Keyboard Charitable Trust for Young Professional Performers

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £110,848 (2024/25 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Information not publicly available
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed on individual basis following audition
• Grant Range: Not applicable - provides performance opportunities rather than financial grants
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom (with international performance opportunities)

Contact Details

• Address: 54 Raleigh Road, London, N8 0HY
• Website: www.keyboardtrust.org
• Email: sarahbiggs01@btinternet.com (General Manager), richard@keyboardtrust.org
• Phone: 020 8348 5727 / 07770 586919

Overview

The Keyboard Charitable Trust for Young Professional Performers (Charity Number: 1017036) is a UK-based charitable trust founded in 1991 and registered in 1993. The Trust's mission is to help young keyboard players (aged 18-30) reduce the element of chance in building a professional musical career. Rather than providing financial grants, the Trust identifies the most talented young performers and assists their development by offering them opportunities to perform throughout the world. For the most gifted, this means débuts in London, New York, Rome and other music capitals, with a circuit of some fifty venues in seven principal countries. The Trust has presented over 300 young international pianists, historic keyboard players and organists in over 900 concerts worldwide.

Funding Priorities

Support Provided

The Trust provides:

• Performance opportunities in prestigious concert halls and venues worldwide
• 'New Artist' recital opportunities in London for approved applicants
• Introductions to members of the music profession who can assist careers
• Access to a circuit of approximately 50 venues in seven principal countries

Priority Areas

• Young professional keyboard performers aged 18-30 (piano, organ, harpsichord)
• Musicians making the transition from formal studies to fully professional career
• Performers of the highest international standard
• Artists with comprehensive repertoire of sufficient breadth, depth and imagination

What They Don't Support

• Non-keyboard instruments
• First Prizewinners of major international piano competitions who have already been awarded multiple international performances
• General music education costs
• Organisations or institutions

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust has 12 trustees and is led by Geoffrey Shindler OBE (Chairman of Trustees). Artistic Direction is provided by Dr Leslie Howard, Dr Elena Vorotko (who specialises in performers on historical instruments), and Christopher Axworthy ARAM. Sarah Biggs serves as General Manager. The Trust is funded entirely by voluntary donations.

How to Apply to Keyboard Charitable Trust For Young Professional Performers

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on an invitation/audition basis. When applications are open, young keyboard players should submit:

• Links to recorded performances offering a varied programme ranging from classical to more modern or contemporary works
• A covering letter explaining how they see their future career development and what impediments the Trust might help them overcome
• Information about upcoming public performances

Applicants should have a comprehensive repertoire of sufficient breadth, depth and imagination to embrace international professional career opportunities.

Selection Process

If the Artistic Directors are able to respond to the application in principle, the next step is to hear the artist in performance, preferably at a public concert or recital. On approval by the Trust's Artistic Directors, the artist will be offered a 'New Artist' recital opportunity in London.

Application Availability

Applications may be suspended during periods of high demand. Check the website (keyboardtrust.org/apply) for current status.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate exceptional keyboard performance ability of the highest international standard
• Comprehensive repertoire with breadth, depth and imagination
• Clear articulation of career development goals
• Evidence of commitment to a professional performance career
• Should not already have secured multiple international performance opportunities through major competition wins
• Strong recorded performances demonstrating varied programme
• Opportunity to perform live for Artistic Directors

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The trust focuses exclusively on keyboard performers, so ensure the applicant's primary instrument is piano, organ, or harpsichord
• Emphasize the professional development aspect rather than educational needs
• Provide clear evidence of performance ability and career potential
• Contact the trust directly for guidance before submitting a formal application
• Be specific about how the funding will remove barriers to career progression

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Solti Foundation
• The Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation
• The Cosman Keller Art And Music Trust
• Borletti-buitoni Trust
• The Harding Trust
• Thomas Wilson Educational Trust
• Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust
• The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund
• Laidlaw Opera Trust
• William Gibbs Religious And Educational Trust

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales records (Charity Number: 1017036)
• The Keyboard Charitable Trust website: www.keyboardtrust.org
• Web searches conducted April 2026