Leeds Conservatoire is thrilled that Perseus Morgan, a student on its Folk programme, has been awarded an Instrument Purchase Grant by the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS).
Every year, the RPS provides funding to young musicians who do not own an instrument suitable for their professional training. The RPS receives a huge volume of applications and grants are prioritised for first year undergraduates, due to enter their second year.
Perseus Morgan, BA (Hons) Folk student
Perseus Morgan
Perseus started teaching himself to play folk harmonica at a young age, having been exposed to many different traditions of music by his late father. Perseus has sessioned for bands in both London and Herefordshire.
In 2018, Perseus appeared in a BBC short film promoting folk music. More recently, Perseus started composing film score music in collaboration with a fellow student at Leeds Conservatoire.
In support of Perseus’ grant application, Mat Walklate, Lecturer in Folk (Harmonica) at Leeds Conservatoire, said, “Perseus is a gifted and accomplished harmonica player, across diverse genres of music.
"This is all the more remarkable given the parlous state of the instruments he owns. Harmonicas are renowned for their obsolescence, and unfortunately all of those currently owned by Perseus have mechanical or intonational deficiencies. The instruments that he has requested will greatly benefit his development as a musician, by allowing him to reach his full potential."
Rachael Sutcliffe, Folk Programme Leader at Leeds Conservatoire, added, “The set that he has outlined in his application has been recommended by a specialist in this field who recognises that Perseus has the potential to become a world class player.
"Perseus is a diligent and committed student who is passionate about harmonica - this set will allow him to excel in his performances and allow him to access repertoire that he is currently unable to attempt because of his current instruments’ age and level of disrepair.
"I believe that Perseus has never owned a new harmonica and has excelled as far as he can on the ones he currently owns. His musical ability is exceptional.”
Find out more about RPS Instrument Purchase Grants
View Perseus’ profile on the RPS website
Read about our BA (Hons) Music (Folk, Roots and Blues)* course
*Subject to name change approval
