We Won’t Stop the Music!
Our vision is a borough where music resonates along the corridors of every school and echoes throughout the community. A place of aspiration where every child can find their first notes, make progress and flourish as a young musician.
In the Summer of 2020, Merton Music Foundation launched its #DontStopTheMusic match-funded campaign with a target of crowdfunding £3,000 to support ten young people whose families had been affected by the impact of COVID-19 to access instrumental lessons and ensembles.
The good people of Merton helped us to smash our target, meaning we were able to support nearly twice as many young people than originally hoped. Over the past year, 17 Merton Scholars have been attending weekly instrumental lessons, choirs, bands and ensembles thanks to the generous support of our community.
We Need Your Help
Fast forward to Summer 2021 and the original COVID-19 instrumental lesson bursaries are beginning to come to an end. However, the financial impact of COVID-19 is still being felt deep within our community. We want to be able to continue to support our existing Merton Scholars, but we are also all too aware that with the furlough scheme coming to an end, even more local children and young people will continue to have their musical journeys cut short – unless we act now.
This campaign will be match-funded by the Greenwood Bursary, meaning that every pound we raise will be doubled up to a total value of £6,000.
How Your Money Will Help
Every penny raised will go towards our #DontStopTheMusic COVID Bursary fund, which supports local children and young people that show and enthusiasm and aptitude for music who otherwise would not be able to participate in instrumental lessons due to the financial impact of COVID-19.
The Bursary covers a minimum of 75% of the costs of a weekly individual 20-minute instrumental lesson and subsidises 100% of the cost of membership of MMF’s Music for one academic year. Recipients also benefit from MMF’s Trust Fund reduced rate for instrument hire, where this is required.
Give the Gift of Music
'It’s been amazing my child now looks forward to school on Monday due to having a lesson in the afternoon she returns from her Piano lesson happy smiley and full of joy letting us know she’s been doing. She also loves to return home to show me what new song they have been learning about. I cannot thank you all enough!'
Parent of a 2020-2021 Merton Scholar
What is Merton Music Foundation?
Merton Music Foundation is a small independent charity and lead partner for the Merton Music Education Hub. MMF was established in 1991 to advance musical education for the young people of Merton and the surrounding areas.
We aim to be a centre of learning and a musical launchpad, an asset to our community and an ambitious supporter of every child’s creativity.
How Do I Apply for this Bursary for My Child?
We continue to accept applications for the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. To apply on behalf of your child, please complete the COVID-19 Bursary Application Form.
Application Criteria - we are a looking for young people (7 - 18 years of age) who:
- Live or go to school in the London Borough of Merton
- Demonstrate an enthusiasm and/or aptitude for learning an instrument
- Have been prevented from participating in instrumental learning by the impact of COVID-19
Apply for the COVID Lesson Bursary for Your Child: www.mmf.org.uk/dontstopform
Challenging Times
These continue to be difficult times for us all. Music offers young people a feeling of normality, a creative outlet, and a sense of purpose in these challenging times. Your donation will also support the livelihoods of local musicians and tutors and help us to keep Moving Music Forward.
Show Your Support
Show us your support – like, share and use the hashtag:
#DSTM21
Spread the word – tell your friends, family, school community and neighbours about our campaign by sharing this page!