Budding young Welsh Musicians, this is your opportunity to make an application for an Award that can change your life and career!

Applications are now being sought for the HRH Prince of Wales Advanced Study Awards in Music 2010/11.

This is the fourth year for the Awards Scheme and its aim is to provide funding to assist some of Wales's emerging young musicians in developing their careers further. The Awards support advanced (postgraduate) musical training which should take place in a recognised Academy or Conservatoire, last not less than one academic year and start during the academic year 2010/2011.

The sum of £35,000 is available for the 2010/11 Awards which are funded by an Arts Council of Wales Lottery investment with additional support from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Last year, 11 young people received an award enabling them to go on to postgraduate studies in their musical fields. These awards are an excellent opportunity to help young people achieve their potential so they can go on to make a worthwhile contribution to cultural life in Wales.

Awards up to a maximum of £8,000 will be made to the most promising candidates. Applications will be accepted from musicians in all genres of music, (singers, instrumentalists, composers and conductors), who are under 28 years of age on 1st February 2010 and who have lived in Wales since at least 1 February 2008. Applicants will be also considered if they have lived in Wales for a period of more than one year continuously and have made a contribution to the cultural life of the country.

Nick Capaldi, Arts Council of Wales Chief Executive commented on the importance of these Awards:

"Having been a musician myself, I know just how important it is to provide development opportunities for aspiring professionals as they begin planning their future careers. I'm very grateful that the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has once again joined with Arts Council of Wales to help support the futures of these young people."

The closing date for applications is Friday, 29th January 2010. Awards are made for study due to commence in September 2010. Auditions will be held in London and Cardiff in March 2010.