The UK’s EMI Music Sound Foundation has reached a landmark £8 million in donations, grants and bursaries aimed at improving access to music education for young people.
In addition, the foundation has changed its name to Universal Music UK Sound Foundation, reflecting the support the independent charity receives from Universal Music Group, the parent company of EMI Music who set up the Foundation with a capital investment in 1997.
The charity is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.
For 21 years the Foundation has supported music education for young people with awards going to over 10,000 children and schools for the purchase of musical instruments, equipment and training.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported 26 secondary schools across the UK, investing a total of £2.4m, helping the schools to specialise in performing arts and music.
Each year, it supports an additional 200 children studying at these schools with the cost of their music lessons via the charity’s Hardship Fund, as well as funding training for 250 teachers in their feeder primary schools. As part of the 21st anniversary, on top of their yearly award of £6,000, each of these sponsored state schools received an extra £5,000 in funding for 2018.
The Foundation also offers annual bursaries to 11 partner music colleges and organisations via a rolling programme. Bursaries are awarded to individual students to assist with their fees and living expenses, with more than 600 applicants benefitting from the programme.
Expanding its commitment to the future of music education, for the first time, the Foundation has provided 50% tuition fee support to three MA students at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) who, as part of their studies, will conduct research into the wider benefits of music.
These students have just embarked on their MAs covering research into the effects of music education on mental health in adolescents; the impact that music education has on the social integration of children who speak little or no English and the wider benefits of music education on other areas of the curriculum.
“On behalf of our students, from Liverpool and beyond, we are grateful for these awards which help make what can be impossible, possible.”
Sir Paul McCartney
Commenting on the bursary support that the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts receives, Sir Paul McCartney, said: “On behalf of our students, from Liverpool and beyond, we are grateful for these awards which help make what can be impossible, possible. The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation is enabling many worthy students to learn, despite financial handicaps.”
“Since our inception in 1997, the Foundation has focused on ensuring that the significant benefits and the joy of studying music remain available to as many young people from all backgrounds across the UK as possible.”
Adam Barker, Universal Music UK Sound Foundation
Adam Barker, Chair of Trustees, Universal Music UK Sound Foundation added: “Since our inception in 1997, the Foundation has focused on ensuring that the significant benefits and the joy of studying music remain available to as many young people from all backgrounds across the UK as possible.
“Universal Music is proud that our support allows 100% of the charity’s funding to be channeled to the vital work that the newly re-named and highly respected Universal Music UK Sound Foundation undertakes year after year.”
“I am delighted to have supported the Foundation for 20 years and to have seen the positive impact they have made to so many schools and individuals through the power of music.”
Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono added: “For so many young people music is an incredibly important lifeline.
“I am delighted to have supported the Foundation for 20 years and to have seen the positive impact they have made to so many schools and individuals through the power of music.”
“Music is about so much more than just learning to play an instrument or read music or spotting the protégés of the future.”
Janie Orr, Universal Music UK Sound Foundation
Janie Orr, MBE, CEO, Universal Music UK Sound Foundation said: “Music is about so much more than just learning to play an instrument or read music or spotting the protégés of the future.
“Music can bring huge benefits to all children, including self-confidence and motivation, regardless of their musical ability.”
Natalie, a bursary recipient and Royal Academy of Music graduate, said: “Both my parents are deaf but, my mum does enjoy watching me play and I think perhaps if they weren’t deaf it would have affected the journey because they never forced me into anything, anything I did was because I enjoyed it and I wanted to do it.
“I’m so lucky to be studying in such a fantastic school that every second I can, I want to be doing something.”
Sir Cliff Richard added: “I have been fortunate to have had a successful musical career for over 60 years, so I fully support the work of the Foundation.
“By generously helping with the purchase of musical instruments and equipment and by way of invaluable personal bursaries, the Foundation has helped thousands of young musicians pursue their dreams.”Music Business Worldwide
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