Our support for charities involved in arts enrichment helps to make music education more accessible to pupils and students from underprivileged backgrounds. 

Examples of charities working in this area to which the Vintners’ Foundation Committee has awarded grants in the current year, include the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the music education charity Music Masters.

Music Masters is a UK-based music education charity which works with schools, teachers and arts organisations with the aim of making music accessible to all. Founded in 2007, Music Masters provides teaching, mentoring, financial support and performance opportunities to musicians between the ages of four and 25. 

What we fund

In 2024 the Company supported the costs of Music Masters Flagship Schools Programme, which ran in Lambeth, Westminster and Islington, working with 1,048 children. 41% of pupils were eligible for free school meals, and 59% had English as an additional language. Every child began their music journey in school through group activity, with a focus on singing, percussion, movement and play. In Year 1, instrumental tuition began on either violin or cello – with every student benefitting from small and large group tuition. Ensembles and orchestras allowed them to gain essential listening and musical communication skills through the joy of group music-making. 

Surveys showed the programme improved youth development outcomes by equipping students with confidence, team working skills, and even an academic boost in literacy and maths, and the children built their wellbeing and resilience. To date, Music Masters has reached over 3,000 children.

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is a global leader in the conservatoire sector, training the next generation of world-leading artists across music, drama, and production arts. 

What we fund

The Company gives an annual donation to the Guildhall School Scholarships Fund to provide students from underprivileged backgrounds with the opportunity and necessary financial support to pursue their career. Scholarships are awarded to eligible Guildhall School students across all areas and levels of their Music, Drama, and Production Arts courses. In the recent academic year, over 600 students were receiving financial aid, more than 50% of the student body. The full cost of training varies enormously, ranging from £20,000 for one year to £120,000 over four years, and these scholarships provide security and freedom to students, enabling them to fully dedicate themselves to their craft, regardless of their socio-economic background.