For all the variety that abounds in classical music across the centuries, one aspect has remained fairly rigid: think of a conductor and likely the image of a white male of a certain class and disposition yet comes to mind.

We live in a day and age where, in all walks of life, society is asking how it can be more equitable and give more people a chance to excel and to inspire on all fronts. Classical music dearly needs to keep pace with that.  The Royal Philharmonic Society is dedicated to creating opportunities for talented, aspiring conductors who – through their lived experience, background or personal characteristics – have encountered barriers to progress or limited access to an experience that help them fulfil their creative potential. Here you can read everything we have achieved on this front so far. It is a fantastic cause to be part of: the warmth and goodwill in the room at each of our courses is palpable, the transformative effect accounted by our participants is inspirational.

There is so much more we could yet do, but there are startlingly limited funds for initiatives of this kind. If you're an individual, or part of a trust or company, who might have means to change that, please get in touch. With your help we can offer more opportunities, more courses, and greater individual support to guide those who set their heart on conducting on the national stage.

Your gesture can help us instigate new courses across the UK so more people who deserve the opportunity can step up to the podium and achieve their calling. You could help us cover the costs of inspirational artists to coach on our workshops and professional musicians for participants to conduct. You can also vitally help us keep courses entirely free for participants so financial means is not a barrier for those with limited means.

If you work in business, you may like to get your company or colleagues in your profession involved: we have run illuminating, fun, interactive workshops introducing corporate guests to our gamechanging work and inspirational leader Alice Farnham. You and your team can even have the chance at learning to conduct yourselves in a fun, enlivening session led by Alice. Together we could plan such an occasion for you. Please contact us to discuss such possibilities further.

Any donation, however small or large, is deeply valued. We cannot continue to present the RPS Conductors programme without fresh financial support from people who believe in the cause. You can simply donate online by clicking the button below, or call us on 020 7287 0019 to let us know you are interested, and we can tell you about further ways you can support and get involved.

'This week will go down in my personal history as one of the richest experiences I've ever had. As one of the participants said, "You gave us power, and you gave us community." A million thanks to the RPS.' Caroline Slade, participant