A PAOLO Nutini sponsored scholarship for up-and-coming songwriters is now open to applications.

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is offering promising musicians a fully-funded place on the acclaimed Masters in Music programme worth £5,500.

Now in its third year, the scholarship aims to take the next generation’s musical talent to the next level.

Rachel Jack, who won the original scholarship said: “The scholarship really developed my confidence as a songwriter and performer by opening me up to collaborators, mentors and peers that I continue to work with to this day.

“As a big fan of Paolo Nutini, it was a real honour to win the scholarship and it’s a year that has had a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally.”

The lucky student will have access to industry-standard broadcasting and recording facilities and be taught by bands such as Deacon Blue, Love and Money and Pearlfishers.

Alix Adair, the current scholar said: “Having my studies funded meant I was able to invest in other projects, such as furthering my own visual-music content creation company, Ocular Sound, and accepting an internship with a music publishing company, a career path I hope to further explore alongside my own songwriting in the following years.

“Being this year’s scholar has also been a huge confidence boost in my writing and it has encouraged me to continue to experiment with sound, form and concept.”

The Masters programme has four different pathways for applicants, including songwriting, sound production, industries and music for those with a broad interest in the creative, technical and industrial elements of music.

David Scott, senior lecturer and tutor on the MA in Music at UWS said: “We’re thrilled with the progress of the Paolo Nutini Scholarship and the huge impact it has already had on our students.

“Our Masters in Music is a vibrant, creative community of musicians and the scholarship helps a talented songwriter to undertake studies with us at the university, regardless of financial background.

“Paolo himself is a huge inspiration to young people in Paisley and beyond and an artist who is as committed to his community as he is to the craft of songwriting.

“We are opening the doors now to applications from worthy candidates and we’re looking forward to a talent search like no other, assessing candidates on their experience or academic qualifications and their portfolio of work.”

The Paolo Nutini Songwriting Scholarship is open to all UWS Masters in Music applicants for September 2020. Those applying for the course are automatically considered for the scholarship but are encouraged to say why they should be considered as the Paolo Nutini Scholar in their application.