Ultimate Artist: Summer Scholarship Programme

The Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed the collapse of the music industry. With everyone confined to their homes, artists have lost their livelihoods and confidence in their ability to perform. In a recent study by the charity Help Musicians, 9 in 10 artists say their mental health has deteriorated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Over the past 7 years, we have worked with over 800 artists who lack self-confidence and need support to nurture their talent. We offer a 9-day residential course for aspiring singers, songwriters, producers and musical theatre students. 

The key to this year's 9-day residential programme is our focus on the welfare of artists. Our wellbeing team from Human Givens have a wide range of skills, to deliver a holistic creative and mentally empowering experience. The programme is delivered by a range of industry experts with a catalogue of experience in music, such as Joshua Alamu (Vocal coach to Little Mix, JP Cooper, James Arthur…) and Aamir Yaqub (Grammy Award-winning producer). 

The workshop programme will include 67 workshops and 3 showcases led by industry experts. Individuals will have access to group and 1-2-1 workshops on music theory and practice, as well as access to a wellbeing practitioner. 

Ultimate Artists have had the privilege of working with talented young people. Our mission has always been to inspire and nurture artists. Now more than ever do artists need a 9-day workshop to reconnect with their community and revitalise their talent.

Our approach has a high success rate with alumni securing record deals, roles in the West End and winning scholarships at Disney. By offering 25 scholarships to disadvantaged artists who do not have access to training and wellbeing services.

“ It was such an awesome experience! The atmosphere at UA is just mind-blowing. Everyone is so supportive of each other, there's no competition, no hatred. Just talent and love between one another. Thank YOU guys for all the work you have and keep on putting in, miss you all!" - Ultimate Artist, Alumni. 

We need to raise £98,000 to cover the costs of food, accommodation, travel costs and staff costs to provide 50 disadvantaged artists with a full scholarship. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens if Covid 19 prevents you from going ahead?

Don't worry! All places will be carried over to 2022, we have an agreement with our host venue (University of Hertfordshire) that we can postpone until the next summer. We've been working with them for 5 years now and have a good relationship with them.

What’s your COVID testing process and social distancing protocol?

As we host our residential at the University of Hertfordshire, social distancing measures have already been put into place for students.

They have adapted their teaching, learning and social spaces so we can follow social distancing guidance and keep safe e.g. social distancing signage, improved ventilation, implemented two-way navigation systems, installed more hand sanitisers and added protective screens in reception areas.

The following will be available during your stay: 

•  Free, reusable face covering
•  Enhanced cleaning
• On-campus testing

Each member of the team and all students will have to present a negative test on arrival, and thereafter, they will be tested every other day to ensure there is no trace of the virus on site.  

How are your artists/students selected?

There is a 3 part process; 

1. Fill out an eligibility form

2. Send us a link to a video of you explaining why you need/want a place at UA2021, what it would mean to you, and then sing a verse and a chorus of a cover or original song.

Do you accept international artists?

Unfortunately, we do not accept any scholarship places for international students. 

How long is UA?

UA lasts for 9 days (August 13th - 22nd, 2021). 

What’s your follow up process?

Once the students are accepted to the UA programme, they are then welcomed to the UA community where they will receive monthly newsletters, information about masterclasses and workshops throughout the year.

They also have access to our team for any professional advice that they may need e.g. feedback on their music. Many of our community have been with us since we launched back in 2013 and have continued to work with our coaches or create music with our team of producers and writers.

We also host a Monday morning support group where anyone is able to join.

Are there additional opportunities available outside of the 9 days?

Yes! We have a management and publishing label so when artists are ready with their music, there is the opportunity to have a listening session with our team whereby they receive constructive feedback and guidance. In exceptional cases, we may even sign artists and manage them.

Songwriters have the opportunity to be considered for our publishing company where we are currently writing for major artists and labels.

Do you accept international payments?

Yes, we do.

Am I able to attend any part of the programme?

Yes absolutely! We have a Final Showcase at the end of the programme where all students will perform. This is open to the public and in fact, we encourage you to attend if possible.

Where will the money go?

Here is a breakdown of where the money will go. 

By raising £98,000 we will be able to provide 50 scholarship places to struggling artists. Each artist will have food, accommodation, merchandise as a takeaway for each student, transport to and from the venue,  67 workshops in musical and artistic development and access to wellbeing mentors. Every student will have access to group work and 1 to 1 session and will be fully supported in their artistic development.

If you have any other questions we would be happy to answer any questions!