Youngsters win music scholarships
Merton pupils Ella Rogers and Nikita Kasperovic are among London youngsters benefitting from music scholarships totalling £266,000.
They have been awarded by The Mayor's Fund for Young Musicians (MFYM) during a special event at City Hall.
In the second round of Mayor's Music Scholarships to be given out, 66 talented schoolchildren aged 7-11 visited City Hall to celebrate their achievement. They join the 100 schoolchildren who received a Mayor's Music Scholarship in January.
Ella Rogers, is a 10-year-old flautist from St John Fisher Primary School in West Wimbledon, while Nikita Kasperovic, aged 10, plays the violin and attends William Morris Primary School in Mitcham. They are pictured (right) with British classical double bass player and MFYM patron Chi-chi Nwanokwu.
MFYM Chief Executive Ginny Greenwood said: "Thanks to the enormous generosity of individuals and businesses around London, these talented children, who would have to stop learning without external financial support, will now receive four-years of instrumental tuition both at school and at Saturday morning music centre, as well as the opportunity to perform at and attend concerts.
"Our ambition is to raise enough money every year to fund at least 150 four-year scholarships (a commitment of £600,000) so that by 2016, 600children will be benefitting from the scheme."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who is MFYM’s Founder Patron, said: "We know that learning a musical instrument can have a powerful impact on a child's life, helping in their social, emotional and academic development. Sadly, too many families in London cannot afford to pay for music lessons, even for very talented children. By investing in these scholarships, the Fund is enriching the lives of hundreds of children and also making sure London remains the top city in the world for all kinds of music. I wish the Fund and these 66 talented scholars every success.'
The scholarships offer the children:
October 3, 2012