The Mayor of London's Fund for Young Musicians
David Ross Foundation's support helps The Mayor of London's Fund for Young Musicians (MFYM) reach many more musically talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Born out of the Mayor's 2008 Music Education Strategy and a comprehensive review of London-wide music provision undertaken by the Institute of Education, MFYM has been established to address the current situation whereby children who have 'had a go' at playing an instrument, and have shown real talent and commitment, simply cannot carry on learning unless their family can afford private tuition.
MFYM believes it is a waste of potential and an injustice, that a child who has enthusiasm, and wants to develop a life-enhancing skill, is barred from doing so through financial and social disadvantage. This is doubly frustrating when parents and educators are aware of the positive impact that music has on the lives of children, developing the mind and personality, raising academic achievement, giving lifelong pleasure, and bridging the cultural and social divide, in an unparalleled range of ways.
Armed with this knowledge, MFYM is awarding up to 200 four-year Scholarships per year across all 33 London Boroughs, providing access to instruments, small group tuition, mentoring and performance opportunities. In line with the Government-commissioned Henley Review recommendation for 'hub' working, MFYM is also awarding up to 10 Partnerships a year between Music Services and professional music groups, providing thousands of 7-18 year old musicians with enhanced workshops, group activities, mentoring and performance opportunities.
These programmes, offering disadvantaged children with musical potential wide-ranging development paths, have the ability to change the musical landscape in London, and to be a template for schools countrywide.
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