Stories of our work
Catherine Coulter-Young

The Student Health Scheme offers financial assistance with the treatment of performance-related health problems, both physical and psychological. Since launching the scheme in 2006, we have helped over 300 students by awarding almost £80,000 in grants to cover treatment costs.

Flautist Catherine Coulter-Young knows from experience how draining it can be to deal with an injury as a musician. She approached us when pains in her forearms, due to over-practice, were affecting her playing.

As we work in partnership with BAPAM, Catherine was able to benefit from the help of one of the UK’s leading hand therapists, Katherine Butler, who specialises in work with musicians. Her approach is holistic and where possible, she assesses musicians with their instruments, as often the cause of the problem only then becomes apparent. Catherine had regular physiotherapy and was back on the concert stage within six months.

Catherine is also a recipient of a Postgraduate Performance Award. Financial support with study fees enabled her to study at the Royal College of Music and her career is really beginning to take off. She works with many orchestras and chamber music groups. These include Camerata Ireland, London Irish Symphony Orchestra, Charities Philharmonia, Wind Quintet Etesian Winds and Flute and Guitar Duo, Alma Nueva.

“ Without your help I simply would not have been able to afford my treatment or my course and I would have missed out on so much valuable teaching that I received whilst at the RCM.”

Catherine also has a keen interest in Music Outreach, as she has been on the Live Music Now (LMN) Scheme since 2005. LMN are supported by the Musicians Benevolent Fund and their concerts reach many of our older beneficiaries.

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