Tonmeister Scholarship Fund Support the Future of Sound Engineering
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its creation in 1969, the Tonmeister course at Surrey has set the gold standard in sound recording education. Combining rigorous scientific training with hands-on professional experience, it has helped to shape your careers.
From its early days in a converted boiler room beneath the University Hall to today’s state-of-the-art facilities, the course has built a world-class reputation. Unique in the UK, it continues to offer an unparalleled blend of music, science, and engineering that continues to attract the brightest minds. The programme is still in high demand, with the vast majority of offered applicants putting it as their firm choice.
Unparalleled Facilities
Access to top-tier recording studios and high quality professional equipment from Neve, Dolby, Studer and Neumann.
Expert-Led Teaching
Lead by a team of academics and industry professionals whose research and professional experience cover a wide range of audio engineering and sound recording topics.
Award-Winning Alumni
Since 2000, Tonmeister graduates have earned 2 Oscars, 11 GRAMMYs, 6 Emmys, and 10 BAFTAs.
A Direct Route to the Industry
The Placement Year scheme has launched careers at Abbey Road Studios, Air Studios, Dolby, and beyond. More than a quarter of students secure a job directly from their placement.
A unique strength of the Tonmeister course is the way in which it combines so many essential elements. You received an education which included an academic study of music and of the science and engineering relevant to Sound Recording; practical recording experience in each year of your course; and a year of professional work with some of the world’s best recording studios, broadcasters or electronic or software design companies. This gave you a unique blend of skills that set you aside from so many others in the industry. Let’s help even more students experience this excellent start to their careers.
Dave Fisher, Emeritus Professor of Sound Recording
Many of us were given a chance. Tonmeisters often come from supportive backgrounds, with parents who were able to support our studies and afford the costs of our education. Students from underprivileged backgrounds don’t have this benefit, and for many access to education isn’t an option. Your support doesn’t just fund a scholarship - it will transform lives, open doors that would otherwise remain closed, and create a ripple effect of opportunity. By giving back, you become part of someone else’s breakthrough story.
Dr Russell Mason, Senior Lecturer and Tonmeister Programme Director
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t.
The Tonmeister course has always attracted the brightest minds. But today, too many talented students face financial barriers that make this path impossible.
A 2024 Sutton Trust report found that in the creative industries, people from middle-class backgrounds outnumber those from working-class backgrounds 4 to 1.
For students from low-income backgrounds, the challenges are real:
• Rising living costs make university feel out of reach.
• Industry placements can be unpaid, adding financial strain.
• No financial safety net means di cult choices—working long hours or even dropping out.
As a community, Tonmeisters have always supported each other. Now, you have an opportunity to ensure that financial hardship never stops a gifted student from following in your footsteps.
Irene’s Story
Studying the Tonmeister degree is one of those big dreams I would have struggled to complete without support. Being awarded a scholarship has allowed me to reduce my responsibilities and enable me to have more time to focus on my degree.
Thanks to the content of the Tonmeister course, the quality of the facilities and equipment available, I believe I will be able to create an impressive portfolio and gain extensive knowledge on a variety of topics related to audio and music. As the course progresses, I’m looking forward to making use of the recording
studios and experiencing what it is like to be a sound engineer.
I’ll be forever grateful to have been given the chance to get a step closer to my aspirations and dreams.
For some, scholarships are the only way to realistically pursue further education. Receiving financial help can be the determining factor when deciding to come to university. I think it’s important to keep providing support. Everyone deserves the opportunity to continue learning.
Irene,
scholarship recipient
Irene’s story is a powerful testament to what scholarships can make possible. But currently, support like this is the exception, not the norm.
Too many gifted students still face financial barriers that put their place on the course, and their future, in jeopardy.
We want to change that. With your help, we can.
What your support can achieve
We’re proud of the history of the Tonmeister course and look forward to seeing our future Tonmeisters continue to develop the community and make exciting contributions to the music industry.
We’re aiming to raise £100,000 to establish a dedicated Tonmeister Scholarship Fund, to be able to provide opportunities to talented young people from under-represented backgrounds to ensure they won’t miss out on the opportunity to receive a first-class education. We don’t want to be at risk of losing gifted and innovative musicians, technicians and sound engineers due to their low economic background.
Your gift, no matter the size, will help build a fund that opens doors and nurtures talent. Here’s what your support could provide:
£16k
Funds a full scholarship for a student throughout their course and placement year.
£4k
£1k Supports a student through their Placement Year, allowing them to focus on learning, not financial stress.
Helps a student cover essential living costs in their crucial first term.
With your help, we can ensure the best and brightest get the chance to become the next leaders in sound engineering.
