This name just stopped giving

The EMI Music Sound Foundation has given £8 million since 1998 to help young people access music education.

The Foundation is marking its 21st anniversary this week with a change of name.

EMI is sadly defunct. The fund has been renamed Universal Music UK Sound Foundation. However, the good work continues.

See press release below.

For 21 years the EMI Foundation has supported music education for young people with awards going to over 10,000 children and schools for the purchase of musical instruments, equipment and training. The awards give support to a new generation as they discover music, further their education, and foster a lifelong interest in music.

Since its inception the Foundation has supported 26 secondary schools across the country, investing a total of £2.4 million, helping the schools to specialise in performing arts and music. Each year, it supports an additional 200 children studying at these schools with the cost of their music lessons via the charity’s Hardship Fund, as well as funding training for 250 teachers in their feeder primary schools. As part of the 21st anniversary, on top of their yearly award of £6000, each of these sponsored state schools received an extra £5000 in funding for 2018.

The Foundation also offers annual bursaries to 11 partner music colleges and organisations via a rolling programme. Bursaries are awarded to individual students to assist with their fees and living expenses, with more than 600 applicants benefitting from the programme.

Commenting on the bursary support that the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts receives, Sir Paul McCartney said: “On behalf of our students, from Liverpool and beyond, we are grateful for these awards which help make what can be impossible, possible. The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation is enabling many worthy students to learn, despite financial handicaps.”

Adam Barker, Chair of Trustees, Universal Music UK Sound Foundation stated: “Since our inception in 1997, the Foundation has focused on ensuring that the significant benefits and the joy of studying music remain available to as many young people from all backgrounds across the UK as possible. Universal Music is proud that our support allows 100% of the charity’s funding to be channeled to the vital work that the newly re-named and highly respected Universal Music UK Sound Foundation undertakes year after year.”