Seed Award - Sound and Music

The Seed Award is an award offered to all shortlisted applicants for our In Motion programme.

All applicants to In Motion are shortlisted by both an internal and external panel, and each year 18 composers reach the second stage of the application process which involves an interview. Of the composers interviewed, ten will be selected to join In Motion and eight will be offered the Seed Award.

We reflect on and evaluate the Seed Award annually, and in 2022 we increased our offer in line with internal and external feedback as we aim to make our work more impactful.

The award is announced annually at the same time as the In Motion composers are announced.

Between 2019 and 2022, the Seed Award was offered to shortlisted applicants for the New Voices artist development programme. Sound and Music supported 37 composers with a Seed Award over this period and will continue to support composers in this way through the In Motion application process.

A composer and a mentor looking over a score

How does it work?

The Seed Award is a small targeted package of support, including coaching sessions and a small financial contribution to support the research and development of a particular project.

Artists will receive:

£250 contribution to support the research and development of a particular project
Three coaching sessions with an accredited coach
Three strategic thinking sessions with a dedicated team member
Invitation to a workshop on fundraising and grants
A networking session with other awardees
Invitation to Sound and Music's composer Discord server

How do I apply?

This award is only open to applicants for In Motion — there is no standalone application process.

If you have been shortlisted for the In Motion programme and have been offered an interview, you will automatically be offered a Seed Award if you’re not selected for In Motion.

You can read more about the eligibility and selection criteria for In Motion, as well as the application process, on the In Motion application page.