The Tertis Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £40,476 (2024/25)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly reviews (4 times per year for ESTA Tertis Viola Fund)
• Grant Range: Up to £300 per bursary (typical maximum)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide, with international reach for arts education

Contact Details

Registered Office:

Harbottle & Lewis LLP

7 Savoy Court

London WC2R 0EX

Phone: 020 7667 5000

Charity Number: 1099084

For Grant Applications:

Applications are now processed through ESTA UK (European String Teachers Association) for the ESTA Tertis Viola Fund

Website: www.estastrings.org.uk

Overview

The Tertis Foundation was established in 2003 by Lillian Tertis, widow of the pioneering viola player Lionel Tertis (1876-1975), who revolutionized the viola's status from an orchestral instrument to a respected solo instrument. The foundation's charitable objectives are to promote education in the Arts anywhere in the world for the public benefit, with particular emphasis on promoting education in music and playing of the viola. In 2024, the trustees made a strategic decision to transfer the foundation's assets to other charities, most notably ESTA UK, to create the ESTA Tertis Viola Fund (ETVF), ensuring the continuation of Lionel Tertis's legacy of supporting young viola players and teachers. The foundation also provides funding for the prestigious triennial Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival & Competition, administered by the Erin Arts Centre with support from the Isle of Man Arts Council. The foundation maintains ongoing support for the Wimbledon International Music Festival, honoring Tertis's connection to Wimbledon where he lived at 42 Marryat Road for many years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

ESTA Tertis Viola Fund (Primary Grant Program)

• Individual Child Bursaries: Up to £300 per bursary
• Purpose: Supporting costs of attending chamber music courses, orchestral courses, private lessons, or masterclasses
• Frequency: Four funding rounds per year
• Application Method: Rolling applications through ESTA UK website

Project Grants for Teachers

• Maximum Amount: Up to £300
• Purpose: Funding events or courses for viola players, or enabling string teachers to develop viola teaching capabilities
• Application Method: Dedicated application form through ESTA UK

Major Competition Support

• Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition: Triennial competition with £5,000 first prize and one-year viola loan
• Administered by: Erin Arts Centre with Isle of Man Arts Council

Festival Support

• Ongoing support for Wimbledon International Music Festival
• Annual celebration of viola in tribute to Lionel Tertis

Priority Areas

Developing Skills as a Viola Player

• Chamber music course attendance
• Orchestral course participation
• Series of individual lessons
• Masterclass attendance

Becoming a Viola Player

• Supporting violinists transitioning to viola
• Chamber music or orchestral courses as viola player
• Series of viola lessons for string players

Providing Opportunities for Viola Players to Flourish

• Events and courses for viola players
• Supporting teachers from other string disciplines (violin, cello, double bass) to teach viola
• Increasing the number of active viola players

Financial Need Over Merit

• Awards based on financial need, not playing ability
• Supporting young players aged 18 and under in full-time education

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not explicitly list exclusions, but its scope is highly specific:

• Non-viola-related music education (outside core mission)
• Applications from individuals over 18 or not in full-time education (for individual bursaries)
• Applications where the child's teacher is not an ESTA UK member
• More than three bursaries per individual (typical maximum)

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees

Chair: Margaret Lyons

Trustees (as of 2003 founding):

• Jonathan Barritt
• Cathy Connolly
• Robert Lyons (Secretary)
• Christopher Wellington

Governance Structure:

• 4 total trustees
• No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits
• No trading subsidiaries
• Registered as a charitable company

Historical Leadership

Founder: Lillian Tertis (1915-2009), widow of Lionel Tertis, established the foundation in 2003 to preserve his memory and musical legacy.

Strategic Direction:

In 2024, the trustees made the significant decision to transfer funds to other charities, particularly ESTA UK, to ensure the foundation's aims could be furthered more effectively through established music education networks.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Individual Child Bursaries (via ESTA Tertis Viola Fund):

1. Child must be aged 18 or under and in full-time education
2. Child's teacher must be a current Full Professional, Young Professional, Overseas Professional, or Student member of ESTA UK
3. Submit application through ESTA UK website using dedicated bursary application form
4. Select “ESTA Tertis Viola Fund” in the “cause” dropdown

For Teacher/Project Bursaries:

1. Applicant must hold current ESTA UK membership
2. Projects must involve participants under 18 in full-time education
3. Submit application through ESTA UK project bursary form
4. Projects must be 100% dedicated to viola playing or teaching

Post-Award Requirements:

• Pre-course thank-you message for social media (within 2 weeks of award)
• Post-course write-up: 300 words maximum for children; 300-500 words for projects
• Submission within two weeks of course completion
• Acknowledgment of any corporate sponsors

Payment Method:

Bursaries are paid directly to course organizers upon receipt of required documentation and course invoice.

Decision Timeline

• Review Frequency: Four times annually (quarterly)
• Processing Time: Not publicly specified, but operates on rolling basis
• Notification Method: Through ESTA UK system
• Decision-Making Body: ESTA Bursary Committee (for ETVF grants)

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However:

• Bursaries are described as “limited in number”
• Maximum of three bursaries typically awarded per individual over time
• Awards prioritize financial need over playing ability
• Foundation had total expenditure of £40,476 in 2024/25

Reapplication Policy

• Individuals may receive up to three bursaries (typical maximum)
• No specified waiting period between applications
• Multiple applications per year possible given quarterly review cycle
• Must continue to meet eligibility criteria (age, education status, teacher membership)

Application Success Factors

Direct Guidance from the Funder

Focus on Financial Need: “Awards are based on financial need, not playing ability” - this is explicitly stated as a core principle of the ETVF program.

Teacher Membership Requirement: The requirement that teachers hold ESTA UK membership ensures connection to professional string teaching community and quality instruction.

Commitment to Sharing Impact: The mandatory social media acknowledgment and written report requirements indicate the foundation values visibility and documentation of outcomes.

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Clear Financial Need: Since awards are need-based rather than merit-based, demonstrating genuine financial barrier to accessing musical education opportunities is crucial.

Alignment with Viola Promotion: Projects that specifically advance viola playing and teaching, especially those that increase the number of viola players or teachers, align directly with the foundation's mission.

Young Player Development: Applications supporting players aged 18 and under in full-time education are the primary target demographic.

Teacher Development for Viola: Supporting teachers from other string disciplines to develop viola teaching capabilities is specifically welcomed.

Course or Event Focus: The foundation specifically supports attendance at courses, masterclasses, and organized educational events rather than general support.

Examples of Funded Activities

While specific recent awards are not publicly listed, the foundation explicitly supports:

• Chamber music courses with viola participation
• Orchestral courses for viola players
• Series of private viola lessons
• Masterclasses for viola players
• Events and courses specifically for viola players
• Training for string teachers to teach viola

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Applying without ensuring teacher holds valid ESTA UK membership
• Applications for general music education not specifically focused on viola
• Missing post-award reporting requirements and deadlines
• Applying for support beyond the £300 maximum per bursary
• Applications from students over 18 or not in full-time education (for individual bursaries)

Language and Terminology

The foundation uses specific terminology that applicants should reflect:

• “Viola player” rather than “violist” (UK preference)
• “Bursary” rather than “grant” or “scholarship” for individual awards
• “Course” for intensive educational programs
• Focus on “promoting education in the music for and playing of the Viola”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Financial Need is Paramount: Unlike many music awards, this foundation explicitly prioritizes financial need over musical ability - applications should clearly demonstrate economic barriers to accessing opportunities.

• Teacher Connection is Required: For individual child bursaries, the teacher's ESTA UK membership is non-negotiable; organizations should ensure teachers join before applying.

• Maximum Awards are Modest: With bursaries up to £300, this is best suited for course fees, lesson costs, or specific educational opportunities rather than long-term support or instrument purchase.

• Quarterly Opportunities: With four annual review cycles, unsuccessful applicants have multiple opportunities within the same year to reapply as new opportunities arise.

• Communication Requirements: Be prepared to fulfill post-award requirements including social media acknowledgment and written reports within tight two-week deadlines.

• Viola-Specific Focus: This is one of the UK's few funders dedicated specifically to viola education - applications must demonstrate clear viola focus, not general string or music education.

• 2024 Strategic Shift: The foundation's transfer of assets to ESTA UK represents a maturation strategy - applications now go through an established music education charity's systems and governance, potentially offering more streamlined processes.

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales - The Tertis Foundation, Charity Number 1099084. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1099084&subid=0

• ESTA UK - The ESTA Tertis Viola Fund (ETVF). https://www.estastrings.org.uk/bursaries/the-esta-tertis-viola-fund-etvf/

• Wimbledon International Music Festival - The Tertis Foundation. https://wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk/the-tertis-foundation/

• British Viola Society - Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition. https://britishviolasociety.co.uk/competition-news/lionel-tertis-international-viola-festival-and-competition/

• English Heritage - Lionel Tertis Blue Plaque. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/lionel-tertis/