Many students (over 40) have applied from 18 countries to attend Siena Summer Academy, an intensive residential course for predominantly classical singers to receive personal tuition, mix in a richly diverse international community in a buzzing city, and have many opportunities to perform. Many have asked for financial help with the €1200 fee (not including travel). They come from sometimes deprived backgrounds, often with few opportunities to explore their musical skills and passions.

A course like this can change peoples' lives. Students glimpse both the difficulties and the benefits of committing their lives to music. The wider implications of involvement in music are revealed. Music encourages, indeed demands, truly living in the present, and truly listening to others. A course like this promotes creative social activity, team work, individual excellence, and commitment, as well as promoting the intensive joy of music making. Above all, it is fun, profoundly so.

Immediately. Applicants can have their applications to Siena Summer Academy confirmed this month (June 2015).

Direct funding of individual applications from some 15 students of bursaries, ranging from €200, to €900 in two cases (coming from Greece and Ecuador). Applicants send a full account of their circumstances, and awards are made on a combination of need and likely future development. Please see Siena Summer Academy details on www.michaelchancecountertenor.co.uk/masterclasses/