Introducing the ICMP/MPG Scholarship 2024

ICMP/MPG Scholarship in association with PRS Foundation launches to champion gender diversity within music production. 

ICMP and music industry partner the Music Producers Guild (MPG) are once again uniting to offer an exciting opportunity for a talented student to take their musical skills to the next level as part of the Creative Music Production scholarship.  

For the third consecutive year, we’re thrilled to announce that the scholarship is presented in association with PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development. 

The initiative, now in its fourth year, was created to offer an opportunity to anyone passionate about music production who might be unable to consider Higher Education as part of their career. This year we have chosen to only receive submissions for this award from women and gender expansive applicants. This decision reflects the three organisations’ shared commitment to promoting and increasing gender diversity within the music industry, and more specifically, the field of music production.  

The scholarship opportunity 

The recipient will be given the chance to study on one of ICMP’s one-year Cert HE Music Production courses without paying tuition fees. The available courses are:

• Cert HE Creative Music Production
• Cert HE Electronic Music Production
• Cert HE Audio Engineering and Production
• Cert HE Music Production for Film, TV and Games 

These accredited courses equate to the first year of an undergraduate degree course. On completion, they offer the winner the opportunity to progress to the second year of the full BA (Hons) undergraduate degree course.  

A shared commitment to launching sustainable careers 

ICMP, MPG and PRS Foundation work to support individuals from all backgrounds to launch brilliant music careers. The MPG was originally conceived and supported by producers, mixers, recording engineers, re-mixers and programmers passionate about all aspects of music-making. As a collaborative and inclusive supporter of new music, PRS Foundation is home to pioneering funds including Women Make Music, co-founded the global Keychange initiative, and in 2021 launched the POWER UP programme. This was co-founded by PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter and tackles anti-Black racism in the UK music sector.   

Cameron Craig, MPG’s Executive Director, said:

At the MPG, we are once again very proud to be a partner on this scholarship with ICMP presented in association with PRS Foundation." 

“It is essential that we do what we can to support future music makers and producers, regardless of their background or circumstances. This way we can ensure that emerging talent receives the opportunities they need to give themselves the best chance of future success."  

Joe Frankland, PRS Foundation CEO, said: "There are still many barriers to accessing music industry opportunities and we firmly believe that the success of the music we support is driven by the diversity of the artists, producers and music makers behind it. This is why we are delighted to stand alongside ICMP and the MPG and ensure we can do what we can to help those from underrepresented backgrounds get the opportunities to develop successful careers."  

Yaw Owusu, Senior POWER UP Manager, PRS Foundation, said: "Marginalised groups whether it be based on gender, ethnicity or/and socio-economics are often at a huge disadvantage when launching and advancing in creative careers. We acutely understand this through POWER UP and so we are supporting this scholarship as we believe it will have a positive impact on opening up new career opportunities for people from those groups.”    

Charlotte Hatherly, ICMP’s  Creative Music Production Programme Leader, said: “Our Cert HE Music Production courses are a brilliant way for the next generation of music talent to enter the industry. From working with ICMP’s leading tutors to our high-end facilities, I believe there’s no better space than ICMP to get yourself industry-ready. I’m looking forward to reviewing the scholarship applications!”   

Scholarship Application details 

We want to encourage females and gender expansive applicants from all ethnicities and backgrounds to apply. Those from underrepresented groups, including, for example, disabled students, care givers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and students from low-income backgrounds, are especially urged to make submissions.   

Applicants must complete the form with a link to an originally produced track and a one to two-minute video describing why they think they have the skills and ideas to enter music production, as well as why they are a worthy scholarship recipient.   

The closing date for applications is Sunday 28th July 2024. The MPG and ICMP will then develop a shortlist and select one final lucky winner with the successful candidate contacted by email in mid-August 2024.   

Applicants must complete the form and include a link to an originally produced track and a one to two-minute video describing why they think they have the skills and ideas to enter music production, as well as why they are a worthy scholarship recipient.  

Full application details can be found on our Music Scholarships and Bursaries page. 

Start your scholarship application today - good luck! 

Music Scholarships