SYMSA Covid-19 Relief fund

Your donation will make a huge difference by giving a child a chance to continue learning and making music where they would otherwise have to stop because of the economic effects of the pandemic. With the money we raise, Sutton Youth Music Supporters Association (SYMSA) will subsidise at least 50% of the cost of weekly instrumental lessons, membership to a Sutton Music Service (SMS) Orchestra/Ensemble and instrument hire as necessary. These bursaries will be available to any pupil who learns at the SMS Music Academy, attends an SMS ensemble, or receives SMS lessons in a Sutton School. We are hoping to help at least ten young people who would otherwise have to stop their musical journey.

Why should I donate?

We aim to help every young person in the London Borough of Sutton to make, be inspired by and to celebrate the music they love. We are inclusive and open; we advocate the learning of music for all young people. The global pandemic has affected us all. Young people are under all sorts of pressures that we would not have expected just a few months ago. Learning and making music gives a young person a sense of purpose, achievement, a community to be part of, and much more. Many of the families are being hit hard by the economic consequences of the past few months. For a lot of children, this will mean that learning an instrument is now out of reach.

How will the money be spent?

SYMSA will use the money raised to establish a COVID-19 bursary fund. Families will apply through an application process, and the trustees will assess each request before offering a bursary. To be eligible, students must demonstrate their commitment to learning and that COVID-19 has become a barrier preventing them from progressing with their musical education. 

A SYMSA Covid-19 bursary will subsidise at least 50% of the cost of a 20-30-minute individual lesson, membership to an SMS ensemble or instrument hire fee as deemed necessary. The bursary will last for one academic year, and the trustees will monitor the commitment and progression of the children who are successful with their application.

What happens if we exceed our target?

Simply put, we will be able to support more young people and their families. It will mean that more young people can keep making music and get the benefits that music education brings.

How do I apply for a SYMSA COVID-19 Bursary?

Parents and carers can apply for a SYMSA COVID-19 Bursary by completing the online application form https://suttonmusicservice.org.uk/symsa-bursaries/ 

Application Criteria:

The young person for whom the bursary is being applied for must:

• be in Key Stage 2 to 5. 
• attend a London Borough of Sutton school where SMS delivers peripatetic tuition or attend the SMS Music Academy or attend an SMS ensemble. 
• be committed to learning their instrument 
• have been prevented from learning their instrument due to the impact of COVID-19 

Please note that bursaries will not be agreed until this funding project has closed.