University News Last updated 09 October
Graduate Jordan Ashman has been awarded a place on the London Symphony Orchestra’s (LSO) Conservatoire Scholarship Programme, an initiative designed to make conservatoire training more accessible and reduce financial barriers to entering the music profession.
The scholarship provides £16,000 per academic year, enabling recipients to focus on their studies during critical stages of their musical development. Alongside financial support, recipients benefit from mentoring from musicians of the LSO, as well as professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Originally from Cambridgeshire, Jordan began playing the drums at the age of seven before expanding into percussion. He has since developed an impressive performance career, playing with the National Children’s Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Brass Band.
His achievements have also included triumphing in the 2022 BBC Young Musician competition and was subsequently named as a rising star in BBC Music Magazine and by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Jordan attended a comprehensive school prior to completing his BMus studies at RBC and graduating this summer.
The LSO Conservatoire Scholarship Programme was created in partnership with philanthropists and music-lovers Alex and Elena Gerko. The programme was inspired by the experiences of outstanding participants in the LSO’s Discovery programme who faced financial barriers when considering postgraduate study.
By providing substantial financial support alongside access to the expertise and experience of LSO musicians, the programme aims to give talented musicians the opportunity to develop their skills without financial circumstances limiting their ambitions.
Jordan said: “I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to receive an LSO Conservatoire Scholarship, and excited for the opportunities that it will provide. I would like to thank the staff at RBC for teaching me so much of what I know and enabling me to be selected for this scholarship.”
Head of Percussion Toby Kearney said: “I’m delighted that Jordan has been awarded this coveted scholarship to continue his studies in London. I'm extremely proud of everything that Jordan has achieved and know that he’ll forever be an ambassador for RBC and BCU.”
For Jordan, the scholarship represents an exciting opportunity to continue his musical development while gaining valuable insight and guidance from musicians at one of the world’s leading orchestras.