Support us
Help us support the next generation of musical talent
Scottish Young Musicians is an opportunity for young musicians to push their skills to the next level, take on new challenges and achieve their ambitions. Taking part in competitions has many benefits. We provide an environment where young talent can flourish. Through the competition, our participants grow in confidence, develop their skills, make new connections and have a lot of fun!
SYM is made possible through the support of its funders and donors. We receive no local or central government support and rely on individual donors, corporate donors and trusts and foundations for all our funding.
Your donations make a real difference to the lives of our young people across Scotland.
Fund Your Local Authority Competition
It costs only £1,000 to fund the local authority competition in your area. This covers all the schools in the authority and provides central support.
By funding your local competition, you will be supporting the next generation of musical talent to achieve their ambitions and develop their skills. Your donation will link you or your company to this inspiring project and demonstrate your commitment to making positive change for Scotland's young people. Email us today to find out more — we would love to hear from you.
OUR SUPPORTERS
We are enormously grateful for the generous support of the following Individuals, Companies, Trusts and Foundations:
Founding Donor
Keynote Donors
- Declan Doogan
- Hugh Fraser Foundation
- Alan Kerr (supporting Renfrewshire and receptions)
- Colin McLean & Margaret Lawson
- Walter Scott Giving Group
- Anonymous Individual
- Anonymous Individual
Donors
- Geoff Ball
- Hugh Fraser Foundation
- The Inverclyde Trust
- James T Howat Charitable Trust
- The James Wood Bequest Fund
- The Jasmine Macquaker CF
- Dr Ursula Jones OBE (Brass Ensemble of the Year and Best Solo Brass Player Prizes)
- Kilpatrick Fraser Charitable Trust
- Leng Charitable Trust
- The Meikle Foundation
- Jim Mellon
- In Memory of Bobby Mitchell
- Penpont Charitable Trust
- Nicky Pritchett-Brown
- The Rhona Reid Charitable Trust (supporting North Ayrshire)
- R J Larg Family Trust
- The Stevenston Charitable Trust
- Sylvia Aitken Charitable Trust
- The Tay Charitable Trust
- The Turtleton Charitable Trust
- Lord Vallance of Tummel (supporting Perth & Kinross)
- Walter Craig Charitable Trust
Music Partners
Valued Supporters
- Nicola Benedetti CBE
- Hamish Buchan
- Julie Carrie
- Matthew Chinn
- Peter Dart (for Branding Advice)
- Laura Gardiner
- Miloš Karadaglic
- Adam Lee
- Scott Lygate
- Sir James MacMillan CBE
- Ian Mills
- Maureen Morrison
- Lio Moscardini
- Jane Nicolson (for Media Support)
- Kirk Richardson
- Graham Sheffield CBE
- Alexander Stoddart FRSE (for The Maid of Morven Trophy)
- Virgin Money
- John Wallace CBE
Scottish Young Musicians Team
- Aileen Douthwaite
- Alan Kerr
- Edward McCardle
- Paula McWilliams
- Mae Murray
- Paul Wood
The William Syson Foundation is delighted to support Scottish Young Musicians in the launch of these competitions. The musical education of thousands of young people will be enriched as a result and we know that our financial contribution will give excellent value for money.

