TONO's podcast host and TONO content producer Kristian Dugstad and Trine Mjølhus Jacobsen from Møst tell you everything you need to know about scholarships and application schemes in TONO's podcast Musikkskaperne. (photo: Kristian Dugstad)
Grants, scholarships and support! Applying for money is essential to get most music careers going. But where do you find the schemes and how do you write a good application?
/ 07/03/2024 / Kristian DugstadMusic creators and performers should be paid for their work, and many will make a living from music. The money comes in through TONO and Gramo payments, royalties, mastering income and merch sales, among other things. Unfortunately, the reality is that even though the income streams are many, the total is often too small to make a music career work.
Fortunately, Norway has many scholarships, grants and support funds that you can apply for. But where do you find the schemes and how do you write a good application?
Both questions are answered in TONO's podcast Musikkskaperne by general manager of the Music Office MØST, Trine Mjølhus Jacobsen.
Click here to find a link to the episode on Apple's podcast platform, Spotify etc.
There are a wide range of different schemes for different parts of the music value chain. Familiarize yourself with what is available and search for those that are relevant to you.
Feel free to use Musikkontoret.no's overview of various grant schemes. here.These can be sorted into different categories.
As a TONO member, be sure to check out the TONO scholarship and Young Talents! In 2024, the application period is from March 6 to April 16.
Read about the TONO scholarships here
Once you have found one or more schemes to apply for, the first thing you should do is open the application form.
Most schemes have pre-defined fields to fill in and a limited number of characters to use, so you can quickly get an indication of how comprehensive your application should be.
It may still be a good idea to write the application in a local document on your machine. Few things are more annoying than having found the perfect wording, only to have your browser time out and have to start over. It will also make it easier for you to reuse good wording in multiple applications.
In most cases, you should start by describing yourself as an artist. Keep it brief and to the point.
The same applies to the project description where you explain what the money will be used for. Be credible and serious, and demonstrate that you have the implementation skills needed to realize the project. Feel free to check previous awards to get an indication of how much you should apply for.
Be aware of the framework for the scheme you are applying for. Do not write about touring activities in an application for a grant aimed at songwriting and vice versa.
Please attach relevant and recent attachments such as music files and lyrics that show who you are as an artist. Please also include an artistic CV, listing previous releases and tours, for example.
In many cases, a budget is required. Be neat and professional.
Show that you have a realistic understanding of various costs. Use established rates for fees to musicians, producers, etc. Remember to also list fees to yourself.
Please note that the amount you have applied for should also be included in the budget, and the same applies to other grants you have applied for for the same project. Always have an item for equity or savings. You adjust this so that the income and expenditure side goes to zero.
In most schemes that require a budget, you must also report. Be neat and show that the money has gone to what you described in the application.
If there have been changes during the project, it may be a good idea to talk to the case manager, but the most important thing is that you show that you have fulfilled the ambitions in the application and that you have followed your budget.
Click here to find a link to the episode on Apple's podcast platform, Spotify etc.