ESTA UK has set up four special funds in memory of four gifted teachers who contributed greatly to the teaching and playing of string instruments.

Thank you to Hidersine for their continued support of the bursary funds in 2025.

The Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund (JDCMF)

• For children wishing to attend a chamber music course

• For teachers wishing to set up a chamber music project for children

The Nannie Jamieson Nutshell Fund (NJNF)

• For teachers wishing to develop and broaden their teaching skills

The Sheila Nelson Stringwise Fund (SNSF)

• For teachers wishing to further their knowledge of the methodologies of Sheila Nelson and Paul Rolland and those with a special interest in group teaching.

• September 14th 2025 for courses October – December 2025
• November 13th 2025 for courses January 2026 – March 2026
• February 15th 2026 for courses April 2026 – June 2026
• May 10th 2026 for courses July 2026 – September 2026
• September 13th 2026 for courses October 2026 – December 2026

Individual applications will not be considered until after the application deadline. Late applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Where a course starts at the end of one month and finishes in the next month, the start date of the course is the date that determines the deadline. Successful applicants will be notified within 2-4 weeks of the application deadline. Preference may be given to teachers who have been a member* of ESTA UK for more than a year. Project bursaries may not necessarily be subject to deadline dates. The decision of the ESTA Bursary Committee is final.

*Bursaries are only ever awarded to current Full Professional, Young Professional, Overseas Professional or Student members of ESTA UK or to the pupils of teachers who are current members of ESTA UK.