Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £93,605 (expenditure for year ending April 2025)
• Income: £107,500 (year ending April 2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Annual audition process (applications September-January)
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: UK-based, students at recognised UK music colleges/academies
• Registered Charity Number: 1094767

Contact Details

Address:

The Laurels

Sunny Box Lane

Slindon Common

BN18 0LX

Email: acmtrust20@gmail.com

Phone: 01243 814411

Website: www.thecoopercollection.org

Overview

The Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust was established in honour of Albert Cooper (1924-2011), the renowned British flute maker best known for developing the Cooper Scale, which revolutionized flute design and has been universally adopted by all major flute makers. Interestingly, while Cooper's legacy was in flute making, the charitable trust focuses on supporting young string players rather than wind instrumentalists.

The trust operates as a specialist educational grant-maker, providing financial support to young musicians aged 18-21 who are studying at recognized music colleges or academies in the UK. With an annual expenditure of approximately £93,605 and income of £107,500, the trust maintains a focused mission: supporting talented string players who have the potential to pursue professional careers in performance or teaching. The trust operates with three trustees, none of whom receive remuneration, and has no trading subsidiaries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single annual grant program focused on individual student musicians:

Student Support Grants: Applications accepted September to January, with annual auditions required

• For students aged 18-21
• Studying full-time or postgraduate at recognized UK music colleges/academies
• Priority for violin, viola, and cello players (string instruments played with the bow)
• May also include double bass players

Priority Areas

Eligible Funding:

• Tuition fees for instrumental instruction (bowed instruments)
• Purchase of instruments (violin, viola, cello, and potentially double bass)
• Living expenses while studying full-time or pursuing postgraduate studies at college/university
• Support for students with potential for professional careers in performance or teaching

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age 18-21 years
• Full-time student at a recognized music college/academy in the UK
• Must have reached Grade 8 standard
• Must attend an audition
• Play violin, viola, cello, or double bass

What They Don't Fund

• Students outside the 18-21 age range
• Wind, brass, percussion, keyboard, or vocal students
• Part-time students
• Students not enrolled at recognized music colleges/academies
• Recreational or amateur musicians without professional career potential
• Students who cannot attend an audition

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Governance and Leadership

Structure:

• 3 trustees
• No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity
• No trading subsidiaries
• Charity reporting is up to date with the Charity Commission

The trust maintains a lean governance structure focused on its core mission of supporting emerging string players. Trustees oversee the annual audition process and make grant decisions based on demonstrated musical ability and professional potential.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Window: September to January (annually)

Key Requirement: All potential applicants must attend an audition

Contact for Applications:

• Email: acmtrust20@gmail.com
• Phone: 01243 814411

The trust operates through an audition-based selection process rather than a standard written application form. Prospective applicants should contact the trust directly during the application window to arrange an audition and discuss their eligibility.

Decision Timeline

The trust operates on an annual cycle:

• Applications accepted: September to January
• Auditions held: Annually (specific dates arranged with applicants)
• Decisions made: Following audition process

Applicants should expect the process to run from initial contact through to decision within the academic year application window.

Success Rates

Specific success rates and the number of grants awarded annually are not publicly available. Interested applicants should contact the trust directly to understand current competition levels.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the trust directly to discuss future opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Musical Excellence is Essential:

The requirement for all applicants to attend an audition demonstrates that musical ability and potential are the primary selection criteria. Applicants should ensure they are performing at a high standard (Grade 8 or above) before applying.

Professional Potential:

The trust explicitly prioritizes students “with the potential for making a career as professionals either by teaching or performing.” Applications should demonstrate clear career aspirations and trajectory in the music profession.

Age and Institution Matter:

The strict age range (18-21) and requirement to study at a recognized music college/academy means eligibility is non-negotiable. Ensure you meet these criteria before investing time in the application process.

Instrument Specificity:

Focus on violin, viola, and cello (bowed string instruments) is clear. While double bass may be considered, the trust's documentation consistently emphasizes these three instruments as priorities.

Multiple Support Areas:

The trust offers flexibility in what grants can support (tuition, instruments, living expenses), so applicants should clearly articulate which costs they need help with and why.

Direct Contact Approach:

The trust operates through personal contact rather than online portals or formal application forms. Demonstrating professionalism and clarity in initial communications is important.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This trust supports individual musicians, not organizations - it is not a source of funding for music education institutions, orchestras, or community music programs
• The audition is non-negotiable - musical performance ability is the core criterion, so only students confident in their playing should apply
• Age eligibility is strict - the 18-21 window is narrow; students should apply during eligible years and not delay
• String instruments only - despite founder Albert Cooper's legacy in flute making, the trust exclusively supports string players
• Professional career potential matters - the trust invests in future professionals, not amateur or recreational players
• Contact early in the application window - with applications open September-January, early contact allows time to arrange auditions and complete the process
• Multiple uses for grants - clearly identify whether you need support for tuition, instrument purchase, or living expenses (or a combination)

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Drake Calleja Trust
• Hattori Foundation
• Thomas Wilson Educational Trust
• THE ALBERT AND EUGENIE FROST MUSIC TRUST CIO
• Keyboard Charitable Trust for Young Professional Performers
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
• Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust
• UNIVERSAL MUSIC UK SOUND FOUNDATION
• THE SCOPS ARTS TRUST

References

• UK Charity Commission Register of Charities, Albert Cooper Music Charitable Trust (Charity No. 1094767): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1094767&subid=0
• The Cooper Collection website: www.thecoopercollection.org
• Severn Arts FAQs: https://www.severnarts.org.uk/faqs/albert-cooper-music-charitable-trust
• Trinity Laban External Funding Resources: https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/external-funding/trusts-and-foundations/trusts-and-foundations-music-specific/
• Royal College of Music Other Sources of Funding: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/othersources/
• Wikipedia entry for Albert Cooper (flute maker): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Cooper_(flute_maker)