Dunottar School > 2027 Entry – Sixth Form Pathway – Music Scholarship Application Form

2027 Entry – Sixth Form Pathway – Music Scholarship Application Form

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS – Sixth Form Pathway

Deadline for Application: 9am on Tuesday 13th October 2026

Music Scholarship awards can be offered for pupils joining in Year 12. Music scholars will be given every chance to develop their talents across a range of instruments and/or singing with many concert opportunities, competitions and assembly performances taking place throughout the academic year. The music department will also provide excellent opportunities for the development of leadership skills in both rehearsing and conducting ensembles.

Music scholars are expected to show full participation in weekly rehearsals, concerts, open mornings and other events organised by the school. The value of talented musicians working alongside less experienced players cannot be over-emphasised and the two-way benefit can be very rewarding.

Music awards are subject to annual review covering enthusiasm, general improvement and continued commitment to the musical life of the school in addition to the terms and conditions of a scholarship award and the school’s standard terms and conditions. Any student who is the subject of an award is required to work hard, to contribute positively, to be a credit to the department and to set a good example to others.

GUIDELINES FOR MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES

Candidates should offer a primary; this may be singing. Candidates who also play a second instrument are encouraged to showcase this in the audition. A third is optional.
As a guide, candidates applying for a Year 12 award should have reached Grade 7 (or studying for Grade 7) or higher. Musicianship and artistic potential will, however, be considered as equally important as technical fluency in the selection of successful candidates.
All other considerations being equal, preference may be given to a candidate offering an orchestral instrument with ‘rarity’ value, e.g. French horn, bassoon, viola, harp etc.
We seek to offer scholarships to those who, by their commitment, enthusiasm and ability, will derive maximum benefit from the award and who will play an important and decisive role in the school’s musical life.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Deadline for Application: 9am on Tuesday 13th October 2026

Please submit the completed application form by the deadline given.

With this application form you should include a covering letter telling us why you believe you would be a successful music scholar. You might wish to tell us about the contribution you make to music at your school currently, musical groups in which you perform outside school, what you love about music or what you feel you could offer to the musical life of Dunottar.

You should also include references or letters of support from your instrumental or music teacher(s) for each instrument.

The Director of Music will review all applications and candidates shortlisted for audition will be notified in writing. Please note that not all applicants are guaranteed an audition.

The audition will involve the following elements:

First Instrument – Please prepare TWO contrasting pieces (two movements from a sonata or concerto would meet the requirement).
Second Instrument or Third Instrument if applicable – Please prepare ONE piece of approximately a Grade 6 standard.
Viva Voce

Accompanist for audition

Candidates may provide, at their own expense, an accompanist of their choice. If they prefer, we can arrange for an accompanist to play at the audition, who must be provided with copies of your music at least one week in advance of your audition. These can be handed in or posted to the school office. Please indicate below if you require an accompanist.

If you require any further information about the scholarship application process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@dunottarschool.com or on 01737 761 945.