FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards 2026: Applications Open

FMR Bursary Overview

The FMR Bursary Trust Awards provide financial support and performance opportunities for music students. A total prize pool of approximately R120,000 is awarded across multiple categories.

Finalists also gain exposure through live performances and radio broadcasts.

About the Fine Music Radio

Fine Music Radio (FMR) is a Cape Town-based station promoting classical, jazz, and African music. The bursary trust was established to support talented music students pursuing performance studies. Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation funds the bursary trust and is its establisher.

It aims to develop emerging musicians through funding and national exposure.

What the Bursary Trust Covers 

Applicants must be pursuing a diploma or degree in music. The bursary supports performance-based music studies in:

• Classical Instrumental
• Classical Vocal
• Jazz (Vocal/Instrumental)
• African Music (Vocal/Instrumental)

FMR Trust Bursary 2026: How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the official FMR form. Applicants must include a YouTube audition video and all required supporting documents. Shortlisted candidates will progress to a live performance final.

Any questions and queries regarding the programme can be sent to: bursaryawards@fmr.co.za. 

Learn real leadership skills while getting funded with the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027. Apply today!

Eligibility & Requirements for FMR Bursary 2026

To qualify for the bursary awarded by the trust, you must be:

• A South African citizen
• Registered at a tertiary institution
• Studying music performance

Additionally, a qualifying audition video should be submitted by you for further consideration.

To apply for the FMR Bursary 2026, prepare and submit the following:

• Short biography – up to 300 words outlining your background and musical journey
• Letter of motivation – include your career goals and intended use of bursary funds
• Proof of registration – confirmation from your current institution
• Endorsement letter – from a teacher or lecturer
• Audition video link – your performance submission
• Programme details – list composers, arrangers, instrumentation, and accompaniment

Competition Rules & Regulations

Before attempting to fill in your application form and put yourself up for consideration, carefully go through these listed rules to increase your chances of acceptance:

I – Application

• First round: pre-recorded audition video
• Final round: live performance at Baxter Concert Hall, Rondebosch

Competition categories:

• Classical Voice
• Classical Instrumental
• Jazz Vocal/Instrumental
• African Music (Vocal/Instrumental)

Applications must include proof of registration, South African ID, and signed reference letter. Closing date: 12 June 2026

II – Preliminary Round

Submit performances as pre-recorded YouTube videos (unlisted)
Maximum of three applicants per category advance to the final round. For video issues, contact bursaryawards@fmr.co.za.

III – Final Round

• Classical: Tuesday 28 July, 6:30 pm
  
• African/Jazz: Friday 31 July, 6:30 pm

FMR may record and broadcast final performances; competitors receive non-commercial copies. Competitors must submit full ensemble/accompanist details by 15 July 2026.
Performances exceeding allotted time may be stopped at jury discretion

IV – Adjudication

• All decisions are final; no appeals
• No feedback until after the final round
• Preliminary and final rounds are independently adjudicated

Criteria include:

• Presentation and programme balance
• Jazz/African categories: instrumentation, arrangement, and leadership

V – Repertoire

Max duration: 15 minutes with at least two contrasting pieces

Category-specific rules:

• Classical Vocal: include one opera
• African Music: skill on two instruments (one can be voice)
• Repertoire may repeat preliminary works; changes allowed if submitted by 15 July 2026
• Backline ensembles limited to four members

VI – Video Submission Requirements

• Landscape orientation, 720p+ resolution, clear audio/video

Start video with name and full list of works, including composer/arranger
Upload to YouTube (unlisted) with title:
"FMR Bursary Trust  [Name]  [Category]"
Include work and composer details in the description

If you liked the FMR Bursary, the ACT bursary is also a must look at: ACT: Nyoloha Scholarhsip 2026