A Freddie Mercury Scholarship was launched on Tuesday (10.06.16) by The Academy of Contemporary Music.
The accolade bearing the late Queen frontman’s name will be given to one lucky student studying on one of various music BA (Hons) degree courses at the educational facility in Guilford, Surrey, South East England.
It has been created in the same year that would have seen the ‘We Will Rock You’ singer turn 70 on September 5.
The scholarship will fully fund a student’s entire study path and is worth £27,000, and has been endorsed by Queen stars Roger Taylor and Brian May.
Drummer Roger – who is a patron of ACM and has a drum studio named after him at the academy’s Guildford campus – said: "Freddie’s name endures in so many ways so it’s therefore great to have this scholarship celebrating his musical genius!"
And guitarist Brian thinks Freddie would be "happy" to hear his name was being used to help "young talent" and sees it as a "lasting tribute" to his deceased bandmate.
He said: "This scholarship will be a lasting tribute to Freddie and the path he blazed. He would be happy to see young talent being helped to blossom. Of course Metropolis holds a very special place in Queen history, and it’s a pleasure to continue that link."
The ACM@Metropolis academy is based at the legendary Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, London, where the likes of The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse and Sir Paul McCartney have recorded.
ACM Director and Iron Maiden Bruce Dickinson thinks it’s "fitting" that Mercury’s name is being used as a trailblazer for rising talent as he’s "such an inspiration" to every generation of musicians.
He said: "The Freddie Mercury Scholarship offers a fantastic opportunity for one talented student. We always seek out musicians with the most potential and commitment to study, regardless of background and qualifications, and this award will allow us to fully support one student’s journey into the music industry.
"With original music at the core and the combination of songwriting, performance, production and business on the course, it is very fitting that this scholarship is being awarded in Freddie’s name. As one of the greatest examples of original talent across writing, performing and creating a brand out of both, he is such an inspiration to our students."
Applications for the ACM’s study programmes beginning September 2016 are now open.
First ever Freddie Mercury Scholarship launched
