The Agar Trust was set up in 2014 from the estate of Alan Agar (1920-2012), who was a well-respected physicist. He and his late wife Margaret were both enthusiastic amateur musicians. He was a great supporter of education for several generations of his family, and was keenly aware of the way fresh challenges can inspire people and open doors to new options. One branch of his family, the Macdonalds, either live or were brought up in the Highlands of Scotland, hence the focus of this initiative.
The Agar Trust supports young people (8-21) resident in rural Scotland who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and potential and wish to further their musical education beyond their local area.
While 90% of Scotland’s land mass is rural, a fifth of Scotland’s population lives there. There has, not surprisingly, been a concentration of services in the urban areas, but this brings challenges for young rurally-based people who wish to further their education or develop a career in music. Our award holders have to travel considerable distances to play with national orchestras, bands or choirs; or attend short courses, private tuition or auditions.
Who can apply?
• You will be aged between 8-21 at the next closing date for applications.
• You will have proven musical skills and exceptional musical ability.
• You must be resident in a rural part of Scotland: this includes much of the Highlands and Islands, Argyll & Bute, Dumfries & Galloway, the Scottish Borders, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
What can you apply for? You can apply for a grant towards attendance at an educational opportunity which relates directly to your musical studies, and which is only available beyond your local area. For example this might be
• a short course;
• Saturday music schools;
• an audition;
• further tuition at Junior departments of music schools etc.;
• rehearsals of a national orchestra, band, or choir;
• travel to any of the above.
The Agar Trust awards grants from £100 up to £1000. If you are successful in gaining an award it may not be for the full amount requested. Awards are normally made for one year. Decisions are at the full discretion of the adjudicators and are based on the applicant’s written evidence. All previous applicants (successful or otherwise) are welcome to apply again.