Media

Have you ever dreamed of a career in the spotlight – perhaps as a rock star – but a stint on a karaoke machine meant those dreams came quickly crashing down? Us too.

For some gifted young people it’s not a lack of talent standing in their way; it’s a lack of means, opportunity, or the right encouragement.

It may seem that young people have more choices than ever before, but many schools encourage certain career paths over others. Arts and sport are often undervalued compared to more ‘academic’ subjects. In fact, in a survey of 1,000 participants, around half of 16–25-year-olds said they wanted to pursue creative careers, but nearly two thirds did not feel they received proper guidance to do so by teachers or career advisers.

Here at the MCF, we recognise that exceptional talent in music, sport or the performing arts can lead to a fulfilling career. That’s why we can support children or grandchildren of Freemasons who are exceptionally talented but whose families are unable to pay for the ongoing costs such as advanced music lessons, sports coaching, or travel.

We are proud to be able to help children like Chloe and Mila so they can access the opportunities they need to progress in their chosen careers.

Fourteen-year-old Mila discovered a passion for singing at a young age and began performing as a chorister at Manchester Cathedral at the age of ten. As her talent became apparent, her parents realised that extra support would be essential in order to allow her to pursue her career in singing, as their family relies on only one income.

Thankfully, Mila’s step-grandad, a Freemason, had heard about the MCF and recommended they got in touch to see if we could help.

“I study full time, therefore my husband alone cannot support the cost that comes with performing at Mila’s standard; it would include costs of travel, training, and fees for a specialist school, which is financially impossible for us”, says Emma, Mila’s mum. “It was really important for us that Mila could invest in this talent at a specialist school, as her dyslexia means that academic subjects are especially difficult for her.”

Our ongoing support has meant that Mila can attend Wells Cathedral School in Somerset: “This couldn’t be a better education for her; it has been a great grounding for her career, with all of the support and opportunities available,” tells Emma.

Mila is continuing to develop her solo skills and becoming more confident, bringing her closer to her goal of becoming an opera singer. Her education at Wells has improved her musical skills to the point where she has recorded with the Philharmonic Orchestra, and entered a BBC competition in which she came second, competing against children across the country, most of whom were older than her.

“She also won a ‘Chorister of the Year’ award!” says Emma. “My husband and I feel a massive weight lifted off our shoulders, financially and emotionally. We’re so pleased that the MCF has recognised Mila’s talent; the interest in her progress and the fact that people care and want to support her is great. There is so little help out there for young singers – once they get past a certain age there aren’t many places you can turn to for help, and its lovely that the MCF wants to.”