Part of iconic studio’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in music production and sound engineering
Today we’re announcing the second year of offering the Abbey Road Scholarship Programme for young Black British producers and engineers, which was created to encourage greater diversity in the field of music production and sound engineering and support those that would be unable to study without financial support.
This unique opportunity provides two fully-funded places on Abbey Road Institute’s Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering as well as a contribution towards living costs. The additional financial support ensures that students who may need to relocate to London from another part of the UK are able to do so. On completion of the course, the successful students progress onto a one-year work placement at Abbey Road Studios.
The Abbey Road Scholarship programme is part of a developing series of initiatives from the London studios which enables more young people from diverse backgrounds to enter and navigate the music industry in the field of production and engineering for which the studio is world-renowned.
Isabel Garvey, Managing Director at Abbey Road Studios, shares her ambition for the scholarship: “I’m thrilled that we’re establishing a space for those wanting to enter the music industry as a producer and engineer who might not otherwise have the means to do so. At Abbey Road, we’re committed to inspiring greater diversity within music and production across the UK, whether through our successful Equalise programme, now in its third year, to the Abbey Road Scholarship Programme.”
Luca Barassi, CEO of Abbey Road Institute said: “Following on from the success of last year's initiative I’m delighted that the scholarship programme continues in its second year to encourage diversity from talented candidates in the field of music production and sound engineering. The scholarship’s ethos reflects ours of bringing together different talents, mindsets, ideas, cultures and more within our education.”
Justina Bryce and Callum Waddington, who were awarded the two Abbey Road Scholarship places in 2021 and are currently studying at Abbey Road Institute London share insights into their experiences on the programme so far and ambitions for the future:
Justina - “This experience has been amazing. I've learnt so much from the course and my tutors. The hands-on experience we've been able to have with the facilities at the Institute is incredible. I've also loved being able to connect and collaborate with like-minded and very talented individuals.”
Callum - "The scholarship has given me access to an incredibly eye-opening and formative experience. I feel like I’ve learnt so much and I’m only halfway through the course. After the course ends, I plan to make use of everything I’ve learned in freelance production and engineering sessions. Alongside this, I’m very excited to say I will be starting a year-long placement at Abbey Road, which will be a great place to utilise the skills gained at the Institute as well.”
How to apply?
Applicants have until Friday 18th March 2022 to submit their application for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering and the
Abbey Road Scholarship Programme. Applicants will need to evidence how they meet the entry criteria in a supporting Scholarship Statement submitted along with their application. The admissions team at Abbey Road Institute London are on hand to offer support and guidance with the Scholarship application process. The successful applicants will be announced in April 2022 and will enrol in May 2022.