Financial Support

Supporting access to music and the performing arts

At NMPAT, we believe that every child and young person should have the opportunity to experience high-quality music education. We recognise that, for some families and schools, cost can be a barrier. We also know that young musicians may need different types of support at different stages of their musical journey. 

That is why there are several routes available to support access, participation and progression. 

These routes are designed to do different things. Some support schools to provide music opportunities, some help remove financial barriers, and some support young musicians who are already progressing through NMPAT ensembles and centres.

Route 1: NMPAT Access and Inclusion Fund

The NMPAT Access and Inclusion Fund is a limited annual fund designed to help remove financial barriers to music education and support school-based tuition.  It is intended for pupils who may otherwise be unable to start or continue music provision because of cost. 

This fund is separate from our standard school order process and is not an automatic discount. Support is considered on a case-by-case basis. Find out more using the buttons below.

The Access & Inclusion Fund may be appropriate where: 

  • a pupil is unable to access music provision because of financial barriers 
  • the school has identified a clear need 
  • available school funding routes have already been considered 
  • support would make a clear difference to the pupil’s participation 
  • the request supports access, inclusion or participation 
  • the pupil does not meet the criteria for another dedicated bursary route 

The route for requesting support depends on how the lessons are billed. 

Where lessons are billed to the school, requests should usually be made by the school. This is because schools are best placed to understand the pupil’s circumstances, consider available school-based funding, and confirm how the support will help. 

Schools may be asked to confirm: 

  • the type of support requested 
  • the reason support is needed 
  • funding already considered by the school 
  • any contribution the school can make 
  • any contribution the family can make, where appropriate 
  • the expected impact for the pupil 
  • how attendance and engagement will be monitored 
  • a named school contact 

Where parents/carers are billed directly by NMPAT, families should apply for assistance through their SpeedAdmin account.

Log in to your SpeedAdmin account here

Support may be full or partial, short-term or reviewed over time. As the fund is limited, support cannot be guaranteed. NMPAT will consider each request carefully and will look at need, impact, fairness and sustainability.  

Where support is agreed, it may be reviewed during the year. 

Continued support may depend on: 

  • attendance 
  • engagement 
  • progress 
  • school feedback 
  • ongoing need 
  • availability of funds 
  • whether the support continues to have clear impact 

NMPAT may amend, reduce or withdraw support if circumstances change or if the support is no longer required. 

Route 2: Support with Ensemble and Centre subscriptions

NMPAT may be able to offer support with membership subscription costs for County Ensemble members or NMPAT Centre members who attend for a full morning.  Support may be available for families who:

  • are eligible for free school meals (not including Universal Infant Free School Meals for Key Stage 1 pupils)
  • receive Income Support 
  • receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 

Applications can be made when registering for a Saturday Centre, or via your SpeedAdmin account if activities have already been set up: Log in to your SpeedAdmin account here

If you do not meet the criteria above but are experiencing financial hardship, you are still welcome to apply. In exceptional circumstances, a discretionary reduction may be considered. 

Please note that this support is not available to families who receive Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit alone. 

Route 3: Gordon Robinson Trust Bursaries

The Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust holds funds to support the education of young musicians in Northamptonshire. Gordon Robinson Bursaries are separate from the NMPAT Access & Inclusion Fund. They are designed to support young musicians who are already progressing through NMPAT musical pathways and having individual lessons with an NMPAT teacher, outside of school, to support their advanced music making.

Applicants should usually: 

  • be aged 11 or over 
  • be a member of an auditioned County Ensemble or a Saturday Centre 
  • be working at approximately Grade 4–5 standard or above 
  • provide the names of two referees 
  • be prepared to perform two contrasting pieces 

Bursaries usually run for up to three years, subject to additional references and review. 

Gordon Robinson Bursaries can only be used towards the cost of individual lessons with NMPAT.

This route may be suitable where a young musician: 

  • is already actively involved in NMPAT ensembles or centres 
  • is showing commitment and musical progress 
  • is working at around Grade 4–5 standard or above 
  • needs support to continue individual lessons with NMPAT 
  • is ready to complete the bursary application process 

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:

Gordon Robinson Memorial Trust bursary guidelines 2026-27

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
  • Dr Helen Henzell
  • Lyndon Hilling
  • Jessica Mogridge
  • Michael Naylor (Treasurer)
  • Peter Smalley
  • Susan Wagg
  • David Watson (Chair)

Causebrook Organ Fund

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.

Support for former NMPAT students

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.

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

Find out more

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.

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

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

National Trusts and Foundations

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.

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.

To view their full list of programmes and make an application, visit 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

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

Universal Music UK Sound Foundation is an independent music education charity, established in 1997 to celebrate the centenary of EMI Records and now supported by Universal Music and to improve young peoples’ access to music education in the UK & Ireland. The Foundation provides:

  • Funding for individuals in full time education of up to £1000 towards the cost of musical instruments/equipment
  • Schools can apply for up to £1000 towards the cost of musical resources
  • School music teachers, employed by a school and delivering the national curriculum, can apply for up to £1000 towards certain short courses to enhance their teaching

Make an application on the Sound Foundation website: UMUK Sound Foundation

Young Sounds UK 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: Young Sounds UK website

Funding for those 18+

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 between 18-21 years of age.  Find out how to apply on their website: thecoopercollection.co.uk

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. Funding is available to those 21+.

Visit their website to make an application: Fidelio – Applications for grants in support of the Arts | Fidelio Charitable 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))