ICMP/MPG Scholarship in association with PRS Foundation launches

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

The initiative, now in its third 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.  

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: Creative Music Production, Audio Engineering and Production or 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) degree course. 

Our shared commitment to creating opportunities

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: "Where you are from and your background should not be a barrier to accessing music industry opportunities and we firmly believe that the success of the music we back is driven by the diversity of the artists, producers and music makers behind it. This is why we are so determined 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, genders, ethnicities and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are often at a huge disadvantage when launching and advancing in creative careers. We acutely understand this through the work of many programmes including Women Make Music, Keychange and POWER UP."

Creative talent with massive untapped potential might be located anywhere but opportunities are not so we hope this scholarship will have a positive impact on opening up new career opportunities for those people."   

James Rees, 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 applicants from all ethnicities, genders 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 Friday 21st July 2023. The MPG and ICMP will then develop a shortlist and select one final lucky winner with the successful candidate contacted by email in early August 2023.  

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 here.

Start your scholarship application today - good luck!

Music Production Courses  Apply Today