A student viola player in rehearsal.

Sponsor a bursary

All Rehearsal Orchestra course fees are subsidised by our fundraising activities and fees are further reduced for students. Where needed, we provide additional bursaries to student players attending our courses, to enable as many as possible to benefit from the opportunities we offer. Bursary funding is key to our work in nurturing the professional musicians of the future.

We award some of our bursaries under targeted schemes, whilst others form a part of our core activity.

A bursary can make a big difference to a student musician, both financially and in terms of professional development. Some of our donors have chosen to sponsor a bursary specifically. If you are interested in making a donation towards funding bursaries, please contact us.

"The students and young professional players of the future should be able to enjoy the same opportunities I have had with the RO."

Jo Harris
Freelance trumpet player

"I am also very grateful to the organisation for offering these bursary-funded schemes; I think it would really help so many young musicians trying to gain valuable playing experience."

Violin student
Play ON bursary scheme

"All of the section leaders and conductors were extremely welcoming and helpful in navigating the different repertoire presented over the course of the week. I'd like to once again thank the Rehearsal Orchestra and its funders for granting me the opportunity to take part in this year's Edinburgh residential course."

Violin
TU Conservatoire, Dublin

"I liked how the rehearsal process was thorough and standards were high, but I didn't feel pressure or judgement from Steve or any of the section leaders if I made a mistake."

Cello
The Royal Northern College of Music

"It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to play with the Rehearsal Orchestra on the Co-principal bursary scheme. Having the experience of sharing a desk with a full time professional and working through challenging repertoire as they shared experiences and insights was invaluable. It was also great to meet other like-minded people who were interested in challenging themselves to such a high standard whilst maintaining a friendly environment. I had a fantastic time over the weekend and hope I can be involved in more events in the future!"

Cello student
Co-principal bursary scheme

"If anything from this list ever comes up in my career, I will just be so much more confident going into that first rehearsal."

Postgraduate clarinet
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

"It's invaluable experience for me."

Trombone