Awardee Feedback and Thanks

At the Kent and Medway Young Musicians Trust, we know that the true measure of our success isn't just the number of grants we give out, but the tangible, transformative impact those funds have on individual lives. Every piece of work we support—every course completed, every project launched, every dream realized—is directly fuelled by the generosity of our community.

Before we dive into the inspiring stories and valuable insights we’ve collected this year, we want to start with a heartfelt thank you. To our incredible donors, partners, and supporters. You make these opportunities possible, and this post is dedicated to showing you exactly what your support has achieved.

In the following sections, we share feedback straight from our recent awardees. Take a look at their journeys and what they plan to do next. Read on to hear, in their own words, how your generosity is paving the way for the future.

"On 3rd October, I had the opportunity to join the Sacconi Quartet for a performance of Brahms quintet in G major, Op. 111. This was such a unique and informative experience, allowing me to spend the day working on the piece with the group, before the evening concert in The Grand in Folkestone. I play on a beautiful viola made by Thomas Kennedy in 1839, that I was lucky enough to be able to purchase last year, thanks to the generosity of The Kent and Medway Young Musicians Trust, and an Instrument Purchase Grant from the Royal Philharmonic Society. This has made such a difference to my playing, allowing me to play with a quality of sound that my previous viola was not capable of reaching. Since acquiring this viola, I have become principal viola of the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra (YMSO) in London, and have played with the English National Ballet in performances of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Nutcracker at the London Coliseum - and I am confident that none of this would have been possible without this wonderful viola. "

"I would like to start by saying a great big thank you for the grant! The grant was equally shared between my French horn lessons and the Tour to Suffolk with my band. The tour was amazing! Whilst I was there I had so much fun and managed to make some new friends along the way! Obviously, I mustn’t forget to mention how great and exciting it was to play and perform with my friends. On the tour I have learned how French horn is made and was taught some new playing techniques, like hand stopping, which I am very excited about.  The tour has certainly boosted my confidence. Thank you for making this happen! It was a wonderful experience!"

"I am writing to say that I am very thankful for the grant I was given. With this grant I was able to go on an amazing music tour to Spain with my friends that I was able to meet through an amazing music service known as Bexley Music. On this tour so many memories were created that will live in my heart and mind for the rest of my life. These memories consisted of the music I was able to play at multiple different venues , the glass bottomed boat where I was able to see so much different marine life and spending the day in an amazing waterpark after performing there to the wonderful audience. The whole experience was so surreal, and I will forever be grateful for you supporting me financially to go on this tour. It has gotten me smiling just having to think of what to type, as all of these fun memories are continuing to flow through my head. Thank you so so much!"