A Helping Hand

This information is provided to assist students and parents in understanding the Bursary Awards policies of the Bermuda School of Music.  Every effort will be made to assist those students who, because of financial constraints, would otherwise be unable to study at the School.

The School relies on funding from companies and individuals for the bursary monies, which currently amounts to $50,000 per year.

Bursary Guidelines

Financial need is the primary criteria for the awarding of a bursary.

Teacher evaluations help to determine the suitability of the applicant by assessing the level of commitment and motivation.  Minimum time in studio, practice, teacher evaluations and term reviews also have a bearing on whether the award will be continued for subsequent terms in the year.

Applicants will be reviewed by the Bursaries Award Committee.

Bursaries are granted on an annual basis and recipients must re-apply for each new school year. Any assistance received is applied per term. It is not given in cash. A one-year commitment to study is required by the student. Any student who must withdraw should give the six weeks’ notice required by the regular enrollment policy and funds will not be credited toward future enrollment.

If there is a reduction in lesson time, the award will be reduced proportionately. Any increase in lesson time will not result in a proportionate increase in the award.

Assistance may be withdrawn at any time if, in the opinion of the teacher, the recipient fails to meet the commitment expected by the School.  Acceptance of a bursary carries with it an obligation on the part of the student and parent(s) to attend lessons on a regular basis and work diligently on their programme.  The receipt of assistance does not guarantee future financial support.

No financial assistance will be considered for summer classes. Recipients may be asked to perform on behalf of the School as a way of thanking our corporate sponsors who fund the Bursary Programme. In addition, students may be asked to perform where the performance helps to promote both music and the School to the broader community.

Limitations in the amount of assistance available may mean that not every student with a demonstrated need can be helped.  All applications received by the stated deadline will be considered equally and the School will assist as many students as possible.  Completed bursary applications may be submitted in writing or by email.

Please contact us to discuss your needs or click here to download an application for 2024/25.  You can also review our schedules and fees.

 

 

GHANDI BURGESS

BRASS SCHOLARSHIP

The Ghandi Burgess Brass Scholarship is offered to a student who is studying a brass instrument (trumpet, trombone, french horn or tuba) at the school.  The scholarship is in honor of Bermudian bandleader Ghandi Burgess. Ghandi was primarily a trumpeter during his long career but played mostly valve trombone in his later years. He was also a talented multi intrumentalist who could literally play any wind instrument and often played saxophone and flute on the bandstand with his orchestra. He also subbed on tenor saxophone in the Shinbone Alley Cats led by guitarist Milt Robinson at the Coral Beach Club. For more about Ghandi see the link below.

 

This scholarship is made possible by Carl & Gail Shechtman of Pembroke, Bermuda. Carl came to Bermuda in 1975 from the United States as a professional trumpet player to play in the Ghandi Burgess Orchestra at the Southampton Princess Hotel. The orchestra was the house band in the Empire Showroom at the hotel that backed the shows of international performers and entertainers that came to the island to perform.  Through the years the band was comprised of mainly foreign musicians as well as some locals such as saxophonists Shine Hayward, Doug Frith and Jack Kripl and drummer Shelton Bean. Carl played in the Ghandi Burgess Orchestra with Ghandi at the Southampton Princess for four seasons, from 1975-1978.

Bio - Ghandi Burgess Jazz Trumpeter Bermuda

 

Andrew Morrison Music
Scholarship Trust

Andrew Morrison was an exceptional musician – a classical and jazz pianist, and cellist who taught in Bermuda for many years. The Andrew Morrison Music Scholarship has been created to promote the art of music through the education of children.

Andrew Morrison Music Scholarship Form