In the 2024/25 academic year, 50 students from the UK and around the world benefitted from scholarships, while many more accessed support through the Student Hardship Fund. Their stories highlight not only impressive artistic achievements but the profound impact that financial assistance has on enabling emerging artists to thrive and the transformative impact of someone believing in and supporting their potential.
Slovenian violinist Alma Zupan, an MMus student, described the support she received as “vital” in enabling her to continue her studies. The scholarship allowed her to seize opportunities including performing with Trinity Laban’s Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with London Sinfonietta musicians and giving a solo recital for the Slovenian Embassy. “After two years back in music education, I feel far more confident in my technique and career path,” she says.
For Malaysian composer Nien Chin Chai, the scholarship enabled a year of remarkable creative output, from premieres at the Rude Health Festival and CoLab 2025 to being shortlisted for the Daryl Runswick Prize. “This support has made a real difference, not only in shaping my career as a composer, but also in strengthening my belief in the power of generosity in the arts,” they write.
Several UK scholarship recipients spoke of navigating financial hardship while pursuing their studies.
Ophelia Gordon, an MMus pianist, began her degree while facing significant personal upheaval. Her scholarship enabled her to continue at a critical moment, allowing her to complete her debut professional recording of Nikolai Kapustin’s piano works and perform widely across the conservatoire. “Studying at Trinity Laban this year has quite literally saved me,” she says.
BMus violinist Mar Elena Mitrovic Campos, originally from Serbia, reflected on an “unbelievable year of growth” that included performing at Wigmore Hall, taking part in multiple orchestral projects, and leading Baroque Sinfonia Strings. “As a student from Serbia, none of this would be possible without your help. You have changed my life,” she shares.
Jazz trombonist Jai Patel used the financial stability provided by his award to build a flourishing professional profile, performing in Kuwait, working with Afrobeats producer Juls and performing at the Royal Festival Hall. “The support has been instrumental in allowing this to happen,” he notes.
Alongside scholarships, Trinity College London’s contribution to the Hardship Fund continues to support students facing urgent financial strain. Case studies reveal challenges such as student loan delays, rising rents, job losses and limits on international students’ working hours. Many students were unable to cover basic living costs and required emergency support to continue their studies.
Trinity Laban emphasises that the ability to provide scholarships is “crucial” to ensuring students can access its distinctive conservatoire education, regardless of background.
“Your generosity enables our students to realise their artistic potential and achieve extraordinary accomplishments,” the conservatoire writes. “We extend our most sincere thanks to Trinity College London for its generosity.”
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