Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection – Music Capital Scheme Award 4 (Ireland)

Deadline: 29-Sep-2026

Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection – Music Capital Scheme Award 4: Overview The Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection – Music Capital Scheme Award 4 supports exceptional emerging classical musicians by providing access to high-quality musical instruments that may otherwise be difficult to obtain at the beginning of a professional career. The award is aimed at advanced violinists, violists, cellists, and harpists who are Irish citizens or residents of the Republic of Ireland. Selected musicians can receive one of seven outstanding instruments from the National Musical Instrument Collection on loan for three years. Eligible recipients of a violin, viola, or Roger Hansell cello may also receive up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new bow, which they own and retain. What Is the Music Capital Scheme Award 4? The Music Capital Scheme Award 4 is an initiative designed to support the professional development of exceptional young classical musicians. The scheme recognises that high-quality instruments can be extremely expensive and that access to a professional-level instrument can significantly influence a musician’s development, performance opportunities, and career progression. Through the award, selected musicians can access valuable instruments from the Music Network National Musical Instrument Collection without having to purchase them at the beginning of their professional careers. The initiative is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and aims to nurture the next generation of classical performers in Ireland. Why Does the Music Capital Scheme Matter? For emerging classical musicians, the quality of an instrument can be an important part of professional development. A high-quality instrument can help musicians: - Develop their performance capabilities. - Prepare for professional auditions and performances. - Explore a wider range of musical expression. - Perform at a professional standard. - Gain experience with high-quality instruments. - Reduce the financial barrier associated with purchasing an instrument. - Focus financial resources on developing their professional careers. The scheme therefore provides both practical and career-development support to musicians at an important transition point between advanced study and professional performance. Who Is Eligible? The Music Capital Scheme Award 4 is intended for individual classical musicians who meet the programme’s instrument, age, residency, and career-stage requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be 18 years of age or older.

- Be an individual classical:

- Violinist - Violist - Cellist - Harpist - Be an Irish citizen or resident in the Republic of Ireland. - Be about to embark on, or currently undertaking, a master’s degree, or have completed their studies within the previous three years. - Be starting or entering the early stages of a professional performance career. Irish citizens do not need to be living in Ireland to apply. Who Is the Award Designed For? The scheme is specifically intended for musicians who are at the transition between advanced musical education and professional performance.

Eligible applicants may be:

- Preparing to begin a master’s degree. - Currently undertaking a master’s degree. - Recently graduated from advanced musical studies. - Within three years of completing their studies. - Beginning a professional classical performance career. The programme is therefore not intended primarily for established professional performers with long-standing careers. Which Instruments Are Available? The award provides access to seven high-quality instruments in the National Musical Instrument Collection.

The collection includes:

- Violin by Alessandro Camilletti - Violin by Fratelli Guastalla - Violin by Voller Brothers - Viola by Charles John Wilkinson - Cello by Caressa & Français - Cello by Roger Hansell - Salvi concert harp The availability of a particular instrument is subject to the award and collection arrangements. What Is the Instrument Loan Period? Selected musicians receive their awarded instrument on loan for: Three years In exceptional circumstances, the loan may be extended by: One additional year This means the maximum potential loan period can be four years where an extension is approved under exceptional circumstances. The long-term loan is intended to provide musicians with sustained access to a professional-quality instrument during a critical stage of career development. What Is the Bow Funding? The scheme provides additional financial assistance to eligible musicians who receive certain instruments.

Recipients of:

- A violin. - The Charles John Wilkinson viola. - The Roger Hansell cello. may be eligible for up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new bow. Unlike the loaned instrument, the bow purchased through this support is owned and retained by the musician. This additional support can help recipients build a professional-quality personal setup while continuing to use an instrument from the National Musical Instrument Collection. Who Can Receive the Bow Funding? The bow funding is not automatically available to every applicant.

It applies to musicians awarded:

- A violin. - The Charles John Wilkinson viola. - The Roger Hansell cello. Eligible recipients can receive up to €5,000 toward a new bow, which they retain as their own property. Harp recipients and recipients of the Caressa & Français cello are not included in the bow funding described for this award. What Are the Main Benefits? The Music Capital Scheme Award 4 offers several important benefits to emerging classical musicians. Access to High-Quality Instruments Selected musicians can use valuable professional instruments without needing to purchase them outright. Three-Year Career Support The three-year loan period provides stability during an important stage of professional development. Potential Bow Funding Eligible violin, viola, and Roger Hansell cello re