Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary South Africa 2025

If you are a music student in South Africa, the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary Trust Awards 2025 is a great chance to boost your music career. This yearly competition, supported by the Rolf-Stephen Nussabaum Foundation, helps music students with money for their studies. The Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary is open for the 2025 academic year, so make sure to apply for the bursary program as soon as possible to secure financial support for your studies.

This guide will explain the bursary program in detail, including its qualification criteria, fields covered, and application process. Keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary South Africa 2025.

Overview of Fine Music Radio (FMR)

Fine Music Radio 101.3 is a Cape Town-based community station that plays mostly classical and jazz music. The station is dedicated to giving listeners a great experience through classical and jazz music, live broadcasts, engaging content, and community projects. The Rolf-Stephan Nussabaum Foundation started the FMR Bursary Trust Awards to support students working towards music and performance qualifications with scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary South Africa 2025

The Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary is a financial aid program designed to support eligible students pursuing a career in music. Fine Music Radio is calling on students to apply for the FMR Bursary Trust Awards for the 2025 academic year. Here’s what you need to know about the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary South Africa 2025, before submitting your application.

What Does Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary Cover?

This bursary program is meant for students studying towards a Music performance Diploma or Degree. A total of R120,000 in prizes will be given out across the categories listed below:

• Classical vocal
• African music (vocal/instrumental)
• Classical instrumental
• Jazz Vocal/Instrumental

The FMR Bursary Trust Awards will have these rounds:

First Round

• In this round, you will need to submit a pre-recorded audition video. After that, the final round takes place at the Baxter Concert Hall in Rondebosch. There are four categories: Classical Voice, Classical Instrumental, Jazz Vocal/Instrumental, and African Music.

Preliminary Round

• For this round, you need to send an unlisted YouTube video of your performance. Make sure to include the link with your application. Up to 3 people from each category will be picked for the final round.

Final Rounds

• The final rounds will be at Baxter Concert Hall – Classical on 29 July and Jazz/African on 1 August, both at 18:30. Performances will be broadcast by FMR, and each finalist will get a copy. Finalists must send accompanist/ensemble details by 19 July 2025. By applying, you agree that FMR can record and use your performance.

Adjudication

• This stage involves a panel selecting the candidates, and their decisions are final with no appeals. Feedback is given only after the final round. Note that the preliminary round and final rounds are scored separately.
• Applicants are judged based on presentation and a well-balanced program, with extra credit in the Jazz and African categories for instrumentation, arrangement, and ensemble leadership.

Repertoire

• Applicants need to prepare a program for up to 15 minutes with at least two pieces in different styles. Classical Vocals must include one opera aria and one art song. African music must show skill on at least two instruments — one can be a voice.
• Competitors are expected to repeat their preliminary pieces in the final round. However, changes are allowed if submitted by 19 July 2025. The backline ensemble must not have more than four members.

Who Qualifies for the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary?

Applicants need to meet the bursary requirements. If any applicant fails to satisfy the requirements, their application will not be considered. The following are the bursary eligibility requirements:

• Applicant must be a South African citizen.
• You need to be living in South Africa.
• You should be enrolled in a Music Diploma or Degree program.
• You need to be studying at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa.

How Do I Apply for the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary?

You can apply for the bursary program through the online platform. Here’s how you can apply for the bursary program:

• Open the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary platform and submit your application here.
• Submit clear copies of the documents listed below:
  • ID Document.
  • Provide proof of registration from your tertiary institution, printed on the official letterhead.
  • Include a reference or endorsement letter from your teacher or lecturer, with their name, contact number, and signature.
  • Include a short biography of up to 300 words.
  • Write a motivational letter explaining your career goals and how you’d use the funds if you win.
  • Provide full details of your program, including composers, arrangers, instruments, and accompaniment.
  • Include a link to your unlisted YouTube video for the audition. Keep in mind the following points.
    • The video should be of good quality and no longer than 15 minutes.
    • The video should be recorded sideways (landscape), in 720p or better, with clear sound and picture.
    • Start the video by saying your name and listing all the pieces you are performing, with titles and composers/arrangers.
    • Upload the video to YouTube as “unlisted” and title it” FMR Bursary Trust – your name –category”.
    • In the video description, list the names of the pieces and their composers.

Closing Date: 30 June 2025

Ending Lines

To sum up, the Fine Music Radio (FMR) Bursary is open for the 2025 academic year, so make sure to apply as soon as possible to secure funding for your studies. Make sure to apply before the closing date, or your application will not be accepted.