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Supporting young musicians is at the heart of our Festival’s mission. We work closely with schools and music organisations across Buckinghamshire to provide opportunities for young performers to showcase their talent. Our bursary scheme offers financial support to promising musicians, helping them access lessons, instruments, and further training. Through workshops, masterclasses, and performance opportunities, we aim to inspire the next generation of musicians and nurture a lifelong love of music.
Music Education
Projects:
'The Winds of the World'
Amersham Festival is proud to launch a brand-new music education initiative, bringing regular, practical singing and music-making into primary schools in and around Amersham.
This three-year project will deliver an accessible and inclusive singing programme, designed to build confidence, vocal skills, creativity, and connection with the arts—especially for children with limited access to music education. Inspired by a highly successful Danish model, the programme offers a fully funded, 25-week course of practical music-making, reaching hundreds of children free of charge and prioritising access for all.
Led by professional musicians, sessions begin each September and culminate in a celebratory weekend of performances during the following April’s Amersham Festival. Children will explore singing, breathing techniques, musicality, storytelling, and self-expression — ultimately creating original songs and artwork, supported throughout by experienced music leaders. The programme also enhances schools' music curricula and offers enriching creative experiences for pupils.
By equipping existing teaching staff with new skills and resources, we aim to leave a lasting legacy of practical music-making that will continue to grow beyond the life of the project, with the ongoing support of Amersham Festival.
We are currently fundraising for this transformative programme and warmly invite sponsors to get in touch to support this exciting initiative.
Bursary Scheme
Following a generous legacy from the Lascelles family in 2004, the Amersham Festival Society assists promising young musicians to achieve their potential. To date, we have supported over 100 youngsters. The maximum award is £500 and over the last fourteen years we have distributed over £20,000. These awards have been used either for tuition fees or the purchase of instruments and have helped many young musicians by assisting in their musical education. We have also encouraged bursary holders to attend our orchestral concerts by offering them free tickets.
Since 2024 we have partnered with the Bucks Music Trust to offer subsidised music lessons for children from families in working poverty who are starting music tuition. We are excited to develop this partnership with our county music trust and to support children who might not otherwise be able to afford to access the joy of creating music.