Hi, I'm wondering if there might be funding available to help me through a piano diploma. Any ideas much appreciated!!

x Harmony

Do you mean for tuition or for the actual examination fee itself?...

HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds TSB all offer funding. You go in, put a card in the wall, and tell them how much you want, and you get it there and then.

I think the feeling probably is that a diploma, being a professional sort of qualification, is something you have to fund yourself, in the expectation that you then stand better placed to earn more if you have one. Not sure that this is either fair or true, but that seems to be the way most approach it.

Yes I have never heard of anyone getting financial help towards a dip. Maybe someone you work for might sponsor you and give a contribution? Someone I know got a small amount from an employer to help pay for the CTABRSM. The whole cost was enormous though and she only got around €100.

I applied to my old university for some funding for a diploma which they did make a contribution towards out of a fund for specific music projects.

I don't know any other ideas, but what about whether the fee is tax deductible from the tax return at the end of the year? Its fresh on my mind as I've just had to shell out the second installment for 08/09, due tommorrow. I'll ask my legal expert who is a regular in the organ forum if he has any thoughts.

Oh how embarressing!! I posted a new topic by mistake instead of replying. I'm new to forums!!!

Thank you for your replies - apologies for the delay :0) In reply to the first response, I was thinking for either tuition or the fee. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and experiences, its very helpful!