Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme

Established in 1932 offering talented young UK musicians affordable access to high quality instruments

Borrowers: Everything you need to know about borrowing an instrument from us!

Our instruments: We have around 800 instruments in our care; either on generous loan from their owners, or donated to us in perpetuity

Apply Now: Find our application form and T&Cs here...

Olivia Trezise: 13 year old Olivia has been borrowing from the Loan Scheme for 3 years. 'A Note from Olivia' and 'A Note from Kate', Olivia's mum, tell what Benslow means to them

Jennifer Wells: 11 year old violist Jennifer Wells wows the audience at the Benslow Music Open Day on Sun 29th July 2018 with her outstanding performances

Harry Scott-Burt: Harry Scott-Burt has been a Benslow Borrower for about 5 years. Follow Harry's progress to date and hear Harry play his Benslow cello

Mr and Mrs Paul Collins: Mr and Mrs Paul Collins have kindly lent a cello and bow to Benslow since 2003. Read Paul's letter about their experience of lending and what inspired the loan

Jean Harris 1920-2022: Longstanding supporter and Governor to the Scheme Jean Harris, aged 96, lent her violin to help a young musician

Grandpa's Violin: The story of a donation

Benslow Music Trust

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Benslow Music Trust is the sole trustee of Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme.

Benslow Music provides for the needs of enthusiastic music lovers from far and wide. It runs a constantly evolving programme of courses and activities aimed at those for whom music is a hobby.

"...I have so enjoyed playing my current cello and I still feel so incredibly lucky to have it on loan from Benslow. People have often commented on what a lovely cello it is and what a beautiful sound it makes!

I am very much aware that it is a great privilege to be entrusted with a great instrument and I very much appreciate the opportunity I am being given..."

Former borrower, cellist Dan Brandon (NYO Principal Cellist 2019)

90th Anniversary Borrower Focus

Happy 90th Birthday BMILS!: 2022 marked our 90th anniversary, and the official opening of the new 'Aston Building'!

"...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, responsibility 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, violinist Yannick Mayaud, 2018

Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF BMILS

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF BMILS

Borrowers' Stories

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Lenders and Donors Stories

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Benslow Music Trust