This page is part of the offer-holders section for students who have been offered an undergraduate place at Christ's College.
There are lots of opportunities for keen musicians at Christ's! As well as the College Music Society and the plethora of other musical groups of all kinds around the University, if you're a passionate instrumentalist, the Instrumental Awards Scheme (IAS) enables outstanding student musicians to participate in top-quality chamber music whilst at the University. This is an intercollegiate scheme which is open to undergraduate (and graduate) students at all Cambridge Colleges. It is administered by the Centre for Music Performance (CMP).
Details
The Instrumental Award Scheme supports chamber ensembles with concert opportunities throughout the academic year in Cambridge and further afield. Highlights include groups performing at the prestigious Wigmore Hall in London, for example.
Each member of the scheme receives a monetary award from their college, as well as financial support towards instrumental lessons.
For full details about the scheme and audition requirements, please visit: Centre for Music Performance: Instrumental Awards for Chamber Music Scheme (IAS) (you need to read the whole page).
Application information
The application process and deadlines for students starting in October 2026 are summarised as follows:
Mid- July 2026
Information about the Instrumental Award scheme available. Click here for the set repertoire list, information on how to apply, what to expect at the audition, what the scheme involves and much more. Before July you can read last year's info, but note that the dates etc may change for 2026 entry.
Date tbc August 2026
Applications open for instrumental awards
Go to the page here and complete an application form
You can apply if you have a confirmed place for a course starting in October 2026.
Date tbc September 2026
Applications close for instrumental awards
Freshers week 2026
Auditions take place in the first week of your first term and consist of a solo audition, with successful candidates progressing to a chamber music round. Audition repertoire will be available on the Centre for Music Performance website from April 2026 onwards. You will not need to arrive in Cambridge early for Instrumental Award auditions. See arriving in Cambridge for the arrival date.
If your offer is for 2027 or 2028 entry, you would apply in the year that you are due to start your course.
The Centre for Music Performance
The Centre for Music Performance offers something for every musician. Whether you're interested in historical performance, jazz, gospel, contemporary music, or traditional orchestral repertoire, there are ensembles to suit all tastes and levels. Notable orchestral opportunities include the Cambridge University Orchestra and the student-run Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra, for which auditions are also held in October, alongside many other groups across all genres.
To find out more about all musical opportunities and ensembles at Cambridge, visit the website: Centre for Music Performance: All for Music, Music for All.
Photo Credit: faruk.kara.org.uk
Questions?
Once you have read the full information, if you have a question about the instrumental award scheme or applying for it, please do not hesitate to email info@cmp.cam.ac.uk.
