Colin MacLean Bursary | 2024 Award Recipient Announced
16.05.2024
Over the last decade, NYOS has been supporting a continued legacy of ambition for the next generation, providing opportunities for artistic collaborations, performances, and career skill development programmes for emerging young musicians.
As part of this, and on behalf of the Endowment Trust of the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, it has been announced that the recipient of the Colin MacLean Bursary Award for 2024 is 22-year-old trumpeter, Callum Robb from Innerleithen.
Currently studying for his Masters in Performance at the Royal College of Music in London, as well as working part time as an instrumental music tutor, Callum first joined NYOS back in 2019 and most recently returned to play with Scotland’s national youth orchestra for their spring concerts in Aberdeen and Glasgow this April. He has been awarded £3,500 to further his musical education as he looks to pursue a career in music after graduating.
The Colin MacLean Bursary Fund has been awarded annually after being set up by the NYOS Endowment Trust to celebrate Colin MacLean’s immense contribution to youth music in Scotland over more than four decades. In the mid-seventies Colin MacLean played a vital role in establishing the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Today, it is thanks to sustained financial backing, that the Endowment Trust can help the young musicians of the future.
In 2024, the bursary in its current form comes to an end, with an increase to the funds awarded in this year's bursary and meaning that over £10,000 of vital financial support will have been issued to recipients since 2020. NYOS thank donors, supporters, and the trust for their continued work in ensuring that young musicians are supported in further study, or their transition to a professional role in the music sector.
Callum shared his experience of being involved with NYOS, saying, “The opportunity to play in an orchestra with other young and like-minded people was amazing, and I have some great memories from NYOS that I will never forget. Alongside this, it was great to work with and learn from renowned conductors such as Catherine Larsen-Maguire, Martyn Brabbins and Jac van Steen, as well as the amazing tutors who worked with us on each course. These experiences helped me realise that I wanted to study music and pursue it as a career. “
He continued, “Funding has a huge impact on aspiring musicians. There is not a great amount of financial support available for young people trying to study music, especially when it comes to a postgraduate degree. Being awarded the Colin MacLean bursary will enable me to complete my degree and take full advantage of the world-renowned teaching and opportunities that the Royal College of Music provides.”
“I am extremely grateful to the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland for their generous support. This funding will provide me with the opportunity to continue my studies and gain more experience as I try and establish myself as a professional musician.”
NYOS wish Callum all the best as he continues his masters degree, and we look forward to following his progress over the coming years.
If you are looking for more information about financial support with musical study, please visit the following pages on our website:
> Our Programmes
> Financial Assistance & Guide to Awards, Trusts and Local Authority Funding
