Objectives
To provide financial assistance for players who wish to improve their basic skills at playing the organ. It is envisaged that support will be focussed on two areas:
- Students (including mature) who wish to either commence playing the organ or progress their current ability to a higher level.
- Pianists (or other instrumentalists) who wish to transfer their skills to the organ.
Award Guidance
- Applicants should normally reside within one of the three counties of West Mercia (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire), but applications from outside this catchment area will be considered if we have capacity to help.
- Applications will normally be judged against the two objectives stated above.
- Priority will be given to first time applicants.
- The offer and value of any award will necessarily take into account the current value of the Bursary Fund.
- Possible usage of any award would typically be to commence lessons, (with a teacher approved by the Trustees), the purchase of organ music, organ shoes or support in attending a study course.
- Applicants should provide a brief overview of their organ studies and how the award would contribute to their continued musical development. If for a study course we would ask for a brief report of the course and their experiences.
- Applications should be supported by a reference from an appropriate person acceptable to the Trustees.
- The Trustees recognise that the monies held in the Bursary Fund have been donated specifically for the two objectives stated above, and should be awarded in a timely manner. In recognition of this, if the awards being granted over a period of time are de minimis, an appropriate sum, but subject to 4 above and the approval of the Trustees, may be donated to a nominated Charity with similar objectives.
Grant Allocations
The current level of grant allocations is detailed below. WMFO will monitor applications each year and make adjustments to funding, dependent on trends and funds availability.
- Grants of up to £50 eligible for music, a taster lesson etc
- Grants of up to £100 eligible for music, organ shoes and lessons
- Grants of up to £200 for any of the above including workshops and courses
Adopted by the Trustees on 23 January 2024 (updated 19 March 2024 and 21 January 2026)