The London Suzuki Group

Charity Number: 292638

Annual Expenditure: £0.6M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £551,845 (2024 expenditure)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications in February for September awards (approximately 6 months)
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed (means-tested bursaries)
  • Geographic Focus: London and surrounding areas

Contact Details

  • Website: www.londonsuzukigroup.co.uk
  • Email: admin@londonsuzukigroup.co.uk
  • Phone: 020 3176 4170
  • Bursary Administrator: bursary@londonsuzukigroup.co.uk
  • SEND Support: myrto.rochat@gmail.com

Overview

The London Suzuki Group (LSG) was founded in 1972 and is the first organization in the United Kingdom to teach music by the Suzuki Method. Registered as charity number 292638, the organization operates with total annual expenditure of approximately £551,845 (2024) and maintains a financially stable position with investment income of £93,340. The LSG's vision is "to create an environment for the Suzuki teachers, parents and children of London to benefit from Dr Suzuki's philosophy of ability development through music." With 60 qualified teachers and over 600 children currently receiving tuition, the group offers instruction in violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, recorder, and voice. The LSG runs a long-standing means-based bursary scheme to ensure families have access to musical education regardless of their financial position. Students have achieved sustained success, winning distinctions in music examinations and scholarships to major schools and conservatoires. The organization is governed by eight trustees who receive no remuneration, reflecting its charitable mission.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Lesson Bursaries

  • Means-based financial assistance for individual music lessons
  • Supports pupils learning with or starting lessons with an LSG teacher
  • Application method: Annual application cycle (rolling basis within the cycle)
  • Contact: bursary@londonsuzukigroup.co.uk

Special Educational Needs and Disability Support

  • Additional financial assistance for families with children who have SEN, disabilities, or SpLD
  • Support for families where a parent has a disability that may impact the child's musical progress
  • Contact: myrto.rochat@gmail.com

Workshop and Course Support

  • Need-based discounts for workshops and events
  • Priority booking rights to annual LSG Summer School at Bryanston
  • Support for teacher training fee contributions

Priority Areas

  • Music Education: Children's music education using the Suzuki method
  • Accessibility: Supporting families regardless of financial position
  • Special Needs: Additional support for children and families with SEN/disabilities
  • Teacher Development: Contributing to teacher training fees
  • Performance Opportunities: Ensuring access to concerts, workshops, and master classes

What They Don't Fund

  • Non-Suzuki method music education
  • Students not working with LSG teachers
  • Non-music educational activities
  • Individuals outside the London and surrounding areas
  • Organizations (only individual grants)
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Edward James de Nor - Chair (appointed November 2015)
  • Wei Yee Shiu - Trustee (appointed March 2025)
  • Tessa Oakley - Trustee (appointed February 2023)
  • Cynthia Prieto - Trustee (appointed February 2023)
  • Xing Peerless - Trustee (appointed February 2023)
  • Jenny Yap - Trustee (appointed May 2022)
  • Anne Elizabeth Thomas - Trustee (appointed February 2020)
  • Helen Ursula Brunner - Trustee (also trustee of British Suzuki Music Association CIO)

Historical Leadership

Helen Brunner (Music Director 1972-1987) was instrumental in founding the LSG around her kitchen table and establishing it as a registered charity. Her philosophy continues to influence the organization: “Technique has nothing to do with being musical. Technique has nothing to do with being intelligent.” Brunner emphasized Dr. Suzuki's principle that "'Beautiful heart, beautiful tone,' demonstrating Suzuki philosophy in action through practical demonstration of changing the world through music and education."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  • Discuss with your Suzuki teacher
  • Email the Bursary Administrator at bursary@londonsuzukigroup.co.uk
  • For SEND support, contact myrto.rochat@gmail.com

Decision Timeline

  • Application Period: Beginning of calendar year (February)
  • Award Start Date: Following September
  • Processing Time: Approximately 6 months from application to award start
  • Notification Method: Not publicly specified (contact Bursary Administrator for details)

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The organization operates a “long-running bursary scheme” suggesting sustained funding availability, though competitive factors are not documented.

Reapplication Policy

The LSG operates an annual application cycle with applications invited “at the beginning of each calendar year.” This suggests yearly reapplication is expected and permitted, though specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly documented. Contact the Bursary Administrator for specific guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

LSG-Specific Priorities

  1. Financial Need: The scheme is explicitly “means-based,” prioritizing families who cannot otherwise afford Suzuki music education
  2. LSG Membership: Must be learning with or starting lessons with an LSG teacher - establishing this relationship before applying is essential
  3. Special Needs Support: The LSG specifically welcomes applications from families where children have SEN, disabilities, SpLD, or where parental disability impacts the child's progress
  4. Commitment to Suzuki Method: Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the Suzuki philosophy and mother-tongue approach to music education
  5. Long-term Engagement: The organization values sustained involvement - priority booking rights and graduation processes suggest they support continuing students

Organizational Philosophy

The LSG's mission emphasizes that “talent is not a prerequisite” and focuses on “stimulating and developing musical abilities inherent in all children.” Applications should reflect understanding that the Suzuki method values:

  • Active encouragement and positive reinforcement
  • Listening and repetition (Suzuki spoke of “10,000-times repetition”)
  • Family involvement in the learning process
  • Joy through music making and enrichment of family life

Strategic Approach

Since the bursary is means-tested, applicants should be prepared to provide clear evidence of financial need. The organization's sustained record of funding students who have gone on to win “distinctions in music examinations, competitions and scholarships to major schools and conservatoires” suggests they value investment in students with demonstrated commitment and potential for development.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Teacher Connection is Essential: You must establish a relationship with an LSG teacher before applying - this is a prerequisite, not optional
  • Membership Required: LSG membership is necessary to access the bursary scheme, creating a pathway through teacher → membership → bursary
  • Means-Testing is Central: Prepare clear documentation of financial need; the scheme exists specifically to support families who cannot otherwise afford lessons
  • SEND Support Available: If your child has special educational needs or disabilities, highlight this - the LSG has dedicated support and contact person for SEND families
  • Plan Ahead: The 6-month timeline from February application to September award means early planning is crucial
  • Long-Running Scheme: The “long-running” nature suggests sustained availability and institutional commitment to financial accessibility
  • Philosophy Alignment Matters: Understanding and articulating alignment with Suzuki method principles (mother-tongue approach, family involvement, joy through music) strengthens applications

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