Meet our BIMM Music Institute 2024/25 Scholarship winners
We are all extremely pleased to announce the winners of our 24/25 scholarships from each BIMM Music Institute location.
The Moses Schneider Scholarship – Berlin
We announced that BIMM University Berlin had partnered with eminent engineer and producer Moses Schneider for a brand-new scholarship. As one of Germany’s most influential music producers, Schneider has produced several number-one and gold records and is responsible for some of the most successful albums of recent years.
He is most famous for his work with iconic German acts such as Tocotronic, Beatsteaks, Kreator and Annenmaykantereit. At the Preis für Popkultur (Pop Culture Awards in Germany), Schneider was nominated for Favourite Producer in 2018 and 2022.
The winner of the scholarship, Alima Furtado Bonenkamp, is studying Vocals and Songwriting with us.
“I am not one for short sentences, but I think what sums it up the best is; thank you for this opportunity. It absolutely changes my life more than I could explain with just words. Maybe I‘ll write a song about it instead.”
The Joan Armatrading Scholarship – Birmingham
BIMM Music Institute Birmingham partnered with singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy nominee Joan Armatrading. As one of Britain’s very first female singer-songwriters to gain international success, Joan has won accolade after accolade, after being honoured with an MBE in 2001, and a CBE in 2020.
Amongst her many awards, she has won a coveted Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection. She is renowned as a champion of new talent, which is why we couldn’t be more excited to launch this scholarship at BIMM Birmingham in her name.
The winner of the scholarship, Will Lamb, is studying Songwriting with us.
“Receiving the Joan Armatrading Scholarship has not only supported me through the financial support it provides, but also by recognising my current achievements and my future career goals within the music industry as a blind artist. I am so grateful and excited to start my studies.”
The Fatboy Slim Martlets Scholarship – Brighton
BIMM Music Institute Brighton partnered with world-renowned musician and local resident, Fatboy Slim, to launch a brand-new scholarship for 2024 entry.
Fatboy Slim, whose real name is Norman Cook, is synonymous with our seaside city: having studied here himself as an undergraduate, he has continued to live in Brighton and Hove for most of his adult life.
The scholarship will also be in association with Martlets, a charity that provides essential services to local people affected by terminal illness and for whom Fatboy Slim is a patron. To be able to launch this initiative alongside a local music icon as well as a brilliant local charity makes it all the more special for us.
Scholarship winner Brooklyn Sanchez will be studying Guitar:
“Being awarded a scholarship is such an honour and I feel so unbelievably lucky to be able to study music at Brighton.”
IDLES Future Talent Scholarship – Bristol
BIMM Bristol partnered with IDLES for their scholarship this year.
IDLES is comprised of five members: Adam Devonshire (bass), Joe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), and Jon Beavis (drums). The band was formed in 2009 in Bristol, where Jon was a student at BIMM, and where Lee was a lecturer. After spending eight years honing their live performances, IDLES released their debut album, Brutalism, in 2017. This year, they achieved their second UK #1 album with the release of their fifth album, TANGK.
The winner of the scholarship, Ella Raven-Dodd, is studying Vocals and Songwriting with us.
“Growing up I was led to believe that I would never amount to anything. This scholarship is proof to my young self that it gets better and that I am capable of anything I want to achieve as long as I try. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.”
Future Talent Scholarship – Dublin, London and Manchester
The BIMM University Future Talent Scholarships provide full 3-year tuition fee scholarships and we were looking to support those who demonstrate talent in their chosen discipline, strong creative potential, and a high motivation for a career in the creative industries.
The scholarships offer financial support, a supportive training environment, and a skills and career development programme designed to support progression to future careers in the creative industries.
Rachel Egan who is studying Music Business in Manchester.
“I’m endlessly grateful to BIMM & NQ LEGACY for the scholarship that’s helping me pursue my passion for music business. As a Black woman in music, a radio presenter, and a podcast host, I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of incredible creatives who’ve shaped this industry. Here’s to breaking boundaries and amplifying our voices!”
Charles Abako who is studying Music Production in Dublin.
“Winning this scholarship means the world to me. It feels like all the hard work and late nights have truly paid off, and it’s incredible to know that others believe in my potential as much as I do. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden, allowing me to focus fully on my studies, but it also gives me the confidence to pursue my dreams with even more determination.
I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunities this scholarship will open up for me. It’s a reminder that I’m on the right path, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward, knowing that I have support behind me. With God by my side, I know I am destined for great things”
Joseph Blue Onwuchekwa who is studying Guitar in London.
“Receiving this scholarship has boosted my confidence in my musical ability, and given me extra motivation to work harder as now my goals appear more attainable. I hope to find employment doing what I am passionate about and so this is an incredible opportunity which I am determined not to waste. I see my future self playing to large audiences and helping other people, or bands to create music.
Alongside my music career, I would really like to give back by helping disadvantaged children and young people by providing them with opportunities, such as the one I have been granted, and helping them explore their love of music. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”
Can’t wait to see what all these guys get up to in the next few years.
