Equity Awards

Musical talent, potential and ambition can be found in every community, neighbourhood and classroom. But for many young people, a career in music can feel completely out of reach, because of factors out of their control.

We want to nurture a musical community that is inclusive, fair and diverse, both at the RNCM and in the wider music industry.

Equity Awards will support young musicians facing barriers to their musical progression. They will support tuition fee costs at the RNCM for students on the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

We know that this approach works. Many of our most illustrious alumni have only been able to attend the RNCM and take up their places because of targeted financial support. They have gone on not only to shape sustainable careers but to become role-models for a new generation of emerging music professionals.

Donate today to ensure the future of music making is diverse, inclusive and fair.

 ‘Music is the greatest thing to happen to me. As someone from a modest background in Oldham, knowing there are people who give musicians like me the chance to grow and take off into the world, is humbling. My time at the RNCM has shaped me not just as a musician, but as a human being. None of it would have been possible without my scholarship.’

Ellis Howarth, BMus student.

Linton Stephens, a bassoonist from the Wirral, received substantial financial support throughout his studies at the RNCM. He has gone onto develop a successful career as a freelance player with Chineke!, the Hallé and Manchester Camerata amongst others. He is Chair of the Musicians’ Union Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and a presenter on BBC Radio 3.

RNCM’s Equity Awards are a core priority now and in the years ahead. They are part of a broad programme of projects and strategies, developed in partnership with organisations and music leaders across the UK to help diversify the music industry now and in the future.