Arnold Bentley Fund

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Award history

Arnold Bentley (1913–2001)

Arnold first came to prominence in 1966 with the publication of his celebrated ‘Musical Ability in Children and its Measurement’, a book that for many years was to be the most cited in the field. Under his leadership, regular research conferences were held at Reading twice yearly from 1966 onwards, and it was from these that SRPMME (now Sempre) evolved. First as Chair, and later as its President, Arnold oversaw the development of the Society’s first prestigious journal Psychology of Music and was instrumental in the Society becoming internationally acclaimed.

Purpose of the award

The Arnold Bentley Fund exists to support new, interdisciplinary initiatives concerned with the advancement or promotion of research in the psychology of music or music education. Examples may include support towards a project, development of a research conference, seminar, workshop, exhibition or publication that is particularly innovative or pioneering.

Total fund available

Awards are up to £3000.

Eligibility

The Arnold Bentley Fund is open to anyone working in an area embraced by the Society’s aims.

Criteria

The criteria by which applications will be judged include the quality, originality and significance of the proposed research, and the likelihood of the applicant being unable to obtain funding from other sources.

Decision-making process

All applications will be considered by the Sempre Awards Panel. Normally, applicants will be informed of the decision within six weeks of the outcome. The award should be taken up within the 12-month period following the decision, or by negotiation. Any award not claimed within this period without notification will be deemed to have lapsed. The decision of the panel is final, and the Society regrets that it is unable to enter into any correspondence regarding its decision. Each application is treated individually on its merits; hence previous applicants are not precluded from applying.

Feedback from award recipients

Successful recipients are expected to write a brief report summarising the outcome of their research, including any related images (with appropriate ethical approval) for posting on the Sempre website. Please contact the Sempre Administrator for more details.

Further information

For further information, please contact the Sempre Chair, Professor Graham Welch, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL, United Kingdom. Tel: +44(0)20-7612 6550. Email: [email protected]  

Apply

Applicants should complete the application form available by clicking ‘Download Application’ below. The completed form should be sent to the Sempre Secretary, Professor Adam Ockelford, Roehampton University, Queens Building, Southlands College, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5SL, UK. Phone: +44 (0) 7818-456 472. Email: [email protected]   

Normally, in the case of less established or new researchers, as part of the application process we expect all applicants to provide the Sempre Trustees with the name of an academic referee who can testify to the applicant’s competence in undertaking the research and/or development activity successfully.

Download application