KM Foundation Empowers Talented Musicians from Diverse Backgrounds

Talented musicians from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds will be receiving the very best music education thanks to the KM Foundation in partnership with the London Music Fund (LMF) charity.

km-foundation

Founded in 2011, with the Mayor of London as Patron, the LMF is dedicated to ensuring that every child—no matter their background—has access to exceptional music education.

This mission aligns perfectly with the KM Foundation, which focuses on improving education, healthcare, and opportunities for people from underprivileged communities, helping them to progress and flourish.

Through this partnership, the KM Foundation is committed to supporting 20 music students aged 16-19 every year for the next three years to help them unlock their full potential and achieve their musical ambitions.

km-foundation-supporting-20-music-students — Image source: KM Foundation

Nominations opened in March, and the young scholars will be confirmed by the summer holidays. The grant programme runs from September to July.

Depending on satisfactory attendance and progress:

A grant of up to £1000 per year for their personal musical development
High-profile performance opportunities
Opportunities for mentoring and training to support younger musicians at Playing Days
Other bespoke activities depending on their needs

Kumar Muthalagappan OBE, Founder of the KM Foundation, said:

founder-of-the-km-foundation-kumar-muthalagappan-obe — Image source: KM Foundation

“There are so many young and flourishing musicians from all walks of life who dream of a career in music. Music should be for everyone, and their backgrounds and ethnicities should never be a barrier to them developing their potential and pursuing their dream.

“The LMF shares our ethos in ensuring that any aspiring musician with a talent and a passion for a career in music should have the same opportunity as anyone else.”

With a passion for forging relationships with some of the world’s leading organisations, students benefiting from LMF’s Senior Scholarship have already accessed opportunities with institutions such as the ABRSM, the Royal College of Music and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Later this Summer, LMF will be partnering with the University of Westminster on a music technology workshop, and Senior Scholars will be taking part in a multi-disciplinary collaboration at Somerset House as part of the Japan Pavilion at the London Design Biennale with the violinist and composer, Midori Komachi, in association with Clare Farrow Studio.

As part of its support for the LMF, funding from the KM Foundation will allow beneficiaries to forge relationships with leading orchestras and conductors to help their development.

The Funding from the KM Foundation will benefit a further five scholars from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – a fitting connection with Kumar Muthalagappan, having been Chair of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for several years.

Scholars who have benefited from the scheme will be asked to share the benefits of their experience with younger generations coming through the fund.

Kumar Muthalagappan added:

“The LMF is a fantastic charity which gives its music scholars access to learning from some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including Julian Lloyd Webber and Julian Bliss.

“But its achievements go far beyond music and help equip the students for life, allowing them to grow their network of peers and professionals, in turn contributing to increased social mobility, and helping to improve their self-confidence and overall wellbeing.”

For more information on the London Music Fund, visit: www.londonmusicfund.org

To learn how the KM Foundation can support your community or organisation, visit: www.thekmfoundation.org

ENDS