CASE STUDY
Amy’s Story
14-year-old Saxophonist Amy is from South London. After writing her first song on the guitar at just four years old, Amy developed a love of music that continued to grow throughout childhood.
Her first introduction to the saxophone came through a plastic toy saxophone, a toy which sparked a fascination with the instrument that led to her taking up the real instrument during Covid lockdowns.
However, despite her enthusiasm, Amy’s family faced financial challenges supporting her newfound passion. Amy’s father suffers from health issues, and because of this, her mother is the sole income earner in a household supporting Amy and her siblings. Amy was given a scholarship by her local music Academy, but this was due to end, and there was uncertainty how she would continue accessing saxophone lessons, reeds, sheet music – all musical expenses that are difficult to sustain.
That’s when Amy’s family discovered Future Talent. Since September 2025, she’s been receiving financial support to help develop her musicality. Her financial award enabled her to fund a summer tour to Spain with her local youth orchestra. Financial support means Amy wasn’t left behind, when her music friends were able to attend.
As part of the programme, Amy also accessed workshops, concerts and mentoring opportunities, allowing her to connect with like-minded young musicians who share her love for music. Through a generous donation, she was also gifted a clarinet to use in her youth wind bands, expanding her opportunities as a multi-instrumentalist.
Amy has done some remarkable things in just one year with Future Talent. She became the youngest finalist in Wandsworth Music Academy’s Solo Prize; and performed as a soloist at Wimbledon with the Wandsworth Philharmonic Orchestra.
She’s been accepted to the Royal College of Music Junior Department, and in 2026, has progressed from Future Talent’s Junior Programme to Development Programme.
From learning on a plastic toy saxophone to performing her own music on stage, Amy demonstrates the impact that targeted support can have on a young person’s musical development.