Victoria (10) and Bella (8), two sisters from Thornton Heath, Croydon, are preparing to compete for music scholarships at some of the South East's leading independent schools after years of hard work, musical achievement, and support from local charity Music Relief Foundation.

The sisters, who have been studying music for four to five years, are currently preparing for scholarship assessments and auditions at schools including Christ's Hospital, Royal Russell School, Woldingham School and Trinity School as Victoria prepares to transition to secondary school in September 2027.

Victoria plays the piano, violin, and guitar, while also learning the clarinet and recorder at school. She has achieved ABRSM Initial Grade and Grade 1 Piano, as well as Grade 1 Violin, and is currently working towards Grade 2 examinations on both instruments. Bella plays the piano, violin, and recorder at school. She is working towards her Grade 1 Piano and Grade 1 Violin examinations, having already achieved her ABRSM Initial Grade in Violin.

For their mother, Lola, the girls' musical success represents years of determination and sacrifice.

While many families recognise the benefits of music education, the cost of lessons, examinations and instruments can put opportunities out of reach. Like many low-income households, Lola often faced difficult choices between household expenses and investing in her daughters' musical development.

Despite these challenges, she remained committed to nurturing their talent.

"Our musical journey has not been easy. Paying for music tuition and examinations has required significant sacrifice, especially in the current economic climate. There have been times when I struggled to balance lesson fees with everyday household bills, but I knew how important music was to my daughters and how much they loved it.

Music has made a huge difference to their lives. It has built their confidence, discipline and aspirations. We are incredibly fortunate to have Music Relief Foundation in our local community. Without its subsidised music programme, opportunities like this may not have been possible. The charity has made quality music education accessible and affordable for families like ours."

Music Relief Foundation, based in Thornton Heath, works to remove financial barriers to music education by providing affordable, subsidised tuition, performance opportunities and progression pathways for children and young people who might otherwise miss out.

The sisters regularly perform at community concerts and showcases, gaining valuable experience in front of audiences while developing confidence, communication skills and resilience alongside their musical abilities.

As Victoria prepares for scholarship auditions over the coming months, the family hopes her musical achievements will help open doors to educational opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach.

"Victoria and Bella's story demonstrates what can happen when talent is matched with opportunity," said Magdalene Usikaro, Founder and CEO of Music Relief Foundation.

"Too many young people are unable to access music education because of financial barriers. These sisters have shown tremendous dedication and commitment, and we are proud to have played a part in their journey. Their achievements demonstrate why affordable access to music matters and why every child deserves the chance to develop their talent, regardless of their background."

The family is now awaiting the outcome of school entrance assessments and hopes to progress to scholarship auditions in the coming weeks.

Ends

Notes to Editors

About Music Relief Foundation

Music Relief Foundation is a Thornton Heath-based charity that uses the power of music to improve lives, build confidence and create opportunities. The organisation provides affordable music education, mentoring, wellbeing programmes and performance opportunities for children, young people and adults across South London.

Services Include

• One-to-one music tuition

• Group music lessons

• ABRSM examination preparation

• Performance and showcase opportunities

• Mentoring and confidence-building programmes

• Community music and wellbeing activities

Media Contact

Magdalene Usikaro

Founder & CEO, Music Relief Foundation

Email: brylle@music-relief.org (PA to CEO)

Telephone: 020 8683 2922

Website: www.music-relief.org

Photo Opportunity

Victoria and Bella are available for photography alongside their instruments and may be available for follow-up interviews regarding their scholarship journey, subject to parental consent.

Logo

Images

Tags

More Like This

THRIVE³ WITH MUSIC: CELEBRATING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF MUSIC EDUCATION / ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER CHAMPIONS MUSIC EDUCATION AT CHARITY EVENT IN LONDON

Music pilot launched to help break down barriers to opportunity

Musician supported by learning disability charity Hft to showcase his band's musical journey at Sheffield DocFest

Revelson Editions Unveils The Story of Emiliah Bent: British Author Sheds Light on Foster Child Abuse in France

HARRIS ACADEMY CLAPHAM GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH SPORTING STARS TO CHAMPION THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL SPORT

Leia Zhu receives Freedom of the City of London

Staardom Ltd's Aastha Vakil Empowers Children to Face Adversity with Courage and Strength

Scholars Education and the Department of Education of Bermuda Announce Education Research Partnership