Scholarships and Bursaries

We are very fortunate at the Conservatorium to have local groups and individuals in the community who encourage and support young musicians with scholarships and bursaries.

2026 Scholarship applications are now open for school-aged students of instruments and voice in the contemporary, classical and jazz genres. For 2026, scholarships will give recipients up to 40 x 45 minute lessons plus free ensemble tuition.

Download information and application here:

2026 CHRC Scholarship Application Form

2026 Coffs Harbour Music Society Indigenous Scholarship Application Form 

2026 Leslie Schoer Special Project Application Form

The Conservatorium Scholarship

The Conservatorium supports a scholarship for a student showing talent and commitment in their chosen field.

The Valerie Petschack Scholarship

The Valerie Petschack Scholarship is offered to piano students who are classically trained. The scholarship is available in memory of the concert pianist Valerie Petschack, and is made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. 

Coffs Harbour Music Society Indigenous Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all levels and instruments/voice and aimed at assisting students from Aboriginal and Torres Straight backgrounds to further their musical training. 

Leslie Schoer Special Project  Scholarship

This scholarship is open to instruments/voice of all levels but aimed at supporting a student in a special project or endeavour designed to broaden their experience and enhance their development as a musician. As such, more advanced students are likely to gain greater outcomes from the award. The student will present two contrasting pieces and a written proposal (no more than 500 words) describing the project, event or training they would like to attend or participate in. This should include some detail on how the scholarship amount will be used. The scholarship would allow for up to $1,000 of assistance for the successful student. Previous scholarship winners in other sections may apply. The project must apply to the next calendar year after auditions and be fully completed within that year.

If you would like to offer a scholarship or become a sponsor, please call us on 02 6652 1592.

Bursaries

The Conservatorium also supports students through fee relief. If you are suffering financial hardship and can’t commit to lessons, please contact our Office Manager, Amelia on admin@coffscon.org.au .

Please call us on 02 6652 1592 or register your interest and we’ll get in touch with you!