ABRSM fund to help tackle barriers to music learning

A global fund set up by the UK-based ABRSM music education charity to help provide inspiring experiences for music learners in different corners of the world re-opens today (20^th January).

The International Sponsorship Fund (ISF) aims to help tackle barriers to music education by providing one-off grants of up to £5,000 for projects.

Eligible projects must work outside the UK and Ireland to encourage progression in music learning through community activities, such as local festivals and outreach work, or high quality performance opportunities for young musicians in youth chamber ensembles, orchestras and choirs.

The ISF was set up by ABRSM in 2012. It has so far helped more than 30 different organisations across Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean by helping buy and repair instruments, train teachers and support education projects using music to motivate and support young people.

ABRSM Chief Executive Chris Cobb said: “ABRSM is committed to supporting music progression around the world but we know that COVID-19 has made access to music learning even more challenging for communities in some areas.

“That’s why we’re particularly pleased to be launching this year’s International Sponsorship Fund and, more than ever, looking forward to applications which help meet the needs of music learners where the need is greatest – whether they are within the western classical music tradition or not.”

ABRSM supports the musical journeys of learners by working in 93 different countries to provide music assessments and educational resources and promote the power and value of music education.

Projects interested in applying to the 2021 fund can find out more here.

Applications to the fund must be received by 20 April.