South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT) Bursary

About the Bursary Provider

The South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT), founded in 1918 in Cape Town, is the oldest professional music society in Southern Africa. It represents music teachers in schools, private practice, music centres, colleges, and universities. SASMT supports music education and provides bursaries to students pursuing professional music qualifications.

SASMT Bursary Programmes – Fields Covered

SASMT offers five bursary types for the 2026 academic year, available to paid-up SASMT members and their students:

• SASMT Study Bursary: For general music studies
• David Reunert Bursary: For students pursuing music professionally as teachers or performers
• Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship: For stringed instruments, particularly the violin
• Gladwell Scholarship: For instrumental, vocal, or composition studies
• Kathleen Irish Scholarship: For piano studies

Bursary winners are required to perform at the next SASMT Annual General Meeting.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

SASMT Study Bursary:

• South African citizen
• Existing paid-up SASMT member >2 years
• Studying or intending to study a music qualification
• Enrolled or accepted at a recognised South African institution

David Reunert Bursary:

• Music student intending to pursue music professionally
• Student of a current paid-up SASMT member
• South African resident, aged 18–25
• Completed Matric with National Senior Certificate

Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship:

• South African citizen
• Student of a current paid-up SASMT member
• Studying stringed instruments, especially the violin
• Studying local or international music

Gladwell Scholarship:

• South African citizen, under 25
• Student of a current paid-up SASMT member
• Studying instrumental, vocal, or compositional music
• Grade 8 standard or higher from any music examining body

Kathleen Irish Scholarship:

• Student of a current paid-up SASMT member
• In financial need
• Promising music pupil wishing to study piano at the tertiary level
• Studying local or international music approved by SASMT

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the respective bursary forms:

• SASMT Study Bursary Application 2026
• David Reunert Bursary Application 2026
• Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship Application 2026
• Gladwell Scholarship Application 2026
• Kathleen Irish Scholarship Application 2026

Enter “bursariesguru.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

Required Supporting Documents

SASMT Study Bursary:

• Certified ID copy (<3 months old)
• Photo (500 px height, <3 months old)
• Full academic record
• Proof of acceptance at an academic institution
• Recommendation by a SASMT member
• Short CV
• Motivational letter

Other Bursaries/Scholarships:

• Certified ID copy (<3 months old)
• Photo (500 px height, <3 months old)
• Full academic record
• Recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor
• Short CV
• YouTube link to unedited video of 3 contrasting works from 2+ style periods (15–20 min)
• Teacher declaration confirming the authenticity of the performance

Closing Date

31 October 2025 – applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Contact Information

• Contact person: Priscilla Crundwell
• Cell: 083 788 2649
• Email: [email protected]