Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme

Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme A unique UK charity loaning high quality instruments to talented students Thousands of musicians have benefitted from the scheme over the last 90 years.

Established in 1932, the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme aims to enhance musicianship by offering fine quality instruments on loan to talented young UK artists between the ages of 7 and 25 years. "Acts of trust in your musical potential, however big, are often those that make the most difference in propelling your drive to pursue a creative career: encouraging words from a teacher, responsibi

lity given to you in a small situation or countless other moments that can help to build that fragile self-confidence essential to becoming a musician. It is this vote of confidence that is embodied in the instruments loaned by Benslow to young people and this — more than the undeniable benefit of playing such a high-quality violin at a crucial stage in your development — that benefits you long into the future." Former borrower Yannick Mayaud - 2018

We are always keen to hear from young musicians who wish to hire an instrument - please just get in touch!

And now, the final chord…This is our last post here on the Instrument Loan Scheme account. Thank you for every like, sha...
28/10/2025

And now, the final chord…

This is our last post here on the Instrument Loan Scheme account.

Thank you for every like, share and comment; and most of all, thank you for being part of this community that believes in the power of music.

From today this account will fall silent. But the Instrument Loan Scheme is very much alive, and its story continues, stronger than ever!

Follow to stay connected.

Don’t miss a note.Our time on this account is coming to a close. Very soon this instagram channel will fall silent.But t...
21/10/2025

Don’t miss a note.

Our time on this account is coming to a close. Very soon this instagram channel will fall silent.

But the music continues - where you’ll still hear the stories of our Instrument Loan Scheme, alongside our courses and concerts.

If you haven’t followed us there yet, now is the moment. Join us there so you don’t miss all the music news. New instruments arriving, young musicians flourishing and the joy of music shared.

Follow us to stay in touch.

The Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme is still playing strong, just on a new stage.We’re so glad you’ve followed us h...
16/10/2025

The Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme is still playing strong, just on a new stage.

We’re so glad you’ve followed us here over the years. From cellos finding new hands to violins inspiring first symphonies, this page has sung with your stories.

Now it’s time to turn the page. From this week onwards, all our updates will be shared through . That’s where you’ll find news about new loans, young players, generous donations, instrument appeals and everything that makes this scheme such a vital part of musical life.

Think of it as moving from a solo line into a full orchestra. Richer, louder, more connected.

Please follow us at to stay with us.

One strong harmony. One clear voice.From 1 November the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme will be joining the rest of...
13/10/2025

One strong harmony. One clear voice.

From 1 November the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme will be joining the rest of the Benslow Music social media activity on the Benslow Music page. But this is not farewell – it’s a new movement in the same symphony.

By bringing everything together under one Benslow Music account we’re making it easier for you to discover more about all the work that we do to bring music education to everyone.

Follow us at Benslow Music where we’ll continue to share the inspirational stories of the talented young musicians who borrow instruments and the generous people who lend and donate them.

We were deeply saddened to hear, on Friday 5th September, of the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who was a patron...
07/09/2025

We were deeply saddened to hear, on Friday 5th September, of the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who was a patron of the Instrument Loan Scheme for many years.

She shared our passion for supporting young musicians to succeed, whatever their background. Like many others, we are grateful for all she did for music education across the country.

What a special Saturday night for our borrower Ayesha! 🎻The owners of her Benslow violin, Mike and Felicity, made the jo...
15/08/2025

What a special Saturday night for our borrower Ayesha! 🎻

The owners of her Benslow violin, Mike and Felicity, made the journey all the way from Newcastle upon Tyne to Birmingham to watch her perform in concert.✨

Ayesha was playing with the National Scouts and Guides Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a stunning performance at Birmingham Symphony Hall, the grand finale of a week-long residential course.

For the last piece, they were joined by the Scouts and Guides Concert Band and alumni from previous years, filling the stage with an incredible 270 performers. 🙌

Since receiving her violin, Ayesha has kept in touch with Mike and Felicity with regular updates, so it was extra special for them to finally meet in person. 🎻
Follow us on for more! 🌟

Our borrower Alex began learning the violin and piano at the age of 5, and added the viola to his repertoire three years...
07/08/2025

Our borrower Alex began learning the violin and piano at the age of 5, and added the viola to his repertoire three years ago which has since become his main performance instrument. 🎻 🎵

He recently scored an impressive 91/100 in his first viola exam (Grade 7), having consistently achieved similar distinctions in all his previous violin exams. ⭐

A keen performer, Alex plays in his school’s Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, as well as the National Children’s Orchestra. He has received chamber music training through the Ipswich School Summer Strings course for the past six years, and for the last three years, has also taken part in the Young Grittletons Chamber Music Course, attending for two weeks in the most recent year. 🎻

In 2024, his school quartet won the ProCorda Under-14 Chamber Music Competition.🎶
Follow us on for more!🌟

05/08/2025

A beautiful moment captured by Sheila Joynes, after delivering her late pupil’s cello to lend to BMILS, where younger musicians will benefit from it.

"Jenny Bulman was a cello pupil of mine for 25 or more years. Sadly, in 2024 she died at the age of 88. Her husband, Peter, wanted her cello to go somewhere where it would help aspiring young cellists.

The Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme is the perfect place. I took it myself and met with Nick Evans-Pughe the head of the scheme. This is what happened.

Nick's message to Peter at the end sums up nicely what the gift of this lovely instrument means to the scheme and what it will mean to the many young cellists who will learn to love it and progress their musical skill with it in the years to come. Thank you, Jenny, and thank you, Peter." - Sheila Joynes.

Thank you once again, Peter and Jenny, for this amazing instrument, which will now benefit a young musician. And special thanks to Sheila for so kindly bringing it all the way to BMILS.

Watch the full video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20q1YA1pB4A

Address

Benslow Lane
Hitchin
SG49RB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5am
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm

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