Richard Tandy, the keyboardist for Birmingham band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) will have a scholarship named after him at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

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

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.

“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.”

The Richard Tandy Scholarship became the charity focus of Jeff Lynne’s ELO’s Over and Out tour of the UK in summer 2025. Through VIP auctions and an online sweepstake, ELO fans contributed over £30,000 to help students in Richard’s memory.

The life of a music student is challenging. With tuition fees a barrier to young people from low-income backgrounds. The cost of instruments, touring, recording and promoting can seem out of reach, but scholarships provide a lifeline for talented musicians, helping them follow in the footsteps of inspirational musicians like Richard.

The first Richard Tandy Scholar was appointed in October 2025, supporting first-year electric bass guitarist Caleb Greer. Caleb said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the Richard Tandy Award and extend my thanks to Sheila, Jeff and all of the charitable funders behind this award. [The Scholarship] will help me immeasurably going forward with my studies at RBC!”

We’re grateful for every donation to the Richard Tandy Scholarship.