The Composition Scholarship is an award of £1,500 towards the fees of a postgraduate composer.

This annual award was set up in memory of Sir Jack Lyons by his widow, Lady Roslyn Lyons. The award recognises Jack's unfailing support for creative musicians, and is intended to allow the recipient to undertake a significant creative musical project, culminating in a public musical performance. The value of the award will be £1,500.

One of Jack's most cherished pieces was Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. This competition asks applicants to outline a project that is in some way inspired by that work. For example, a composer might propose a new setting of these or other psalms, or a work that uses related Hebrew texts. A performer might propose a programme of psalm settings, or pieces which relate in some way to the Bernstein work.

Applicants should outline their plan on a single side of A4 paper. The plan should be realistic and include relevant practical details, bearing in mind that the performance will be hosted by the University Concert Series, and that there will not be a budget for importing professional players or for other production costs. It should be possible to realise the project with the resources of the Department of Music. Plans should be submitted to the Postgraduate Secretary, Gilly Howe, by 18 November 2011. The successful applicant will be invited to enter into detailed discussion with the Chair of Concerts Committee regarding a performance deadline which may be in the following Autumn term (i.e. the start of the next academic year).

The Sir Jack Lyons Scholarship is for a PhD student. The award for 2012 provides a contribution towards fees equal to the full Home/EU rate plus a contribution towards maintenance. The award is for the duration of PhD registration (3 years).

The main criterion for this award is academic excellence and promise, but previous accomplishments, financial need and contribution to the musical life of the department will also be taken into account.

Applications should be made in writing in the form of a letter to the panel: clearly state your case for the award, give full details of your financial situation and describe how your research contributes to harmony and understanding between nations.

Overseas applicants must also demonstrate that they can supply the remainder of the fees required for the full 3 years.

These letters will be considered by the Sir Jack Lyons Research Scholarship Award panel, along with a letter of recommendation from both your current and prospective supervisors, and the salient pages of your PhD application form.

The closing date for this award is 4th May 2012 and the successful scholar will be informed by early July.

The Vinson Award originates from a bequest made to the Department of Music. The award pays a contribution towards the fees for a home, EU or overseas postgraduate student.

This scholarship, from an endowment initially funded by Mrs Peggy Nonhebel, pays half fees for a home or EU postgraduate student.

This award arises from a benefaction by Ken and Pat Dixon. Preference will be given to MA students specialising in performance. The value of this award is £1,000.

These awards are to provide vocal lessons, for instance to non-music students contributing to Music Department ensembles, or to increase the lesson allowance of Music students, particularly those who are to part-time and specialising in performance. Open to MA or PhD students.

York Minster offers choral and organ scholarships lasting 12 months orlonger, to both undergraduate and postgraduate male students:counter-tenors, tenors and basses.

The scholarships become available as vacancies occur and therefore irregularly, according to the duration of student courses. They areavailable to any music or non-music university students. Duties include sung services throughout the week, during and outside of university terms and scholars benefit enormously from the terrific opportunity of singing the church's greatest choral music in Europe's largest gothic cathedral.

The Director of Music is also pleased to hear from prospective scholars both for possible vacancies in September 2012 and for regular deputising opportunities.

The current value of the scholarships is approximately £4,500 plus extra fees for recordings and special services. Enquiries should be directed to Robert Sharpe, Director of Music, York Minster, as soon as possible.

The Departmental Award is one supplementary award of £1,000. This award is intended for emergency situations/late applications: therefore applications should be made by 1 September 2012, on the appropriate application form. Decisions will be made at some point before the beginning of term in October.