Future Talent is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds. Established in 2004 by the Duchess of Kent and Nicholas Robinson, Future Talent works to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent young people from achieving their musical potential.

Our Mission:

Future Talent exists to nurture and empower talented young musicians, aged 5–18, who face barriers due to economic disadvantage. We believe that talent should be recognised and supported, regardless of background.

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Across the UK, there are thousands of gifted young musicians who lack the financial means to pursue their passion. Instruments, lessons, travel to rehearsals or auditions, and exam fees all come at a high cost, often putting music education out of reach for families on low incomes.

Without our support, promising talent can go unfulfilled, children may lose confidence, or give up music altogether. The UK risks losing a generation of diverse voices in the arts. 

What We Do:

• Individual Awards: Providing financial grants to help with the costs of instruments, tuition, travel, and exam fees.
• Development Programmes: Offering tailored guidance, mentorship, performance opportunities, and career insight days with professional musicians.
• Community and Network: Building a supportive community of young musicians, families, teachers, and music professionals.

Our Achievements:

• Since its founding in 2004, Future Talent has supported over 1,000 young musicians across the UK.
• Alumni have gone on to win scholarships, join leading conservatoires, and perform internationally. 90% of those leaving the programme in 2024 went on to higher education.

The RISE Project:

• One of our most ambitious and inspiring initiatives is RISE: Past, Present and Future Talent. A collaborative creative project in which our young musicians composed, recorded, and performed original music reflecting their personal stories and aspirations.
• RISE Album: Released in 2025, the album features entirely original compositions by Future Talent musicians, covering a wide range of genres and musical voices. You can find the album on all major music platforms.
• RISE Live Concert: Held at a prestigious London venue (Roundhouse, Camden), this concert brought together our young artists to perform their work live, showcasing their skill, resilience, and creativity. The audience was made of 1,000 guests. 

Future Talent is committed to long-term impact and real opportunity. Helping young people grow in confidence, musical ability, and ambition, and transforming lives through the power of music.