The Hearn Foundation Bursaries

“My son just LOVES the classes. They spark his imagination. A real local gem.”

We are delighted to announce the launch of The Hearn Foundation Bursaries.

These fully-funded places for children of primary and secondary school age, living in Greenwich and Lewisham will enable recipients to attend one-to-one music lessons, or drama, art and music group classes at the Conservatoire, Blackheath. The bursaries are open to families who face genuine financial barriers to participation and will initially last for one academic year, starting in September 2024 through to July 2025.

"Since starting her tuitions at the Conservatoire, * has been thoroughly enjoying her lessons. They have had a great impact on her - there is not only a huge change in her attitude towards learning the piano, but in general, she seems to be able to focus on her other subjects, is more confident taking part in her school shows, and in public in general, she explores different genres of music, organises her homework so she can practise every day."  Parent of existing bursary student

The Hearn Foundation Bursaries cover the following:

Music

• One-to-one instrumental/singing lessons – 30 mins per week, during school term time, including over the half-term break. This includes instrument and exam costs where necessary. Children aged 6+ will be considered for individual tuition.
• Roundabout – a unique year-long course of small group tuition for 5 - 7 year olds, where the children try the following instruments over each half-term: piano, violin/cello, flute, brass, percussion, guitar.
• Play! – a year-long course of small group tuition for 6 - 9 year olds, where the children learn one of the following instruments: piano, violin, cello, flute, brass, percussion, guitar and follow a special curriculum.
• Junior Choir - 6 - 8 year olds.
• Training Choir -  9 -13 year olds.
• Saturday Sinfonia – all orchestral instruments (not piano, drums or guitar) 7-15 year olds, grade 1+. 

Drama

• Storytelling – Reception aged children.
• Blackheath Youth Theatre Kids – 5 - 7 year olds.
• Blackheath Youth Theatre Juniors – 7 - 10 year olds.
• Blackheath Youth Foundations – 10 - 12 year olds.
• Blackheath Youth Theatre Academy – 13 - 15 year olds.

Art

A huge variety of courses from Reception age to 18 years taking place every weekday after school, Saturdays and Sundays

For full course details, class times and term dates, please see:

Art, Music & Drama Courses in London | The Conservatoire

The lessons and classes take place weekly during term-time and it is essential children attend every week. If more than two consecutive lessons are missed without adequate explanation, the funding may be withdrawn.

How to apply:

Please fill and return the form below with your details and noting what you are interested in. You should find all the info you need on the application form but if you have any enquiries, please email: hearnbursaries@conservatoire.org.uk. The application deadline is Friday 12 April 2024. We aim to inform families of the outcome in May 2024. If you don't have access to a printer, the form can also be collected from the Conservatoire. 

Click here for The Hearn Foundation Application Form

"Music is a consistent presence in his life, where he knows he is good at something, is not pointed out as different and where he has the opportunity to develop relationships from that basis e.g. with his tutor Verity and with an audience. It helps to have this activity, separate from school, which helps give him a routine and allows him to feel he is succeeding at something. Music is a skill which opens up *’s life for him."  Parent of existing bursary student.

We are incredibly grateful to The Hearn Foundation for enabling us to broaden our bursary programme and offer so many more creative enrichment opportunities for young people otherwise unable to access them.