The Guitar Institute, part of London’s Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, has announced the launch of their exclusiveSTEVE VAI scholarship programme. This scholarship is worth over £7,500 annually, with the award comprising one fully-funded place plus one part-funded place on the Institute’s renowned one-year Higher Diploma course.

Grammy award-winning and legendary guitarist Steve Vai has always supported exciting new artists through his label Favoured Nations but now, by partnering with the Institute in the development of this scholarship, he has shown his commitment to finding and nurturing new talent. And by choosing to work with the Institute, he has ensured that his own personal commitment will be supported by one of the world’s leading providers of music education.

Paul Kirkham, Director at the Institute, said: "We are thrilled by the launch of this new scholarship programme. It is an honour to be working with someone of the calibre of Steve Vai, and we have been hugely impressed by his obvious commitment to and support for the development of new talent. This is of course a great opportunity for all aspiring guitar players – Steve is a huge inspiration to millions around the globe and for them to have the chance to develop their skills and talent at the Institute through his generosity is amazing."

To enter the scholarship, which will be for the course commencing October 2011, all you have to do is upload a three minute video performance to the Steve Vai scholarship website, Stevevaischolarship.com before January 7th, 2011. A combination of an expert panel of judges plus public voting will select the finalists and then Steve will be making his selection for this year’s winner!

For more information on scholarships and courses at the Guitar Institute, contact:

www.icmp.co.uk

0207 328 0222

enquiries@icmp.co.uk

(Photo by Michael Mesker)