Programmes | Future Talent

Our Programmes

We offer three programmes for different stages of a young person's musical journey.

Discovering Talent - The Junior Programme is for young musicians in the earlier stages of their musical development who demonstrate great potential.

The Development Programme

Ages 12-16 │ Grades 5-7 │ £1,000 funding

Nurturing Talent - The Development Programme is for young musicians who show great musical potential and are passionate about developing their skills and confidence further.

The Senior Programme

Ages 16-18 │ Grades 7+ │ £1,000 funding

Celebrating talent - The Senior Programme is for older young musicians committed to a future of music-making and need support to take it to the highest level.

Our Named Awards

Alongside a place on a Future Talent programme, you may also be considered for a Named Award. You may indicate your interest for a Named Award on your application.

Angela Rawson Scholarship

Ages 8-14 │ All instruments │ £500 funding

In memory of Angela Rawson, this scholarship is awarded to 8 young musicians, providing them access to the Junior Programme in order to help them flourish.

Coombs Scholarship

All instruments ┃ Ages 16-18 ┃ £2,000 Funding

In memory of Future Talent's first administrator Lucy Coombs, this scholarship is awarded to an exceptional young musician looking for a career in music.

Harvey Parker Award

Woodwind players │ Ages 16-18 │ £2000 funding

For talented young Woodwind players, in memory of alum Harvey Parker.

Indian Classical Award

Players of Indian Classical instruments │ Ages 14-18 │ £2,000 funding

The Indian Classical Award is an accolade to celebrate young talent in Indian Classical Music on any instrument.

Jazz Award

Jazz musicians on any instrument │ Ages 14-18 │ £2,000 funding

Newly introduced, the Jazz Award is awarded to an exceptional Jazz musician on any instrument.

National Children's Choir of Great Britain Award

For young choral singers │ 9-14│ A place on the NCCGB Residentials

Young choral singers may be granted a fully funded space on the residentials ran by the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain.

The SIX the Musical Award

Ages 13-17 ┃ Female-presenting and non-binary ┃ Keys, bass, guitar, drums

For female-presenting and non-binary musicians, this new award with SIX the Musical will give musical opportunities to talented young players of keys, bass, guitar or drums.

VOCES8 Award

For young choral singers │ 13-18 │ Access to VOCES8 development opportunities

Young choral singers may apply for the VOCES8 award, which offers £1,000 in funding alongside access to unique opportunities with vocal ensemble VOCES8.

teamArchie Brass Award

Brass players │ Ages 16-18 │ £2,000 funding

This award is open to musicians of any brass instrument, in partnership with teamArchie.

Our steps to a place on the programme

Follow our three steps to gain a place on a Future Talent programme.

Part 1 - Musical Application

Applications are currently closed and will open in February 2026. You may submit via online form or post. Our team of Relationship Managers can be contacted to offer any support. The application includes two recordings of the applicant playing on their primary instrument, and has questions on musical experience and aspirations. You should prepare a musical reference. Applicants are assessed and shortlisted for Part 2.

Part 2 - Financial Application

If you have been shortlisted by your Part 1 Application, you'll be asked to complete a financial application to assess your household income. Applicants must provide details of household income to confirm it is no more than £37,500 per annum. Extenuating circumstances are considered. Successful applicants to the Junior Programme are selected by applications Part 1 and 2 only.

Audition

Applicants to the Development and Senior Award will be invited to a live audition in June/ July. Locations are across the UK, previous venues include: Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and London. Zoom or video auditions can be arranged if necessary. Audition panels are comprised of local professional musicians. The audition will involve performing two short pieces and an informal discussion with the panel.

Find Out More

Are you thinking of applying? Check your eligibility and find out which programme is for you.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you are...
• Under 18 years of age on 1st September 2025
• Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years
• Have a household income totalling no more than £37,500 per annum. Extenuating circumstances are considered

Financial Support

With a place on a programme, you'll receive between £500-£2000 funding depending on your award. Financial support can be used on music-related costs, such as:
• Lessons
• Ensemble and course fees
• Exam and audition fees
• Instrument costs including purchase, hire, insurance, parts and repairs
• Sheet music
• Travel to musical opportunities (up to 20% of award total)

Programme Events

We run a series of events throughout the year for our young musicians, previous activities have included:
• Workshops
• Masterclasses
• Performance Opportunities
• One-to-One mentoring sessions with a professional musician
• Studio recordings
• Photography and filming

Relationship Managers

All young musicians on our programmes are individually assigned a Relationship Manager for tailored support. Relationship Managers are there throughout the week, and will manage the award spending for each young musician. Our Relationship Managers will offer catchups with young musicians and their families during the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions which are not answered, please get in contact with us at applications@futuretalent.org

When can I apply to a Future Talent programme?

Applications for our 2025/26 programmes are now closed. Applications for 2026/27 will open in February 2026.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

You are eligible if you are from a household with income of £37,500 and under. Applicants must have lived in the UK for 3 years, and be under 18 year old as of 1st September 2025. Applicants will be asked to provide details of household income to confirm it is no more than £37,500 per annum in the Financial Application.

When will I know the results?

Successful applicants of the initial application form (Part 1) will be asked to complete a financial application in May 2025. Applicants to the Junior Programme will receive results in June 2025, whilst applicants to the Development and Senior Programmes will be invited to an audition held in June and July 2025. Results will be announced in Late July/early August 2025.

How do I get a Named Award?

The application process for a Named Award is the same as for a place on the programme. You can declare your interest for a Named Award in Application Form Part 1. Named Awards will then be offered based on both your application and audition.

I am over 18. How can I get support?

We currently only support applicants who are under 18 at the start of their programme year. We suggest looking into other funding bodies, this list is a great place to start.

How long will the application form take me?

The application form will take around half an hour to complete, but there are items you should gather beforehand. To find out what you'll need before you start, read the application guidelines.

My household earns more than £37,500. Can I still apply?

Extenuating circumstances for income are considered and can include increased income due to Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments. Applicants who earn over £37,500 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

I play more than one instrument. Can I apply on more than one?

We only fund one instrument per musician. This means that if you apply on piano, you cannot use our funding for flute lessons. Please select your primary instrument to apply with when completing Application Form Part 1.

I have just discovered Future Talent and need support. Can I apply?

Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications outside of the application window.

I'm a singer, does this count?

Yes! We accept voice as an instrument on all of our programmes across all genres, including pop, jazz, classical and world music.

What our community says

At Future Talent, we pride ourselves on fostering a community of likeminded musicians and their families. Find out what our community has to say about us.

“We cannot recommend applying to Future Talent more highly”

There has been significant financial support, but just as importantly, musical support, with high quality masterclasses and opportunities to perform in exciting venues.

Not only that but to be part of Future Talent has truly meant being part of a family of young musicians and mentors with similar mindsets and similar goals - something that's hard to find in mainstream school.

We cannot recommend applying to Future Talent more highly! It supports the child and the parent equally and has a uniquely inclusive and kind approach!
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Sarah

Parent of young musician

"Future Talent's work certainly contributes to the diversification of the music scene of tomorrow"

The support received from Future Talent has been and continues to be important.
It spans many aspects of the music world, from mentoring sessions, performance opportunities to access to industry professionals.
I believe that every project my two sons took part in has helped with the development and enhancement of their personal and musical skills, while having fun and creating new friendships.
Future Talent's work certainly contributes to the diversification of the music scene of tomorrow. This alone, for me, is a significant reason for applying!
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Nives

Parent of young musicians

“The experience I’ve had on Future Talent will stick with me for a long time"

It’s been a fantastic experience with Future Talent this year, and I’ve been privileged to receive the range of opportunities the programme has given me access to.

I think in particular the masterclasses and 1 to 1s have really stuck with me, making me think and reflect a lot on where I need improvement as a cellist, in technical, musical and performance-focused aspects, as well as making me think more carefully about my practice: how it is structured, how I divide my time, and how I prepare my solo repertoire.
I think the experience I’ve had on Future Talent will stick with me for a long time, and impact my playing far into the future. Thank you.
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Danny

Current young musician

“None of this would have been possible without Future Talent!”

We can’t thank Future Talent enough for the support they gave our son. We are a family with 5 kids, and been going through a lot of hardship.

However, with the help from Future talent, equipment, lessons and encouragement, he’s grown into the amazing musician he is today. None of this would have been possible without Future Talent!
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Annie

Parent of young musician

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Apply to our programmes

Our Programmes

Our Named Awards