Year 9 Foundation Music Scholarship Application Form

The College Board offers Middle School scholarships annually.

Up to four scholarships are awarded each year, covering up to 50 per cent of tuition fees for five years of education (in Years 9–13). For top candidates, instrument tuition costs may also be covered.

Foundation Music Scholarship Criteria

Applications are invited from students in Year 8 at the time of application. 

Applicants will attend an audition, performing two contrasting pieces from their own repertoire on their musical instrument. A minimum of Grade V or equivalent standard of performance is required. If they wish to audition on two instruments, one piece must be performed on each. Candidates may also be asked to sing short passages by ear, respond to aural tests of pitch and rhythm, and sight-read material provided by the examiner.

Applicants must bring photocopies of the music to be performed at the audition. It is mandatory for students to perform with an accompanist for at least one of their pieces (applicants must provide their own accompanist). Auditions will be held on Wednesday 1 April 2026. Applicants and their accompanists must be available to audition between 3.00pm and 8.30pm. It is not necessary to play repeats in the music.

Evidence of good or above average scholastic progress, along with testimonials regarding personality and conduct, must be submitted with the application. Successful candidates will be expected to take Music as part of their academic programme from Years 10–12.

All scholarships are reviewed annually. Scholarship holders are expected to demonstrate positive conduct and contribute to the academic and co-curricular life of the College.

Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. 

Please note: In order to apply for a St Andrew’s College Middle School Scholarship, you must also complete the Application for Admission Form by clicking here, if you have not already done so. Students in Year 8 at St Andrew's College do not need to complete the Application for Admission Form.

Foundation Music Scholarship Applications for entry in 2027 close on Friday 20 March 2026.

Submission Process

Please note there are two components to the application submission:

1. The Application Form (located below on this page)
2. The Video Submission

Please provide a video performing one piece of music on each instrument you wish to audition with. Please keep the length to no more than five minutes per instrument. However, if it is an extended piece, going over this time limit is acceptable.

Video Upload Checklist:

1. File format must be .MOV or .mp4

2. File size must be no larger than 100 MB.

3. File name must follow this format:

StudentFirstNameStudentLastName_MusicalInstrument

E.g.: JaneDoe_violin.MOV or JohnDoe_flute.mp4

Please click here to upload your Video Submission by Friday 20 March 2026.

Terms and Conditions for the Award of Music Scholarships

The award of a Music Scholarship is conditional upon the student fulfilling the expectations discussed at the time of audition. Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, will outline and answer any questions regarding the terms and conditions.

1. The scholarship holder shall be a positive role model. This means that their actions and behaviour must not only be beyond reproach, but also reflect a strong sense of team spirit. Music groups at the College are considered teams, and a successful group always demonstrates unity. This expectation grows in importance as the student progresses into senior years. It is common for scholarship holders to become section or group leaders, and with that comes responsibility.
   
   
2. The scholarship holder shall attend all rehearsals and performances regularly. ‘Attendance’ means being punctual, thoroughly prepared, and setting an example for the section and the wider group in terms of performance standard.
   
   
3. Scholarship holders shall perform as soloists at least once a year. This may be at events such as performance evenings (held each term), chapel services, or assemblies.
   
   
4. Scholarship holders must continue with the musical instrument for which the scholarship was awarded. To avoid confusion, students must remain with a recognised teacher of their instrument or voice for the duration of the scholarship.
   
   
5. Scholarship holders shall belong to a minimum of two College music groups, including Years 9–10 choral participation. For the first two years of the scholarship, students will take part in the Middle School Choir, unless a rehearsal overlaps their instrumental group practices. The groups that scholarship students are assigned to are determined by the Head of Music. It is common for students to be involved voluntarily in three or four musical groups.
   
   
6. Scholarship holders shall actively assist group musical directors. This typically includes administrative tasks such as setting out chairs and stands, issuing music, organising tuning within their section, and packing up afterwards. These contributions are of great benefit to the College's group directors.
   
   
7. Review of scholarships. To maintain strong communication and provide mentoring and guidance, scholarship holders will participate in a regular review cycle managed by the Head of Music. Students will have the opportunity to set and discuss goals for Music each year, raise any concerns, and receive feedback on their progress. Parents will receive the completed review documents mid-year and at the end of the year.

These terms and conditions outline the expectations in detail to reassure parents and students that they are not particularly onerous. Keen musicians typically participate in multiple groups at the College as a matter of course. Administrative responsibilities are manageable, especially given that there are usually at least twelve scholarship holders at any one time.

Year 9 Foundation Music Scholarship Application Form