Help Musicians is proud to announce that 103 students from across the UK will receive support towards their music studies this year through its Postgraduate, Ian Fleming Musical Theatre and Sybil Tutton Opera Awards.
As part of the charity’s commitment to providing accessible, equitable and inclusive application routes to funding opportunities, Help Musicians altered the application process to come directly from the students in need, rather than the previous conservatoire nominations process. The aim was to empower students, alleviate some of the administrative burden within higher education institutions and ensure that potential barriers in applying for support were removed.
Candidates were shortlisted based on their financial need and their aspirations to create a sustainable career within the music industry. Auditions then took place across London and Manchester in April and June in front of eminent experts within their respective fields, including internationally-renowned violinist Rachel Podger and the LSO’s Principal Clarinet Andrew Marriner.
Guitarist and Popular Music Performance Award winner Paul Anderson said: “Receiving this award means a lot to me and will really help ease the financial burden and allow me to concentrate on my studies and becoming a better musician. I am very grateful to the panel, they were very friendly and welcoming and made the audition feel less stressful than it could have been. Once again, thank you so much for this generous award.”
Panel chair Ron Corp OBE said: “Another successful round of auditions – it’s wonderful to hear so many impressive performances from talented young musicians, all of whom have the potential to pursue a flourishing career. I am pleased that this year’s open process encouraged more musicians to come forward.”
50% of those who auditioned received awards between £1,000 and £5,000, with the average award being £2,777.
Major award winners this year are:
Jack Bailey – Cello – Ian Fleming Award
Thomas Fountain- Trumpet- Ian Fleming Award
Sean Greenheld – Piano – Myra Hess Award
James Jones – Violin – Ian Fleming Award
Ben Michaels – Cello – Ian Fleming Award
Madeleine Pickering – Violin – Ian Fleming Award
Ben Tarlton – Cello – Suggia Gift Award
Rebecca Toal – Trumpet – Ian Fleming Award
Charlie Westhoff – Violin – Parikian Award
Stephanie Yim – Clarinet – Ian Fleming Award
Matthew Jackson- Musical Direction – Lesley Hayes Award
Applications will reopen in January next year for those starting or continuing their studies at a UK Conservatoire in September 2020.
