Trust Music has supported over 100 young musicians in their journeys, helping them to access lessons, instrument hire and ensemble membership. Two recent recipients of Trust Music bursaries are Iskandar (Izzy) and Victoria.
Trust Music has supported over 100 young musicians in their journeys, helping them to access lessons, instrument hire and ensemble membership. Two recent recipients of Trust Music bursaries are Iskandar (Izzy) and Victoria.
Izzy is a 17 years old student at Runshaw College having previously attended St Bartholomews C of E Primary and Westhoughton High School. He is studying Physics, Maths and Engineering at A level and is a passionate singer (bass) with Bolton Music Service. At school Izzy was encouraged by his primary Head Teacher and then by the Head of Music at the high school. He joined the Music Service choirs in 2014 and loves singing with ‘like minded people’ in Soul Patrol, Lads a Capella and Bolton Youth Harmonies. He really enjoys the different styles of music.
“When I joined the choirs it really boosted my confidence – the tutors are really special – it’s like one big family.”
Izzy then took the opportunity to join the Greater Manchester Show Choir and was a part of a showcase performance at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Having had a year of vocal lessons with Rachel Hughes, Izzy passed his Grade 6 with distinction and is now studying for his Grade 8 with Sarah Dover.Being in the choirs has brought Izzy some very special memories (especially on the choir tour to Madrid) as he describes in this video clip.
Izzy is most grateful for the support he has received from Trust Music …“without access to bursary funding , I would not have had the opportunity to take part in the ensembles or the examinations”. He also has lots of encouragement from his mum who attends his concerts and helps him to be organised. Izzy feels that he now has a skill for life … ‘I’m never going to give it up’.
Victoria, age 13, first had the opportunity to play the bassoon during a six-week introductory course run by Bolton Music Service. She quickly developed a passion for the instrument and was able to progress quickly with her teacher’s dedicated support. A bursary award from Trust Music allowed Victoria to continue with lessons beyond the initial course offering and she now receives a weekly 30-minute individual lesson. Impressively Victoria is already working towards her Grade 4 Trinity music examination.
“I practise my bassoon everyday with the objective of achieving continuous improvement, I find that playing the bassoon is becoming ever more enjoyable as I become more proficient as a bassoonist. I would encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to play a musical instrument to do so.”