We want to ensure that learners from all backgrounds can access opportunities to explore high-quality and inspiring music making.
West Sussex Music has a Bursary Fund that helps support children and young people aged 5-18 years of age, living in West Sussex or attending a West Sussex maintained school (local authority, academy, or free school).
When applying to West Sussex Music for tuition, instrument hire or music centre membership, you can also apply for financial assistance.
Students learning with an Associate Tutor can apply for a tuition bursary using the link below. If you are awarded a tuition bursary, West Sussex Music liaises with your child’s school to provide them with financial support towards the lessons.
Please note that the bursary fund is limited and financial support for new applicants cannot be guaranteed.
The Bursary Fund can help reduce fees for:
✅ Tuition (group lessons, one instrument only)
✅ Instrument hire fees
✅ West Sussex Music Centre membership
For pupils whose school is unable to fully support them through pupil premium funding.
To qualify, pupils must be:
- Receiving benefits-related free school meals, or
- A Child in Care, or have
- Refugee status
A Major Bursary is worth:
- Tuition: £7.92 per lesson (max. 33 lessons)
- Music Centre membership: up to £160 per term
- Instrument hire: £36.40 per term

For pupils whose school is unable to fully support them through pupil premium funding and whose parent/carer receives one or more of the following:
- Income Support / Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit / Universal Credit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
A Minor Bursary is worth:
- Tuition: £3.96 per lesson (max. 33 lessons)
- Music Centre: up to £80 per term
- Instrument hire: £18.20 per term

