Young Talent Search Is On

A new scheme aimed at rewarding talented young musicians with hard cash has been launched by the Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF).

The MBF Young Talent Awards 2008 is for instrumentalists of 18 years or under, who can apply to recieve a share of a an awards pot of up to £150,000.

Last year almost 200 young people benefited from individual awards ranging from £200 to £1000.

The awards are open to young people from all areas of music - one recent winner was 16 year old thrash guitarist Tyrian Serpell, the only rock guitarist at the Purcell School who is now in his 2nd year at the BRIT School.

The MBF Young Talent Awards are an important source of funding for young musicians with exceptional talent who are in financial need. Under 18s can benefit from funding to cover the cost of buying an instrument, music lessons with a private teacher or travel expenses.

To apply you need to have achieved a ‘Distinction´ level in your most recent practical music exam or be able to prove equivalent outstanding talent. Your parents/guardians should also be able to demonstrate financial need and they must be British or Irish or have been resident in the United Kingdom or Ireland for at least three consecutive years on the closing date of Thursday 12th June 2008.

For further information and to apply online visit www.mbf.org.uk or contact MBF Education, 16 Ogle Street, London, W1W 6JA (e-mail: education@mbf.org.uk)