The Brian May Scholarship

Celebrated as one of Australia’s pre-eminent screen composers, Brian May’s legacy is marked not only by his achievements in composing for film and television but also by his role in revolutionising the industry, setting new standards for original music in Australian media.

His scores played a significant role in defining the auditory experience of dystopian cinema and are a testament to Brian’s ability to enhance the cinematic experience through music.

The Brian May Scholarship provides financial assistance to promising Australian screen composers to study screen scoring at the University of Southern California, a world leading education facility.

The scholarship value, as determined by the Trustees in accordance with the will of the late Brian May, is set at AU$95,000. This amount will be allocated as a contribution towards tuition and related fees for the selected candidate.

Scholarship applications must be received by 5 pm on the 1st December 2026.

🎶 Apply Now for the 2027-2028 Scholarship: https://www.brianmayscholarship.org/applicationform/

The scholarship value, as determined by the Trustees in accordance with the will of the late Brian May, is set at a fixed amount of AU$98,500.

🎶 Apply Now for the 2027-2028 Scholarship: https://www.brianmayscholarship.org/applicationform/

One of the biggest reasons the TV show Euphoria became such a cultural phenomenon wasn't just the cinematography, fashion or storyline.

It was the music.

The haunting, emotional and often uncomfortable soundtrack created by Labrinth became the emotional backbone of the series. It told us how to feel before a single word was spoken.

When viewers talk about recent episodes feeling different, many point to the soundtrack. Without those signature vocal swells, gospel-inspired moments and atmospheric production, scenes can feel less immersive and less emotionally charged.

It's a reminder that great music doesn't just support a story. It becomes part of the story. Sometimes the audience doesn't notice what's missing until it's gone.

🎬 What's your take? Could Euphoria have become the phenomenon it was without Labrinth's music?

The USC Thornton School of Music provides students with the chance to immerse themselves in a world-renowned institution that boasts a comprehensive curriculum, exceptional faculty, and cutting-edge facilities.

🎶 Don't miss your chance to apply for the 2027-2028 Brian May Scholarship. All applications must be submitted by 5 PM on December 1st, 2026.

https://www.brianmayscholarship.org/applicationform/

Meet Louis - our 2021-2023 Scholarship Awardee.

"I would say that my unique artistic voice as a composer is one of my greatest strengths. I have had many different opportunities to both compose and perform music of many different styles and settings, from EDM to plays to avant-garde film. Through this myriad of genres and experiences, I have had ample opportunity to develop my own sound and compositional voice.

Through being artistically involved with all these different art forms under the umbrella of music, I have been able to develop a sound that is authentic, unique, and, most importantly, personal. It is something that I am very proud of."

Credit: Shoutout LA

Happy World Music Day! 🌍🎻

Today, we celebrate the power of music to inspire and connect us all.

The Brian May Scholarship supports emerging Australian screen composers to study at the world-renowned University of Southern California, helping shape the future of music for film. 🎬🎶

Nobody left the cinema talking about the special effects.

When Wicked was released, social media wasn't obsessing over CGI.

People were talking about the vocals.
The live singing.
The emotion.
The talent.

A reminder that no matter how advanced technology becomes, audiences still connect most deeply with human artistry.

That's the power of music. Well done, Stephen Schwartz and John Powell!

Are you eligible for our 2027-2028 scholarship to study a Master of Music Degree in screen scoring at the Thornton School, University of Southern California?

🎶 Apply Now for the 2027-2028 Scholarship: https://www.brianmayscholarship.org/applicationform/

The Scholarship assists promising Australian screen composers (ordinarily resident in Australia) to study screen scoring at an overseas educational institution. The Trustees for the Scholarship have been given the power to choose an education programme which fulfils Brian May’s stated wishes in his Will.

The Trust offers a scholarship to assist awardees to study for a Master of Music Degree in screen scoring at the Thornton School, University of Southern California.

This Master of Music Degree provides a broad-based curriculum and intensive professional training in film scoring, combining music theory, practice and industry experience.

🎶 Apply Now for the 2027-2028 Scholarship: https://www.brianmayscholarship.org/applicationform/