PATRIZIA Music Programme, UK

Transforming Lives Through Music Education

The PATRIZIA Foundation announces the establishment of the PATRIZIA Music Programme UK. This initiative aims to empower young people across the country by providing access to classical music education, particularly for students from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds. This project signifies the Foundation’s initial project in the UK and its fifth in Europe. In collaboration with MiSST (Music in Secondary Schools Trust), which was originally established through funding from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Charles Wolfson Trust, the PATRIZIA Music Programme UK ensures that every student beginning secondary school has the opportunity to learn a classical instrument. This is supported by professional tuition and performance experiences.

The programme facilitates the development of students’ confidence, discipline, and a variety of new opportunities by offering access to musical instruments and high-quality instruction.

“It’s a privilege to be Ambassadors for The UK PATRIZIA Foundation. We are especially pleased the Foundation will be supporting The Music in Secondary Schools Trust which provides quality musical instrument tuition in disadvantaged schools across the UK. The transformative power of music for children is universally recognised and The UK PATRIZIA Foundation will help MiSST reach more children up and down the country.”

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber,

Ambassador of the PATRIZIA Foundation

Bringing Classical Music to UK Youth, Tackling Social and Economic Barriers

The acquisition of musical proficiency has been demonstrated to exert a significant influence on both the personal development of the individual and their academic achievements. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of the student population in the UK continues to be deprived of access to music education. The PATRIZIA Music Programme UK is assisting in the reduction of this disparity by entering into a partnership with The Bay Leadership Academy in Morecambe and The Lowry Academy in Manchester. Each student is provided with an instrument, participates in weekly group lessons, and has opportunities to perform within the school environment and at external events. The PATRIZIA Foundation is proud to support this initiative with a financial commitment of £90,000 over a period of three years, which will result in the purchase of 300 new instruments. The programme has been developed to provide young people with the opportunity to access regular, high-quality music education, with the aim of strengthening their cognitive, emotional and social skills. It is anticipated that this will open doors to new opportunities for their future.

Former MiSST students share the profound impact the programme has had on both their academic journeys and personal growth. The pursuit of academic qualifications in disciplines such as zoology at Glasgow University or physics at Oxford University, alongside the establishment of careers in fields such as film composition, can be attributed in no small part to the leadership training and musical experiences provided by MiSST. These opportunities would not have been available to them otherwise. The programme has been shown to have a positive impact on the development of confidence, the acquisition of key life skills, and the establishment of a sense of belonging. The narratives of these individuals serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging others to recognise their own potential. They demonstrate that, with adequate support, all young people are capable of achieving success, regardless of their background.

Donate today to give young students in underserved UK communities the gift of a classical instrument.100% of your donation goes directly toward providing instruments, opening pathways for these students to discover their potential through music. Together, we can make a lasting difference in their lives.

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Stories of Change

Alannah Makoni discovered her passion for the saxophone through MiSST. From joining her school’s orchestra to finding her place in the Saturday MiSST orchestra, Alannah’s confidence has blossomed, and she now aspires to a professional career in music.

“Saxophone has led me to being a part of advanced orchestra and band at school, and of course the MiSST Saturday orchestra. These are honestly all of the highlights of the week for me. I used to see music as a hobby rather than a career, but being a part of such ensembles made me realise that in future I definitely want to pursue music professionally.”

Tristan Francis, once uncertain and shy, found self-belief and resilience during his first Radley Residential. He now serves as a student leader, inspiring others and leading music events. MiSST has shaped Tristan’s life, guiding his ambitions as he prepares to study music at university.

“MiSST has played an invaluable role in both my musical and personal development. Before starting secondary school, I lacked previous musical experiences and had limited access to instrumental lessons. MiSST has given me the tools to discover my passion for music. It has also provided me with a consistent routine, helping me to balance multiple extracurricular activities and effectively manage my time.”