Scholarship Application Form
Music Performance and Production Program (MP3)
As a student enrolled in the MP3 , you will declare a principal instrument of either:
Piano
Bass Guitar
Drums
The MP3 will teach you skills, concepts, and methodology sufficient to demonstrate a level of proficiency on your principal instrument typical of that generally required for preparation for further study or beginning to engage in your first musical projects in performance or music production. This is achieved through private lessons, which include proficiency-based practical and theory exams offered through the University of West London, Music Theory classes, Band rehearsals, and Music Production Labs.
To demonstrate mastery of these skills, you will complete a performance portfolio, including a senior recital, that typifies current professional performance standards. You will also:
Develop an aesthetic and critical understanding of the meaning of quality performance;
Learn to use technical and interpretive musical criteria and to apply them to your work and to that of others;
Work effectively with others in situations typically found in the professional performance field;
Participate in ensembles and public performances in the School’s performance venues with in-person and virtual audiences.
Explore activities available through the ensemble program such as recording sessions, concerts, festivals, and tours.
Upon completing the program, you will have developed a theoretical, conceptual, and philosophical background in the area of musical performance and production that will enable you to choose a path for your further development. If you are successful will be certified at the London College of Music Grade 6 practical level and the Grade 5 music theory level.
What the Program Gives You
Upon completion of the MP3, you will:
Synthesize and integrate knowledge of contemporary and traditional styles into musical interpretation;
Synthesize and integrate knowledge of posture, breathing, and instrumental technique into your daily practice routines;
Demonstrate technical proficiency on your principal instrument;
Demonstrate the ability to sight read music in a variety of styles;
Play music in a variety of contemporary and traditional styles;
Write and produce songs using samples, MIDI or acoustic instruments
Play in ensembles of varying stylistic orientation; and
Apply knowledge of musical styles and harmonic practices in improvisation.
Description of the Scholarship Program
The Avant Academy of Music MP3 Scholarship programs provides financial assistance for persons who are not employed and not attending school to pursue three years of study in the Avant Academy of Music Music Production and Performance Program.
Awards: $750,000 applied to Tuition and fees over three years
General Eligibility Requirements:
Must be unemployed and not enrolled in school
Must be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of Jamaica
Selection Criteria: Selection is merit-based on the applicant having completed a musical audition and an in-person interview.
The musical audition is to ascertain whether or not the candidate has achieved the minimum musical requirements and to establish evidence of being able to learn on their own and if they exhibit an ability to practice and a drive to learn.
The in-person interview is to get a sense of their purpose, their dreams and aspirations.
The candidates that score the highest will be chosen.
Disbursement
There will be no disbursement of cash to the candidate. The tuition and fees will be covered by the scholarship directly to the institution.
Please note that scholarship winners will be required to give permission for the use of their image and likeness on social media and to promote the scholarship program and the programs of Avant Academy of Music.
Scholarship Audition Guidelines
You will complete a live audition with the Avant Academy of Music Music Mentors. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your current level of musicianship, your potential for growth, and readiness to succeed.
Our focus on Sight-reading, Practice Technique, Repertoire development, and the fundamentals of production because we seek students who are prepared to make a difference and get the best foundation for further study and innovation.
What the Audition Entails
Details about each component of the audition are outlined below.
Prepared Piece
Your prepared piece must be:
Performed live
Three to five minutes in length
Performed on your primary instrument
Written by someone else (not an original by yourself or a friend)
You should perform a piece that you are comfortable with and that displays your strengths as a musician. Select a piece that highlights what you feel represents your best abilities rather than a piece you think the audition team wants to hear. The panel is hoping to see evidence of your ability to learn new music and to accept a challenge.
Technical Skills
You will be asked to demonstrate a grasp of technical skills appropriate to your principal instrument. Scales, Arpeggios, Chords, Chord Progressions, Rudiments, Drum Patterns
Please be sure to review the Detailed Technical Skills Requirements by Instrument
Sight-Reading
You will be asked to sight-read a piece of music at a Grade 1 Level of difficulty. You will have 30 seconds to review the piece before reading it.
In-Person Interview
You will be asked by the panel the following questions:
Why is this scholarship important for you?
Do you have any goals or dreams that you would like to achieve?
What has been the most difficult challenge or obstacle that you have faced to this time and how have you coped with/managed or overcome it?
Do you have any questions?
What to Bring
Audition rooms are typically equipped with a piano, a drum set, guitar, and bass amplifiers, a PA system, and music stands. You need to supply the following:
Your instrument: you must bring your instrument to the audition if you play electric bass
Your accompaniment/backing track: If you require accompaniment for your prepared piece, you may bring an accompanist or a smartphone. Avant Academy does not provide an accompanist to applicants at auditions.
Location and Schedule of Auditions
The auditions will be held at:
Avant Academy of Music
69 Westminster Road
Kingston 10
Auditions will be held on the following dates and times
Tuesday, September 15, 2020, to Friday, September 17, 2020
Tuesday, September 22, 2020, to Thursday, September 24, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020, to Friday, October 2, 2020
Monday, October 5, 2020, to Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Auditions will be conducted between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm each day
Once you have submitted your online application you will be contacted regarding the day and time of your audition.