The Frank Marshall Instrumental Prize was established in 2025 by William Roth, former Director of Development at Univ, in acknowledgment of the enormous contribution Frank Marshall made to the ongoing success of Univ during his twenty-year tenure as both Estates Bursar and Investment Bursar.

This new prize is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate instrumentalists currently studying at University College, Oxford. The objective of the prize is to provide meaningful financial support for outstanding musicians to pursue extra-curricular music study.

£500 prize

Entry Requirements:

–    Instrumentalists must offer one or more pieces lasting no longer than ten minutes. Players must provide their own accompanists if required.
–    Deadline for applications is Monday 16 February, 2026 at 9am.
–    Applicants must be prepared to audition during the day on Friday 20 February, 2026 in the Hall (times tbc).

The audition panel will comprise:

–     Giles Underwood, Director of Music, Univ; Professor of Singing, Royal Academy of Music
–     Caroline Balding, professional violinist, Leader of The Martlet Ensemble

Applicants should apply in writing to Mr Giles Underwood (giles.underwood@univ.ox.ac.uk), identifying choice of audition repertoire, and some idea of their plans for the use of the prize money (for example: summer residential courses, language courses, masterclasses, coaching with specific teachers).

The Winner will be announced during this year’s recital before the end of Hilary Term, 2026.

Published: 8 December 2025

Explore Univ on social media