What the Trust Offers

The Ronald Tickner Educational Trust was formed in 2000 to commemorate Ron Tickner’s legacy of encouraging young musicians.

It exists to advance the study of music by the provision of bursaries to organists or collaborative pianists from Somerset.

The Trust also provides bursaries for the choristers of Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton) for the study of piano, organ, singing and other instrumental lessons.

Applicants should

• be born, educated or domiciled in the County of Somerset
• be under 25 years of age
• have achieved at least Grade 5 in the proposed study (this requirement does not apply to the choristers of Taunton Minster)
• expect to contribute to music in the community in Somerset by arrangement with the Trust whilst they are in receipt of a bursary from the Trust

WHAT IS A COLLABORATIVE PIANIST?

Any pianist who is not playing alone is a collaborative pianist. Collaborative pianists have a unique set of skills as they perform in recitals with singers and instrumentalists, in four-hand or two-piano duos, in piano trios and quartets, and with orchestras and choirs. The road to perfecting their unique skills is largely unmapped, hence the Trust’s desire to support collaborative pianists.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete either of the following bursary application forms:

Bursary application form for organists and collaborative pianists under 25 years of age

Bursary application form for choristers of Taunton Minster

Your application will be assessed by the Trustees at the next meeting of the Trust. The Trustees meet a minimum of three times per year. You will hear from the Trust with the outcome of your application as soon as possible after the assessment has been completed. 

Eligible applicants will be invited to play 2 – 3 pieces in an audition, which will take place at Taunton Minster by arrangement with at least two Trustees.

Please note that, if your application is successful, the Trust will request a written report from your teacher at the end of each term, as the Trust monitors the progress of award-holders.

If you have any difficulty completing the form, please email rtetrust@gmail.com to arrange support.