13 year old Julia always knew that she wanted to play the flute. Her dream came true six years ago when she had her very first flute lessons, Julia described her first lesson:
“Unfortunately, it did not go well. I came home very upset as I could not make a single sound! But I was determined and practiced and practiced and here I am today!
“It was not easy but I persevered following my dream. My teacher saw my potential and suggested joining Richmond Music Trust Youth Concert Band so I could have more opportunities to play. I went to try it and stayed on. I could not believe my luck. I was 9 years old, the youngest member of the band but I did not care. I was so happy making music, being a part of a proper, big concert band. I have been a member ever since.
“Playing the flute and making music is who I am. I cannot imagine being without the flute. I see music as my career but also as a way of life. Playing the flute is a remedy for everything, it makes me happy and I hope makes those who listen to my playing too.
I was over the moon when I was offered a place at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama and I cannot wait to start. I would like to experiment with my abilities and stretch myself. I really believe that if I put my work and passion and I have the right support ( both professional and financial) I can really become a great musician. Later on in life, I’d like to pass my passion to younger musicians.
This year, Julia was one of the inaugural recipients of The Peta Martin Award, founded in memory of AYM supporter Peta by her children. Peta’s daughter Emma said
“AYM was a source of great joy to her over the years and she enjoyed hugely not only the music and the hope of the charity whose Award winners were a constant source of delight and inspiration to her, but also the company of like-minded friends she met there.”
Julia is using her Award to contribute to the fees to attend the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She says:
“I am ever so grateful for organisations like Awards for Young Musicians and individuals like Peta Martin for helping me on the journey to achieve my aims. Music and love for it make people united and receiving the Award makes me feel that I belong and my music making matters. Thank you for the Award and your support.”
With support from our donors we’re here to help hundreds of young musicians like Julia. Thank you!
If you are, or if you know, a young musician like Julia, aged 5-17, with bags of musical potential who needs support for musical costs, AYM could help!
Julia is recipient of the Peta Martin Award. This will support young musicians from low income families so they can reach their potential and allow her spirit and legacy to live on. You can find out more about Peta by clicking here.
If you’d like to find out more about leaving a legacy or naming and Award, please get in touch with our Development Manager, Sanpreet Janjua, at [email protected] or on 0300 302 3422.
