Peter Sinfield Bursary Fund

Applications Close: 9am 11th of May 2026

The Peter Sinfield Bursary Fund is a fund established as part of Peter Sinfield’s legacy. Peter Sinfield left a portion of his estate to The Ivors Academy Trust to establish this fund - designed to empower 18-30 year old songwriters and composers to keep writing music in the genres he so loved and impacted.

Songwriters and composers between the ages of 18 and 30 can apply for up to £5,000 to support the creation of new original works in the genres of progressive rock, classical, and folk music. We encourage and welcome non-western, traditional, and modern fusions in the above genres.

Please note the funded activity you are applying for must be planned to take place between June and November 2026.

Aims of the fund: 

  • A development in the songwriting and composing ability of bursary recipients – specifically with an emphasis on lyricism where applicable.

  • A contribution to the cultural significance of these genres – for example by the creation of new original works as a result of the funding.  

  • A development of the community around the named genres by helping to foster new connections and increase visibility.  

  • To support early career music creators in these genres who may be facing barriers to creating new music.  

Timeline:

The first year of the fund will follow the below timeline.

  • April – Applications Open​.

  • May– Judging panel and selections.

  • June -Nov – Funded activity takes place during this 6 month period.

You can read more about what the funding can be used for, the eligibility criteria and application process below.

  • The Peter Sinfield Bursary Fund is designed for the creation of new, original music. The funding can be used for the following categories.

    • Creation of new music - songwriting and composing costs, recording costs.

    • Creative residency / songwriting camp attendance (if relevant to the project).   

    • Fees for technical and/or creative collaborators contributing to your project.  

    • Releasing music, promotion and marketing (maximum 30% of budget)  

    • Performance costs (maximum 30% of budget) 

    As part of your application, you will need to submit a timeline and budget for the project detailing what you intend to use the funding for.

  • You are eligible for the funding if you meet the following criteria:

    • You are a songwriter or composer 

    • You are based in the UK

    • You are between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of the application.

    • Your music is in the genre of progressive rock, classical, or folk music. Please note we encourage and welcome non-western, traditional, and modern fusions in the above genres.

    • You are an early at an early stage in your career (eg. you do not have a major record or publishing deal) 

    • The funded activity you are applying for is planned to take place between June 2026 and November 2026

    Can groups of songwriters/composers apply?

    Yes, if you are part of a project - eg. a band or a collective that creates music together - you can apply for funding for your project as a group. Please note one person will need to act as the main contact and complete the application form.

  • Using the ‘apply now’ button below, you will be required to submit an application form including the following details:  

    • Eligibility questions

    • Applicant details

    • About you / your group 

    • Application questions 

    • Your timeline and budget for the project using the template provided below.

    • A reference letter from someone who knows you or your project well (eg. a manager, a local venue, a fellow creator, a previous employer or teacher) who can vouch for your reliability and suitability for the funding.

    • EDI form (optional)  

    Please see a downloadable version of the application form and timeline/budget below (timeline on one tab, budget on another tab).

    You can use this to prepare your answers before submitting via the online form.

    Please note that all applications will need to be submitted via the online form by the application deadline to be considered.

    DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM TEMPLATE HERE.

    DOWNLOAD THE BUDGET AND TIMELINE TEMPLATE HERE.

    If you have any questions about the application process or accessibility requirements regarding your application please reach out to us at info@ivorscademytrust.org and we’ll be happy to help.

    Application deadline: 9am 11th May 2026

  • Applications will be assessed by representatives of The Ivors Academy Trust, as well as our network of experts in the name genres. Stay tuned for more information / announcements about the official selection committee soon. 

    Once applications have been received - the selected judges will be provided with a judging kit to help them make an informed and objective decision.

    We have a clear process in place for declaring conflicts so the judging panel can make an independent decision. Furthermore, we have an inclusive approach in line with our EDI policy to ensure there is no unconscious bias in the judging process.

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ABOUT Peter Sinfield

Peter John Sinfield was a lyricist, producer and musician, born 27 December 1943 died 14 November 2024.

As the co-founder of the seminal prog rock band, King Crimson, his poetic and melancholy lyrics and vision for the project were a key ingredient to its success, and he is often hailed as one of the lyrical founders of the genre.

Later in his career, he utilised his songwriting talent to write numerous successful pop songs for artists such as Celine Dion, Cher, Cliff Richard, Leo Sayer, Five Star, and Bucks Fizz.