1. The entrant must be aged between 16 & 30 years of age to take part. Entrants under 18 years of age must have the permission of their parent or guardian to enter the competition.
2. The composition must be a single movement or suite, lasting no longer than 10, and no less than 8 minutes, suitable for either:
   • Solo Clarsach (Lever harp) or wire strung harp.
     or
   • Clarsach (Lever harp) or any size of wire strung harp and up to 3 other instruments and/or voices.
3. The composition should be for the standard-sized clarsach / lever harp: 34 strings with a range from C two octaves below middle C to A three octaves above middle C.  The lever harp is most commonly tuned in E-flat major or A-flat major but can be tuned to any key. Please contact us for further guidance or advice. If writing for wire strung harp it can be of any size and may be tuned in any key.
4. The work must be an original composition and the unaided work of the entrant. It must not have been previously performed, published or disseminated in anyway. The copyright of the music shall remain with the composer.
5. A full score in PDF format and a recording of the composition in MP3 (or similar) format must be submitted together and must match exactly. The composer’s name must not be stated on the score or the MP3 (or similar) file.
6. Scores and sound files should be submitted via WeTransfer or similar to office@clarsachsociety.co.uk.
7. The composer must be available to perform their composition at the next Edinburgh International Harp Festival. In the case of a non-harpist submitting a work, it is the composer’s responsibility to find the artist(s) to perform the work at the premiere performance.
8. The cost of the premiere performance only, including travel costs for musicians involved (limited to travel within the UK), will be met by the Edinburgh International Harp Festival.
9. The judges’ decision will be final.
10. The successful entrant must also be willing to write a short report on winning the award for publication in The Society’s Annual Report and on its website.

If you have any queries or special requirements, contact the National Office via email or telephone +44 (0)131 554 0212.

1. Any member of The Clarsach Society, with the exception of Trustees, can apply:

• Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply in future years.
• Successful applicants may not re-apply.

2. The Bursaries are intended to benefit and encourage promising players at any level who have limited resources, financial or otherwise.

3. The awards will be a sum fixed by The Society’s Music Committee (up to £500) for use towards the cost of tuition and accommodation at an approved course with a Scottish content (e.g. Edinburgh International Harp Festival). When appropriate, the bursary may take the form of the use of a harp provided free for one year, possibly extending for up to 3 years.

4. Applicants will be given consideration by The Society’s Music Committee.

5. All entries must be submitted with:

• A completed application form.
• A confidential recommendation written by a sponsor: being a recognised music teacher, (who need not be a clarsach teacher) or other person with appropriate knowledge able to comment on the applicant’s general potential ability.

6. Applications must be submitted by November 1st each year.  

7. Successful applicants will be asked to report on a fixed date(s) on how they have used their bursary or use of a harp for our records.

8. Completed application forms and sponsor recommendations should be emailed privately to office@clarsachsociety.co.uk by 5pm on November 1st in the year of application.

9. If you have any queries or special requirements, contact the National Office via email office@clarsachsociety.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)131 554 0212.