Music scholarship in memory of former ELO star launches with a chance to win tickets to Jeff Lynne’s tour

Richard Tandy, who died at the age of 76 in April 2024, held his final on-stage appearance in Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall in 2019 as part of his work championing RBC students.

This included the 2019 Earthrise concert and album, which was co-written and produced by Richard Tandy, alongside fellow ELO bandmate Dave Scott-Morgan, and involved three RBC composers and its orchestra.

An initial donation by Richard’s wife, Sheila Tandy, established the scholarship earlier this year. 

It will support first-year undergraduates who are studying keyboard, piano or guitar- the same instruments that earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In support of the scholarship, music fans are also being given a once in a lifetime opportunity to donate to win tickets to see the final stops of Jeff Lynne's ELO’s Over and Out tour – the final Jeff Lynne’s ELO shows ever – with the proceeds helping train the next generation of musicians.

Later this year, RBC will also officially open a Richard Tandy Production Suite containing some of Richard’s instruments, music equipment and memorabilia donated by his family.

‘Thrilled to inspire other players and performers’

“Richard cared so much about music, and was thrilled to inspire other players and performers, especially those in Birmingham where he grew up,” said Sheila Tandy.

“He wanted the students at RBC to benefit from everything he achieved, and the scholarship will help so many young people follow their music ambitions.”

RBC are hoping to boost the numbers of students that can receive a Tandy Scholarship with a charity auction and sweepstake, generously organised by ELO co-founder Jeff Lynne, who received an honorary doctorate from BCU in 2014.

Stephen Maddock, Principal of RBC, expressed his gratitude: “Scholarships and bursaries are more vital than ever before for helping young musicians perfecting their craft.