It's a startling fact that many music students have no choice but to embark on their professional training without an adequate instrument of their own. This can seriously impact their progress, and risk great talent losing its way.

Every year, we provide RPS Instrument Purchase Grants to young musicians who have succeeded in attaining a place at music college but don’t own an instrument worthy of their talent. Unlike many schemes, this is not a loan: it’s a grant that we do not expect to be repaid, recognising the many financial challenges that young musicians face. We established this support some decades ago thanks to the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation, established in tribute to the renowned conductor and RPS Gold Medal recipient. Today, we continue to draw on this fund for such a worthwhile purpose, and are grateful for further support this year from the Andor Charitable Trust, the Thistle Trust and the Kirby Laing Foundation. We are also grateful to our cherished RPS Members whose subscriptions increasingly help to support more young musicians this way.

You can find out more about all the musicians we are supporting below. If you are moved by their stories, we invite you to consider becoming an RPS Member yourself. With a charitable gesture as little as £5 a month, you can play a proud part in helping more bright young talents to fulfil their calling. Discover more about RPS Membership and how to get involved here on our website.

Amongst this year’s recipients is 19-year-old Scottish oboist Dylan McCormick, now studying at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He says 'As someone aspiring to be a professional oboe player, my old instrument was no longer suitable for my needs. This new instrument will give me the stability of pitch, response, flexibility and depth of tone, as well as the mechanical quality and durability to take forwards in my career.'

19-year-old violist Isabelle Nettle, studying at Royal College of Music, has been able to purchase a viola made by Thomas Kennedy in 1839. She says 'I want to thank the Royal Philharmonic Society and RPS Members for helping me buy this amazing viola. It has already changed the way I play and will change my career prospects. I will forever be grateful to have this wonderful instrument.'

This year’s recipients are as follows. Click on each name to find out more about their musical progress and how the RPS is helping them.

Adriel Alamag – bass guitar
Andrew Corry – soprano saxophone
Anna Fyl – percussion
Belle Brunson – flute
Catriona Duncan – percussion
Dylan McCormick – oboe
Ekaterina Chunikhina – oboe
Emma Taylor – percussion
Fred Harris – tenor saxophone
Gene Raymond – classical guitar
Hadessah Nanjo – double bass bow
Hannah McCallum-Benson – bassoon
Isabelle Nettle – viola
Jack Anderson – double bass
Laoise Corrigan – flute
Lewis Barton – piccolo trumpet
Mariella Bromfield – percussion
Norman Nainggolan – violin bow
Olivia McNally – Logic Pro X
Poppy Taylor – cornet
Ros Mandan – double bass bow

Applications for these grants are – in accordance with the original wishes of the Barbirolli Foundation – for first-year undergraduates and coordinated with each of the UK classical music colleges / conservatoires. Further information about the grants and eligibility to apply can be found on our website here.