Financial Support
Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust is committed to ensuring all children and young people reach their full potential, supporting those in need of financial assistance.
The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust proudly supports children and young people with their musical education, providing Fellowships, Awards and Bursaries to individuals participating in NMPAT activities, as well as providing grant support to enable NMPAT project delivery.
Where possible, we will continue to share a list of charities, trusts and foundations which may be able to support with the cost of music lessons and instruments. We invite you to consider these local and national suggestions when looking for support – click here to find out more.
NMPAT is able to provide a number of bursaries and subsidies to assist with the cost of lessons received in schools, to support students and families in financial need. Support can cover up to 50% of the cost of lessons and may be granted to children and young people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners.
The support is intended for children and young people:
- entitled to receive free school meals (not including universal provision for KS1 students)
- where families are in receipt of Universal Credit
- where families are in receipt of a benefit e.g. Carer’s Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance
To apply, please complete the application form linked below, and return any supporting documents to the NMPAT Office: office@nmpat.co.uk
Please contact NMPAT office if you have any questions relating to your application
NMPAT is able to offer assistance with the cost of membership subscriptions (AMS) for those who are in financial need. For 2025-26, a reduction to £35 per term is available for children and young people:
- who are entitled to receive free school meals (not including universal provision for KS1 students)
- where families are on Income Support
- where families receive Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance
To apply, please complete the application form linked below, and return any supporting documents to the NMPAT Office: office@nmpat.co.uk
This support does not extend to those who receive Family Tax Credit alone.
If you do not meet the full requirements above but are experiencing financial difficulty, you may still submit the above application form and a discretional reduction may be applied.
Financial support for those receiving individual music lessons, outside of school, is administered in the form of Bursaries, granted by the Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust. Please see the Bursaries section below for more details, including an application form.
The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust
The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust (GRMT) was founded as a tribute to the late Gordon Robinson, himself a founder member of the Northampton Schools Orchestra’s Association. Founder Trustees were all key players in establishing Northamptonshire’s now highly regarded music education provision and ensemble opportunities. Richard Coles and David Walmsley, as Governers, and Malcolm Tyler as director of Northamptonshire Music School, joined with County Education Officer Michael Henley, and three members of the Northamptonshire Music Schools Orchestra’s Association – Maureen Robinson, John Shaw and Cyril Steward. Together, they created the Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust, empowering an ongoing legacy of support for music education.
The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust is a Registered Charity (Charity No. 283551). The Trustees are:
- Nigel Corbett
- Virginia Henley
- Lyndon Hilling
- Michael Naylor (Treasurer)
- Peter Smalley
- Susan Wagg
- David Watson (Chair)
The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust provides bursaries for young musicians having individual lessons, outside of school, to support their advanced music making.
Year-long bursaries are awarded each summer, are extendable to a maximum of three years, and are intended to part-fund tuition on a student’s principal instrument or voice. Bursaries have been endowed by, or in the name of, the following generous supporters:
- Annie Holt
- Vera Ashton
- Neil Tobin
- Julie Record
- Peter Moreton (specifically for a Jazz musician)
- Northampton Masonic Province
- Northampton Rotary Club
- Northampton West Rotary Club
- Wellingborough Rotary Club
- Individual donations
Auditions are held in July, prior to bursaries being awarded to support the following year’s tuition, though applications are welcome at any time.
The application form is located on the guidelines document below, please read the guidelines before applying:
The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust administers a small grant from the Sudborough Foundation in the name of the Causebrook Organ fund, to support young organists with the cost of lessons. The grant could typically fund up to 50% of the cost of lessons, depending on demand.
To apply for support, please contact Anna Denny, Director of Fundraising and Development, detailing your current experience and costs association with lessons: adenny@nmpat.co.uk
Awards for Centre members
Gordon Robinson Awards are given annually to members of each NMPAT Saturday Centre, for outstanding commitment to their musical studies. Award winners are nominated by the Centre Heads, in consultation with their staff, and acknowledged at Youth in Concert, at Derngate, Northampton.
Awards for County Group members
A number of awards are given to players of specific instruments. These are awarded by nomination from NMPAT staff of the relevant departments and presented at Youth in Concert each November.
Malcolm Tyler Brass Award – two awards for brass players who have made an outstanding contribution during their time in County Groups. Given in the name of former County Music Advisor, Malcolm Tyler.
Margaret Lloyd Brass Award – an award, usually for low brass players, who have made an outstanding contribution during their time in County Groups. Given in memory of former NMPAT Office Manager, Margaret Lloyd.
Peter Davies Woodwind Award – for woodwind players who have made an outstanding contribution during their time in County Groups. Given in the name of former woodwind teacher, Peter Davies.
Linda Bond String Award – given for outstanding contribution to the string department.
Lula Taylor Memorial Prize – for a promising younger string player.
Shirley Grant Choral Awards – two awards for singers who have made an outstanding contribution during their time in County Groups. Given in memory of Shirley Grant.
Richard Coles Award – for outstanding contribution to the Percussion Department. Given by former Chairman of the Governors, Dr Richard Coles.
The Chairman’s Award – for outstanding contribution, presented by the Chairman of the Trust.
Xing and Alice Ding Chamber Music Award – for outstanding contribution to chamber music. Created from public donation to remember Xing and Alice Ding.
Douglas Austin Award – for outstanding dedication and commitment to NMPAT.
Fellowships
Each year, instrumental and vocal fellowships are awarded to students in their final year at NMPAT. The Instrumental Fellowship Awards are directly funded by former governor, Nigel Cobb, and the Vocal Fellowship Awards are given in memory of Shirley Grant.
These are awarded annually as a result of nomination by NMPAT staff, audition and a final public recital.
The Gordon Robinson Trust holds money to provide financial support for former members of Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, now studying music in Higher Education and suffering financial hardship.
Applications will usually be received through the online application form linked below by 31st October and will receive a written response following the November meeting of the Gordon Robinson Trustees. The Trustees also meet in February and June. However, requests for support, from individuals suffering financial hardship, may be considered and responded to throughout the year.
Applicants are invited to clearly state what they need by way of financial support, indicating the costs that a grant would support and the impact this will have on their studies, and to describe their current financial situation.
Applicants will normally have been long-standing members of NMPAT County Groups, prior to entering Higher Education. Monies are available for distribution to students following the commencement of their course. Students may apply for support in subsequent years, but priority will be given to those making their first application.
Grants awarded are generally up to a maximum of £1,000 and are supported by funds from the Woodward Pyke Trust, and the former Edna Newell Charitable Trust, administered by the Gordon Robinson Trust.
- Apply for support (online application form)
Donations can be made to the GRMT at any time, with a cheque made payable to the Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust, or using the bank details below.
Donations to the Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust can support specific Bursaries and Awards or can contribute more generally towards the Trusts’ ongoing commitment to supporting young people participating in the activities of NMPAT.
We hope that perhaps if you have experienced an association with NMPAT, formerly “Northampton Music School”, or simply share a passion for music making, you might be inspired to consider supporting the Trust in the future, gaining the satisfaction of knowing that your donation or legacy gift can make a unique and personal memorial to your enjoyment of music.
There is an ever increasing need to support the county’s children and young people in their music and performing arts education. At a time of increased financial pressure on the education system, it is ever more important to ensure that there is a mechanism to support those with limited financial means to continue to develop as musicians and reach their full potential.
If you are a UK taxpayer then, as a registered charity, the Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust can claim 25p Gift Aid on every £1 you donate. We invite you to complete and return a Gift Aid declaration form with any donation you may make.
Donate via BACS:
- Account name: The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust
- Account number: 12907260
- Sort code: 30-14-47
- Lloyds Bank
External Trusts and Foundations
This is a non-exhaustive list of charities, trusts and foundations that we invite you to consider when looking for support with the cost of music lessons and instruments.
Local Trusts and Foundations
Promoting the education of young persons aged betwen 16 and 24 who are in need of financial assistance. Applicants must be a resident in the Borough of Northampton and attending school or full time course of education, to include Northampton University, within the Borough of Northampton.
Email angelamoon@hewitsons.com
This charity makes grants to young people, under the age of 25, who are residents in the village of Ecton, Northamptonshire. Contact: dandmdicks@btinternet.com
You can find out more on their registered charity listing.
The aim is to promote the education and development of young people living in Finedon. More information is available on the Charity’s website: finedoneducationalcharity.org
The Trustees provide educational grants to young people, residing in the Borough of Northampton or the Parish of Great Doddington. There are separate application forms for those who are “under the age of 18” and for those “over the age of 18 and under the age of 25 (and in special circumstances those under 30)”.
The person must have been resident in the area for not less than three years of have attended a publicly funded school in, or serving the area, for not less than one year. Preference is given to those living in the parishes of Weston Favell, Abington and Emmanuel, Northampton. There is a requirement to demonstrate a need for financial assistance and to provide a church or chapel reference.
Enquires should be made to Richard Pestell, Clerk to the Trustees, at pestells@btinternet.com. You can find out more from their registered charity listing.
The Sir Thomas White Northampton Charity can provide grants of up to £1,000 to young people, living in Northampton and surrounds, aged over 16 and under the age of 25, who are in need of financial assistance to help them with their education or vocational training.
More information: stwcharitynorthampton.org.uk
The Wilson Foundation is a UK registered charity established to ‘give a helping hand’ to young people in Northamptonshire – broadly between the ages of 10 and 21. You can apply for individual or group support on their website: Apply today – The Wilson Foundation
Kettering Old Grammar School Foundation is a long-established charity that provides educational grants and bursaries for individuals and institutions in Kettering, Northants.
More information: www.kogsf.org.uk
National Trusts and Foundations
For instruments played with the bow, the Charity provides funds for tuition; help towards the purchase of an instrument; some living expenses incurred whilst in full time or postgraduate education / studies and college / university – supporting students up to about 30 years of age. Find out how to apply on their website: thecoopercollection.co.uk
AYM helps exceptional young people who need financial and other forms of support to progress their musical talent and to develop their skills to their full potential. Find out more about their different awards: Home – Awards for Young Musicians (a-y-m.org.uk)
The annual competition can be entered by those aged 18 or under and who have achieved Grade 8 standard. Full details can be found on the BBC website: BBC Four – BBC Young Musician – How to Enter BBC Young Musician 2022
EMI Music Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and to improve young peoples’ access to music education in the UK & Ireland. The Foundation provides two types of awards:
- Instrument and / or equipment awards which allows schools, music teachers and individuals in full time education to apply directly to the foundation for assistance with the purchase of musical instruments and / or equipment
- Bursary awards which allow students at the colleges or organisations as listed on their website to apply for assistance with fees and / or living expenses (these are handled directly by the college or organisation)
Make an application on the Sound Foundation website: UMUK Sound Foundation
Fidelio welcomes applications for grants in support of the Arts particularly for Music, including Opera, Lieder, Composition and Dance. Fidelio looks to provide support for individuals or groups of exceptional ability. Visit their website to make an application: Fidelio – Applications for grants in support of the Arts | Fidelio Charitable Trust
Offers financial bursaries to young musicians, instrumentalists and singers from any genre of music.
Future Talent supports gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds from anywhere in the UK. This is typically families who have a household income of around £30,000 per year, or less, before tax (including benefits). Any young musicians entitled to free school meals would be eligible for one of these bursaries. Bursaries of up to £2,000 per year can be used on anything that will help to nurture a young musicians’ talent. For example, funds can be used for lessons, a new instrument or case, courses or maintenance. There is no specific grade requirement or level that needs to be reached. Some examples, given by the trust include:
- A 16/17 year old, grade 7/8 musician who is planning to study music in heighted education and needs their own instrument or extra lessons
- A 13 year old how has been learning for a few years and is progressing really quickly, who would really benefit from taking part in an ensemble / orchestral course, or who needs some more support with costs
- A year 5 or 6 continuer, who has benefitted from a First Access project and has managed to reach grade 2/3 by the end of primary school, but whose parents cannot afford to carry on with lessons
The Mentoring, Advice and Bursary Programme also offers free orchestral days and performance classes, mentoring with a professional musician / conductor and development opportunities. Our aim is to give talented young musicians an equal chance to enter a musical career, who might otherwise not get the opportunity due to lack of funds or experience. Make an application on the Future Talent website: Programme | Future Talent
The Hattori Foundation is a charitable trust offering awards to exceptionally talented young instrumental soloists or chamber ensembles whose talent and achievements give promise of an international career. Find out more on the Hattori website: Hattori Foundation – Hattori Foundation for Music and the Arts
Provides grants to young people to assist them with vocational training and education. Helping young people 16 to 26, to learn new skills and make their way into employment. They cannot help if you are still in secondary education, studying GCSEs or A levels, nor undertaking a course at a private dance / drama college, nor an undergraduate or postgraduate degree – will only support you if studying on a course that is vocational and accredited. Parental income must be below £26,000 per annum. Find out more about the Atwell grants: Lawrence Atwell’s Charity – The Skinners’ Company – The Skinners’ Company
Music for All is the charity of the Musical Instrument Industry. They provide advice and grant funding support which is available to individuals to provide access to musical instruments and lessons. Apply for funding on their website: Funding for Music & Music Grants from UK Charity Music for All
Take it away is supported by Arts Council England and provides interest free loans for instrument purchases. Read more about the offer on their website: Take it away – Interest-free loans to buy musical instruments, equipment and software
The Wrightson Trust generally aims to benefit young people between 10 and 18. Includes support for lessons, choir / orchestra tour fees, music colleges etc. Assistance varies according to circumstances. Distributions have ranged between £100 and £800. Grants are either ‘one offs’ or reviewable annual payments for a specific period. Three grants per person is normally the maximum the trust gives. Two letters of support are required from the candidate’s tutors or teachers. Make an application to The Wrightson Trust on their website: Information For Applicants | The Wrightson Trust
Other useful sources of advice
Help Musicians UK is the leading UK charity for professional musicians of all genres, from starting out through to retirement.
Help Musicians exists to help at times of crisis, but also at times of opportunity, giving people the extra support they need at a crucial stage that could make or break their career. They provide information and advice to musicians of any age and have a specific page for under 18s.
The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK’s professional body for musicians. The ISM was set up in 1882 to promote the importance of music and protect the rights of those working within music. It is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation which has 7,600 individual musicians in its membership. The ISM protects and supports its members by providing them with expert legal advice and representation, comprehensive insurance and specialist services as well as access to a community of like-minded musicians and the status that comes with being a member of a professional body.
Their website includes information on careers in music (Advice & Resources – Independent Society of Musicians (ism.org)) and funding opportunities (Funding & opportunities – Independent Society of Musicians (ism.org))
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