to devote workshop time to its creation.
Apply early April to early July
We keep a page of UK opportunities for composers offered by other organisations, linked here.
RPS INSTRUMENT PURCHASE GRANTS
We are pleased to offer a range of grants (not loans) to students in their first year at UK music colleges who do not own an instrument suitable for their professional training. Rather than apply directly, we annually seek nominations January to March from the colleges. If you are an eligible candidate, we recommend you talk to your Head of Faculty.
We keep a page of organisations who offer other funds to musicians seeking instruments, linked here.
RPS CONDUCTORS
The RPS is the home of the UK’s foremost initiative addressing inequality in conducting, helping exceptional underrepresented talents to progress and find their rightful place on the professional podium. As these courses are contingent on funding, there isn’t a regular period for applications, but we advertise these prominently on social media and on our website.
RPS AMBACHE FUND
Offering grants for UK-based performers, ensembles, venues and festivals to put exceptional yet overlooked music by historic women composers at the heart of their programming.
Apply early October to late March
RPS THEA MUSGRAVE PERFORMANCE GRANTS
A new fund we are piloting in 2025 to encourage performers, ensembles, festivals and venues to put the music of composer Thea Musgrave at the heart of their UK programming, and distinctively promote it to captivate audiences.
Apply early April to early July
RPS ISSERLIS SCHOLARSHIP - TO STUDY ABROAD
We support music students, aged 15 to 25 and resident in the UK, with grants to study abroad and embark upon transformative musical experiences, taking lessons from a specialist or fulfilling a course.
Apply late November to early March
RPS HENDERSON CHAMBER ENSEMBLE AWARD
A cash prize for UK-based chamber ensembles establishing a career together. Groups should comprise 3 to 10 performers based in the UK, in any combination of string, wind, brass, keyboard or percussion instruments, with the majority of players aged 18 to 30.
Apply mid May to early October
RPS EMILY ANDERSON VIOLIN PRIZE
A cash prize for an outstanding solo violinist to support their development. Open to candidates of any nationality based in the UK, aged 18 to 30.
Apply mid May to early October
RPS PHILIP JONES BRASS PRIZE
A cash prize for an outstanding individual brass player, or brass ensemble of up to 5 players, establishing their career. Open to candidates of any nationality based in the UK, aged 18 to 30.
Apply mid May to early October
RPS GERALD MOORE AWARD
A financial grant given biennially to exceptional piano accompanists, usually in the early stages of a very promising career. This used to be a charity in its own right, but has come under the umbrella of the RPS. It is not open for application but candidates are proposed and considered by a circle of eminent piano accompanists.
If you have any queries about the opportunities we offer, or you would like to talk to us about ways to create more initiatives like these, please contact us.