Trust Chair Fund for Postgraduate Musicians

Hello, and thank you for taking an interest in my fund. 

There are few things that excite me more than watching extraordinary young musicians perform. As an experienced musician myself, I am genuinely bowled over every time I see the students at Guildhall School: their talent is exceptional, but so too is their determination and sheer passion for what they do.

Guildhall is recognised as one of the top three performing arts schools in the world, and it is an honour to serve as Chair of the Guildhall School Trust. Alongside my fellow Trustees, our purpose is to advance the education of its students. This gives me the privilege of seeing at close hand just how much talent there is at the School, and the incredible impact that philanthropic support can make to them. Alongside my personal support of an opera student, I’ve been thinking about how I can make a longer-term contribution that will benefit students for years to come. 

With this in mind, I’ve decided to call on my friends and contacts, many of whom have enjoyed watching the students ‘in action’, to join me in building a scholarship fund, for those who find it hardest to afford a hard-won place at Guildhall. 

To make that support sustainable, we need to build a fund of £100,000 or more, so that it can provide support for students while retaining the capital wherever possible. I will match-fund the first £25,000, meaning the first donations received will be doubled in value at no extra cost to the person who gives. It’s therefore a real team effort: you support me in building the fund, and I support you by adding to your generosity with my matching gift, and together we support the most deserving students.

I’m especially interested in supporting those with the greatest financial need, and I have learnt that postgraduate musicians are often among those who find it hardest. They face higher fees, have less access to loans, and many already carry the burden of undergraduate debt.

Any donation you can make will be hugely appreciated. I believe that if these young people have the grit and determination needed to perform at this demandingly high level of excellence, then we, as their audience, should meet them halfway by supporting them in whatever way we can.  Please give generously.

Warmest regards