Fine Music Radio

About Fine Music Radio

Fine Music Radio, known as FMR, is a community radio station based at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town. It plays mainly classical music and jazz on 101.3 FM. The station went on air on 1 July 1995. It began when a group of music lovers, led by Jacques de Vos Malan, set out to keep classical music on the air in the city.

FMR is a non-profit station. It relies on donations and listener support, and volunteers present many of its programmes. A small team of full-time staff keeps it running around the clock. Beyond broadcasting, the station tries to give South African performers a platform and to nurture young talent.

How FMR supports music students

The station's best-known student funding is the FMR Bursary Trust Music Awards. The trust was set up to provide scholarships, bursaries and awards for students working towards a performance diploma or degree in music. The awards are backed by the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation. The competition is divided into four categories: classical instrumental, classical vocal, jazz and African music. Published information for a recent round listed prize money of R30,000 per category. In that round, the top candidate received R20,000 and the other two finalists R5,000 each. Amounts and rules can change, however, so treat these figures as an example only.

This is a competition rather than a standard need-based bursary. As a result, it rewards talent and preparation. Finalists perform live before judges, and the event is also broadcast, which gives young musicians public exposure that few other awards can offer.

What to know before applying

You must be studying towards a performance diploma or degree in music. You must also be registered at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa. Applicants usually have to send a pre-recorded audition video, which judges review before choosing finalists. Choose your repertoire with care. Pick pieces that show your technical skill and musical character, and record in good sound conditions. A clear, well-lit video with steady audio makes it easier for the panel to judge you fairly.

Entry dates are announced each year, and they are not fixed. Therefore, visit fmr.co.za for the current call for entries, the categories, the entry form and any age or year-of-study limits. No work-back obligation has been confirmed for this award, but check the terms in the entry rules. Finally, remember that a prize helps with fees, instruments and lessons, but it rarely covers a whole degree. Combine it with other funding where you can.