A major funding boost of almost £370,000 will help more aspiring young musicians in the West Midlands receive expert coaching at the celebrated Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

Almost £250,000 has been donated by the Leverhulme Trust while £120,000 has been awarded by the Wolfson Foundation to support members of the Junior Conservatoire over the next three years.

“The generosity of the Leverhulme Trust and Wolfson Foundation is going to have a profound impact on the lives of so many young musicians in the West Midlands,” said Stephen Maddock, Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, which is part of Birmingham City University.

“We share the belief and commitment that opportunities for musical education should be available to all young people, regardless of financial means.

“I’m excited to see the progress our Junior players can make over the next three years.”

Each year, more than 200 young musicians, aged between eight and 18, benefit from tutoring by world-class experts in classical, jazz and chamber music through the Junior Conservatoire.

In the 2024/25 academic year, almost a third of the participating children and young people received a bursary towards tuition fees, with the goal of supporting them on their journey to becoming professional musicians.

The Junior Conservatoire has been the starting point for many renowned talents, including pianist Lauren Zhang, who won the BBC Young Musician award in 2018.

Jeevan Braich, who is currently performing as Rusty in the hit musical ‘Starlight Express’, joined the Junior Conservatoire in 2018 and was supported with bursaries throughout his tuition. 

“The Trustees are delighted to support Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in providing training opportunities for young musicians,” said Alison Rees, Grants Officer at the Leverhulme Trust.

“The Art Scholarship Training Opportunities for Under 18s grant scheme supports talented young people by alleviating the financial pressures that can prevent diversity in the arts.”