Charles Campbell-Peak, eight, and Fraser Bracken, 10, have been awarded scholars from teh Mayor of London to study music. Pictured with British classical double bass player and Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians patron Chi-chi Nwanokwu MBE.

Havering musicians awarded music scholarships from the Mayor of London

Safira Ali, Senior reporter Thursday, November 8, 2012
4:45 PM

Young musicians from Havering have won scholarships from the Mayor of London.

Charles Campbell-Peak, eight, from St Joseph’s Primary School, who plays the double bass and violin, and Fraser Bracken, 10, from Branfil Primary School, who plays the guitar and trumpet, are both members of Havering Music School.

They joined young musicians from across the capital last month to accept their scholarships at City Hall from the Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians (MFYM).

They were amongst 66 talented school children aged seven to 11 who were invited to the special ceremony to celebrate the achievement.

MFYM chief executive Ginny Greenwood said: “Thanks to the enormous generosity of individuals and businesses around London, these talented children, who would have to stop learning without external financial support, will now receive four-years of instrumental tuition both at school and at Saturday morning music centre, as well as the opportunity to perform at and attend concerts.

“Our ambition is to raise enough money every year to fund at least 150 four-year scholarships (a commitment of £600,000) so that by 2016 600 children will be benefitting from the scheme.”

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who is MFYM’s founder patron, said: “We know that learning a musical instrument can have a powerful impact on a child’s life, helping in their social, emotional and academic development.

“Sadly, too many families in London cannot afford to pay for music lessons, even for very talented children.

“By investing in these scholarships, the fund is enriching the lives of hundreds of children and also making sure London remains the top city in the world for all kinds of music. I wish the fund and these 66 talented scholars every success.”

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