Scholarships Program - Penrith Con

Grow Your Musical Future!

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and benefactors, Penrith Conservatorium of Music offers up to ten scholarships each year. These scholarships are open to both current students and non-students of Penrith Con.

Scholarships are awarded based solely on a live audition, providing all applicants with a fair and exciting opportunity to showcase their musical abilities. Musicians of all ages and instruments are encouraged to apply.

Recipients gain access to tuition support and a wide range of exclusive performance opportunities throughout the year. Scholarship winners often perform at major concerts, community events, and professional venues, building both experience and confidence.

Whether you’re beginning your musical journey or looking to take it further, a Penrith Con scholarship offers recognition, growth, and a place within a vibrant and supportive music community.

Applications open each year in September.

Essential Information

Scholarships will be awarded either as Full Scholarships or Half Scholarships.
A Full scholarship covers the total cost of a 30-minute weekly lesson for the year.
A Half scholarship covers half the cost of a 30-minute weekly lesson for the year.

You do not have to be an existing student at Penrith Con to apply.
However, you must have acquired at least Grade 3 in your selected instrument and be 22 years of age or under to apply.

The age restriction for voice students is 25 years or younger.

Open to residents of the Greater Western Sydney region.
Some scholarships require residency within Penrith LGA.

Audition Preparation

Candidates need to prepare two contrasting pieces of music that show their musical and technical abilities. The two pieces will be performed back-to-back with no break. Each piece must not exceed four minutes in length. Two copies of the music must be presented to the panel at the beginning of the audition (two copies of each piece – one for each judge). Candidates will need to arrange an accompanist if required. Candidates using a backing track must bring the equipment to facilitate this (e.g. a smartphone and Bluetooth speaker).

The audition panel will consider the applicant’s demonstration of
Technical ability, musicality, expression, phrasing, sensitivity, solo performance technique, musical knowledge

The audition panel will allocate scholarships based not only on individual performance but also on the needs of Penrith Con.

Performance Requirement

All scholarship recipients must avail themselves of a minimum of four performances throughout the year as a condition of their scholarship. Included in the four are the Annual Showcase Concerts held at the end of each semester, which are compulsory events for all scholarship students.

Feedback Requirements

All scholarship recipients are required to complete two update reports and letters per year on their progress and feedback regarding the scholarship program for the benefit of Penrith Con Management and scholarship sponsors.

Privileges

All scholarship recipients will receive two complimentary tickets to a performance from The Joan’s season. All scholarship recipients will receive a complimentary enrolment to applicable Penrith Conservatorium of Music group workshops, ensembles and classes where places are available.

Media Release

Video and still photography may be taken of Scholarship Students from time to time for promotion and/or training. By applying for a Scholarship, applicants give consent for media to be used as such.