Introduction
Are you a gifted musician from Nigeria who want to receive high-quality instruction in music without having to pay a high price? A completely financed diploma program in music that covers tuition, books, transportation, and other expenses is the MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship. This book is your road map to success if you’re passionate, have good music grades, and want to succeed.
Background & Partnership
MUSON School of Music
Founded in 1989 under the Musical Society of Nigeria, the MUSON School of Music offers CAF-accredited diplomas, matching UK standards Leadership News+5Opportunities For Africans+5The Nation Newspaper+5MTNmuson.org+1Leadership News+1.
MTN Foundation’s Role
Since around 2006, MTN has sponsored the diploma, supporting hundreds of students across Nigeria—boosting musical proficiency and access muson.orgscholarshipbob.com.
Impact So Far
Over 300 diploma graduates have gone on to study in Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, and the U.S. muson.org. The 2025 graduation saw 39 fully supported musicians receive diplomas Leadership News+1The Nation Newspaper+1.
Scholarship Overview
Course Details
This is a 2-year diploma program in classical and contemporary music, covering majors like Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Guitar, and more scholarshipbob.com+1Opportunities For Africans+1.
Fields of Study
Majors include strings, woodwinds, percussion, voice, and keyboards—with minor specialization and mandatory ensemble participation muson.org+4scholarshipbob.com+4Instagram+4.
Outcome
Upon successful completion, you receive a MUSON Diploma in Music, recognized and respected locally and internationally.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
You need SSCE or GCE with credits in English plus four other subjects MTN+12scholarshipbob.com+12Opportunities For Africans+12.
Music Proficiency
Submit Grade 5 ABRSM/Trinity (Theory & Practical) or MUSON grade 5 equivalent.
Nationality & Age
Open to Nigerian citizens; no strict age cap, but typical applicants are 16–25 years old.
Benefits & Coverage
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Full tuition for the entire diploma Opportunities For Africans+2Advance Africa+2scholarshipbob.com+2scholarshipbob.com+3The Nation Newspaper+3Leadership News+3
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Books and materials included
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Transport support for exams and school events MTN+1scholarshipbob.com+1
Application Timeline & Deadlines
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Applications open in mid‑2025 (usually August) scholarshipbob.comInstagram
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Theory & auditions occur in early September scholarshipbob.comOpportunities For Africans
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Interviews follow, then final selection and enrollment before October’s term start scholarshipbob.comOpportunities For Africans
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Collect SSCE/GCE results, proof of Grade 5 music knowledge, passport photo, and identification.
Step 2: Take the Theory Exam
Expect grade 5 music theory questions and general music knowledge.
Step 3: Audition
Perform on your primary instrument or voice. Strings join orchestra, wind/percussion join band. Voice/piano students must cross-train MTN+5scholarshipbob.com+5Opportunities For Africans+5Opportunities For Africans.
Step 4: Oral Interview
Share your passion, goals, and background in a personal interview.
Step 5: Notification & Enrollment
Shortlisted candidates are invited to enroll for the two-year program.
Selection & Shortlisting
Selection is based on:
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Music theory exam performance
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Practical audition (skill, expression, tone)
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Interview demeanor and passion
Typically a cohort of 35–40 students is admitted yearly scholarshipbob.comThe Nation Newspaper.
Alumni & Success Stories
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2025 graduation: 39 diploma holders celebrated at MUSON’s Shell Hall Leadership News+1The Nation Newspaper+1
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Alumni have progressed to universities in Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, and the U.S. X (formerly Twitter)+3muson.org+3Advance Africa+3
How to Prepare
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Revise music theory—ABRSM grade 5 standards
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Polish your performance—choose pieces that show technique & emotion
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Practice singing or playing daily
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Prepare for your interview—find clarity in your goals and passion
Tips to Stand Out
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Show musicality, not just technical skill
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Demonstrate teamwork and leadership
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Be confident and composed in auditions/interviews
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Submit clean documents early
Life as a Scholar
Expect:
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Daily classes in theory and practical studies
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Ensemble rehearsals and solo recitals
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Mentorship from MUSON faculty
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Immersion in Nigeria’s music community
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University progression or music career launch
Comparison with Other Music Scholarships
This offers a 2-year diploma with full support, which is rare compared to partial sponsorships from private institutions. MTN/MUSON is fully funded with a strong network backing The Nation NewspaperAdvance Africa+3muson.org+3The Nation Newspaper+3.
Conclusion
For committed Nigerian artists, the MTN Foundation MUSON Scholarship 2025/2026 is a fantastic opportunity. It’s more than just instruction; it’s a launching pad, complete with financial backing, top-notch instruction, and links to music schools throughout the globe. Now is the time to be ready, collect your paperwork, and launch your musical ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is admission completely free?
Yes—tuition, books, materials, and transport are fully funded X (formerly Twitter)+3Facebook+3Instagram+3The Nation Newspaper.
2. What music grades are required?
You need ABRSM or Trinity Grade 5 (Theory & Practical) or equivalent scholarshipbob.comAdvance Africa.
3. Can I apply without music certification?
Likely no. MUSON requires musical proof via Grade 5 exam or equivalent practical recognition scholarshipbob.comAdvance Africa.
4. What happens after graduation?
Graduates receive diplomas, perform in a ceremony, and may enter music-related jobs or university programs in Nigeria and abroad The Nation NewspaperLeadership News.
5. Where do I get the application form?
Official details are on MUSON’s website during application period (usually in August). Follow MTN or MUSON social media for updates scholarshipbob.comInstagram.