Student Aid Fund
In May 2020, the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation responded to the Corona pandemic and the resulting precarious situation for many students with special funding. In February 2022, the Board of Trustees has now decided for the fourth time to give further 2 million euros to the fund, which supports music students in need at 43 music colleges in Switzerland, Austria and Germany as a result of the Corona pandemic. The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation works closely with the music colleges, which organise the allocation of funds to their students according to need. Applications can only be submitted directly to the respective universities and not to the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.
„Our students, who come to us from all over the world, are suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic. They are an important pillar of the cultural and social life in our region. Due to the widespread shutdown of social life, their earning opportunities have currently been lost. With your support, we can help the students in need.“
Letter of thanks from the Folkwang University of the Arts Essen, Germany, June 18, 2020
„The socio-economic crisis in my home country, Turkey, which has worsened dramatically with the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, has put a huge strain on my studies and life and my mother, who has done everything she could both professionally and privately since I was a small child to ensure that I receive the best possible education, was no longer able to support me. Without the help of scholarships or the support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, it would be difficult or impossible for me to live out my love and passion for art and music. This support expresses an appreciation of art and music, deep humanity and encouragement that will lead me to successful days and bring me a big step closer to my goal with your help – THANK YOU!“
Işık Soyluer, Piano, Karlsruhe University of Music
„Your solidarity for the students is more than just a financial contribution in these difficult times – for us, your generous gesture is also an expression of appreciation for the arts and their relevance for a strong, pluralistic society.“
Email from the University of the Arts Bremen, Germany, dated June 23, 2020
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, my parents were no longer able to support me financially. The support from the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation helped me in an acute financial emergency to pay my rent and thus continue my studies in Germany.
Cologne University of Music
and Dance
„All members of HMT Leipzig are overwhelmed and deeply touched by this generous support for our music students! I would like to express my heartfelt thanks, especially on behalf of the students, but of course also on behalf of all my colleagues, for your truly wonderful commitment! How fortunate we are to be able to pass on a sign of solidarity to those of us who want to dedicate our professional lives to serving musical culture and for whom encouraging signals do so much good right now.“
Email from Prof. Gerald Fauth, Rector of the Leipzig University of Music and Theatre, dated June 25, 2021
„During the pandemic, both my concert and teaching activities were severely restricted, which also led to financial bottlenecks. This was a great burden for me as well as many other music students. The funding gave me the opportunity to continue my studies and was a great help, for which I am very grateful!“
Marie-Luisa Ehrlich, piano, Folkwang University of the Arts Essen
„We greatly appreciate your recurring and generous support and are grateful to be able to count on the solidarity of foundations like yours. Thank you for your commitment to the next generation of musicians and thus to music as a bridge between different cultures in these difficult times for all of us.“
Letter of thanks from the Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland, dated March 28, 2022
In the difficult times of the corona crisis, your help not only saved my financial situation, but also my mental health. In the situation when you are young and healthy and would like to work but are not allowed to do so, it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid the stress – especially when you have no means of making a living. Your financial support has helped me to survive the difficult times in my life, while staying healthy and continuing to focus on my studies.
University of Music
Würzburg
„Both the Armenian soprano Mariam Aloyan, the Indian baritone Frazan Kotwal and the German bassoonist Theresia Schmalian are very well integrated and networked through the diverse concert and cultural scene in Stuttgart and the region. The cancellation of all concert events, which is not limited to the last three months but will also affect the coming months, means that there is no basis for coping with the cost of living. ‘As the only Indian student at the HMDK, it is not only difficult but almost impossible to live in Stuttgart. I am so grateful to have received this emergency aid,’ says baritone Frazan Kotwal. As representatives, all three students are grateful for the aid program of the Ernst von Siemens Foundation and the Society of Friends, so that at least the rent and living costs are financed for a certain period of time.“
Press release from the Stuttgart University of Music and Performing Arts from July 2020
„The corona pandemic meant that I lost many opportunities to perform and earn money. I am very grateful for the generous support from the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, as it relieved me of my financial worries and gave me confidence. Thanks to the support, I was able to make use of creative freedom, which led to the further development of my studies.“
Geraldine Galka, violin, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media
The pandemic has put obstacles in the way of many young people in particular who are pursuing a big goal and do not yet have a steady income. As music students, we have had a difficult time. I myself started my studies during the pandemic. Thanks to the support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, I was able to live more independently financially and put all my energy into overcoming these hurdles. I was able to focus entirely on my studies.
Rostock University
of Music and Drama