Leeds College of Music launches its first ever instrument donation appeal, The Instrumental Change, this #GivingTuesday - in a bid to support young musicians across West Yorkshire.
Through The Instrumental Change, LCoM is calling upon the public for donations of unused and unwanted instruments that are in good working order, which could be put to use by musicians at Junior LCoM and other youth music organisations across the region.
The campaign aims to improve opportunities for young people to learn a new instrument, which comes at a pertinent time amidst continuing cuts to music education in schools. Against this backdrop, and with recognition that the cost of a musical instrument can be prohibitive for many families, The Instrumental Change is focussed on improving access to music and removing barriers to study.
Joe Wilson, Vice Principal & Director of Curriculum at LCoM said:
We believe that all young musicians should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, regardless of their financial background. However, with an increasing lack of funding for music education in schools, alongside the cost of instruments, this often isn’t possible for many young people.
This is why we have launched The Instrumental Change – we want to give as many opportunities as possible to our region’s next generation of musical talent. We are calling on anyone who has an unused or unwanted instrument in good working order to donate to this fantastic cause, and help a young musician thrive.
The Instrumental Change will culminate with a donation day at LCoM on Saturday 25 January 2020, where individual donors will be able to drop off their donations at Leeds College of Music.
Former Junior LCoM student Mila studied at Junior LCoM for nine years and is now enrolled on BA Popular Music at LCoM. She said:
My experience of Junior LCoM was so amazing that I didn’t want to leave - the sense of community, support and artistic freedom was what made me want to continue on to Higher Education at LCoM. As a previous recipient of an instrument donation myself, I cannot stress enough just how helpful this is to students. Your donations will be treated with love and be a major asset to young students’ learning and to their passion for music!
The region’s organisations who are set to benefit from the campaign will include Junior LCoM’s Saturday Music School, ArtForms Leeds, Made with Music and more.
Gráinne Mathews, Giving Tuesday UK Campaign Lead, added:
Giving Tuesday is a chance for us all, no matter where we live or what we do, to help out a cause close to our hearts. This year we’re also encouraging everyone to make a #GivingTuesdayPledge and think of ways to have an impact year round, in addition to on the day itself.
The launch of the campaign coincides with Giving Tuesday on Tuesday 3 December 2019 – a global day of giving when everyone, everywhere can do something to support the good causes that mean so much to us all.
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