Performing Arts and Music Scholarships
Music, Dance and Drama
Performing Arts and Music are central to life at St Michael’s Grammar, which is why we offer comprehensive Performing Arts Scholarships and Music Scholarships to attract and support students with exceptional talent. These Scholarships recognise creativity, ability, and leadership. Scholarships are open to students entering Year 5–11, providing opportunities to grow as artists while experiencing all that St Michael’s has to offer.
Music and Performing Arts Scholarships
We offer Music and Performing Arts Scholarships in the below category:
Contributing Citizen Scholarship: recognising students who have demonstrated outstanding talent in one or more areas of endeavour, and who wish to continue developing those talents.
Areas of Specialisation
St Michael’s Performing Arts Scholarships and Music Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional ability, creativity, and commitment.
Instrumental Music
Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of proficiency with their instrument, aligned with AMEB standards appropriate for their year level. Applicants may also be eligible for the Edwina Hanlon Music Bursary to explore learning a second instrument.
Vocal Performance
Scholarship applicants in voice should show advanced technique and musicality, with AMEB standards for their year level guiding expectations.
Dance
Students should demonstrate skill, creativity, and performance ability, showing dedication to developing their craft.
Drama
Applicants are expected to show expressive performance skills, stage presence, and a commitment to collaborative theatre-making.
Performing Arts Scholarship Levels and Benefits
Senior School scholars are assigned a mentor to support learning, talent development, and involvement in School life.
High Achiever Performing Arts & Music Scholarships
- Tuition fee remission: 25%–100% of tuition fees (excluding levies), based on financial assessment.
- Duration: From the year of award until completion of Year 12, with progress formally reviewed at key stages.
- Eligibility: New students
Contributing Citizen Performing Arts & Music Scholarships
- Tuition fee remission: 25%–100% of tuition fees (excluding levies), prioritising families for whom a St Michael’s education would be a significant opportunity.
- Duration: From the year of award until completion of Year 12.
- Eligibility: New students entering Year 5 and 6 in the Junior School and Year 7 to 11 in the Senior School
Edwina Hanlon Music Bursary
- Tuition fee remission: Covers the cost of private music tuition for the secondary instrument.
- Duration: Confined to a single academic year.
- Specialist program access: Focused music support to explore and develop skills on a second instrument.
- Eligibility: New or existing
Anne and Joan Jones Memorial Music Scholarship
- Tuition fee remission: 25–50% of tuition fees, plus free or discounted private instrumental tuition.
- Duration: Available for students entering Years 7–9 and tenable through to the end of Year 12.
- Eligibility: New and existing students entering Years 7–9; means-tested scholarship with optional financial consideration.
- Assessment process: Academic Scholarship examination (Stanine 6–9), music audition, and supporting academic records.
- Instrument focus: Open to all instruments (piano, strings, woodwind, brass, contemporary, and voice), with encouragement for double reed and string players.
Audition and Application Process
Performing Arts and Music Scholarships
Academic test
All applicants must sit the Academic Test, conducted at St Michael’s campus in St Kilda. This test helps assess academic suitability alongside artistic talent.
Audition
Eligible students audition for High Achiever Scholarships in dance, drama, voice, or instrumental music.
Interview
Short-listed applicants are invited to an interview with a member of St Michael’s Executive to discuss their talents, artistic goals, and how they will contribute to the school’s cultural life. This step is essential for all Performing Arts Scholarship and music Scholarship candidates.
Outcome notification
Following consideration of the application, audition, interview, and any financial assessment (if applicable), the Head of School will offer the Scholarship in writing. Awarded Scholarships range from 25%–100% tuition remission.
Expectations of Scholars
Performing Arts and Music Scholarship recipients at St Michael’s Grammar are expected to:
- Share the School’s values of Dignity, Respect, Care, and Compassion.
- Embrace the School’s culture of contributing citizenship and reciprocity.
- Engage with the diverse range of programs offered by the School.
- Contribute positively to the School and broader community.
Award Winning Facilities
Our architecturally celebrated Performing Arts Centre has been recognised with a George Knight Heritage Excellence Award at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.
A heritage space reimagined for learning
The PACA brings new life to a much-loved local landmark. Carefully restored heritage features, including the vaulted timber ceiling, stained-glass windows and historic Lewis and Sons organ, create a setting that connects students to the past while supporting contemporary learning.
Professional performance, right at school
Opened in 2023, the PACA offers students access to a theatre of exceptional quality. Advanced sound and lighting systems, including the L-ISA sound technology used in leading professional venues, allow students to experience performance in an environment that reflects real industry practice.
Designed for flexibility and future growth
The PACA has been designed to adapt to a wide range of performances and learning experiences. A sprung floor supports safe movement and dance, while flexible seating and configurable staging allow the space to transform for productions, concerts and community events as the School continues to grow.
What has always struck me about St Michael’s is the way that the arts are respected as being pivotal to personal development and learning, and that they are not sidelined as hobby activities only
Vanessa Pigrum (OM 1983 and School Co-Captain)
CEO of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
Who can apply for a Performing Arts or Music Scholarship?
Scholarships are open to new and current students entering Year 5–11, depending on the Scholarship type. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent in dance, drama, voice, or instrumental music. These Performing Arts Scholarships Melbourne recognise both ability and commitment.
What level of ability is required?
High Achiever Scholarships require students to demonstrate high-level proficiency in their discipline, with AMEB standards provided for Music. Contributing Citizen Scholarships consider strong leadership and community service within the Performing Arts.
View the required AEMB levels from our Scholarships brochure here.
How competitive are the Scholarships?
The total number of new Scholarships awarded annually depends on the number of applicants, their strengths against the criteria, and available funding. Performing Arts and Music Scholarships at St Michael’s are highly sought after, reflecting the school’s reputation for excellence in Music and Performing Arts Scholarship programs.
Can students apply in more than one discipline?
Yes. Students may indicate multiple areas of Performing Arts in their application, including dance, drama, voice, or instrumental music. Auditions will assess ability in the chosen area(s).
Are Scholarships means-tested?
Some Scholarships, particularly Contributing Citizen Scholarships, give priority to families for whom a St Michael’s education would be a significant opportunity. Applicants may need to provide a statement of financial position when applying for a Performing Arts or Music Scholarship.
What academic standards must be maintained?
Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain consistent academic performance, with progress reviewed at key stages, including formal checks at the end of Year 6 and Year 9.
Are current students eligible to apply?
Yes. High Achiever Performing Arts Scholarships and bursaries are available to both new and existing students who meet the criteria.
Do students receive mentoring or specialist support?
Yes. Senior School Scholarship students are assigned a mentor to guide their learning journey, support their artistic development, and help them engage fully in school life.
St Michael’s is one of Australia’s leading independent coeducational schools, educating more than 1200 students from Kindergarten to VCE. We acknowledge the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which St Michael’s stands. We pay respect to their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders, and we are committed to reconciliation through authentic relationships and continued cultural learning.
site by Digistorm , a Veracross solution
© 2026 St Michael’s Grammar School