Stories of our work
Jonathan Sammeroff
The Musicians Benevolent Fund gives essential help to professional musicians when a crisis such as an accident, can have a devastating impact.
Guitarist Jonathan Sammeroff, known as Jono, got in touch after a skiing accident left him with a shattered shoulder and unable to work. He received a one-off grant to ensure he had a comfortable recovery period.
Jono showed an interest in music from a young age. He liked to listen to music with his parents, played the piano and was involved in amateur theatre. When he was 13 he found that his real talent and passion was playing the guitar and singing, and he went on to study music at the Musicians Institute in London. After his studies, he returned to his home town of Glasgow and starting performing regularly and producing and recording his own music.
As an independent musician, breaking into the industry can be a real struggle. Through hard work and determination to succeed, Jono started touring and found that he had a lot of support from people and the various radio stations in each area.
The ski accident was a devastating blow which left him out of action for 9 months. We responded immediately with a grant which allowed Jono to have physiotherapy once or twice a week, depending on his needs and to remain financially stable.
“ Lack of funding can be a huge strain for independent musicians. The help given to me following my accident was crucial. Without your help I don’t know where I would be now. I am totally grateful.”
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Jono has 95% of the movement back in his shoulder which was the best result the consultants expected. He is now back to work and making his mark. After recording an album, ‘Sentimental Anarchist’, in his home studio for three years, he has just won ‘UK Undiscovered’ for the video of his single, ‘Stuck in the City’. This year, he is looking forward to a hectic touring schedule and producing music for other artists. Visit Jono’s website
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