FOUR promising young musicians have been awarded the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) Paolo Nutini Songwriting Scholarship for the first time.
Bethany Ferrie, Christian McCabe, David Grimason and Steven Allan – students from the University’s acclaimed MA Music programme – will all receive the award, which is sponsored by UWS honorary doctor Paolo Nutini.
Previously, the scholarship had been awarded to just one student, but Nutini, behind such hits as New Shoes, Scream (Funk My Life Up) and Let Me Down Easy, has agreed to a change in format in recognition of the challenges facing musicians in the wake of Covid-19.
MA Music Programme Leader Jo Collinson Scott said: “The changes in format mean that more students can benefit more directly, and swiftly, from the benefits of a scholarship, and it truly is a monumental change.
“We are hugely grateful to Paolo, who has long been a tireless supporter of, and advocate for, emerging musicians and the UWS MA Music course.
“The scholarship is highly competitive, and all four recipients are highly deserving. I have no doubt that they all have bright futures within the music industry.”
The Masters programme at UWS has four different pathways: Songwriting, Sound Production, Industries, and Music, for those with a broad interest in the creative, technical and industrial elements of music.
Students on the programme have access to industry standard broadcasting and recording facilities, and are taught by academics including members of bands such as Deacon Blue, Love and Money and the Pearlfishers.
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