Gonçalo — ​“It allowed me to study – and enjoy it.”

Originally from the small town of Pinhel in Portugal, Gonçalo’s path to becoming a versatile musician was always dictated by love. Raised in a family of artists, creativity was part of everyday life. ​“My parents are both artists – a painter and a sculptor – and my brother is a designer,” he says. ​“I’m the black sheep… for doing music. From a super young age, I was always listening to music. Seeing the excitement in my parents listening to music always incentivised me.” 

He first studied music at the Academia de música de Pinhel, before moving to Conservatorio de São José da Guarda, aged 11. He was taught by Professor Pedro Ospina, who Gonçalo studied with until he joined the Royal Academy of Music. ​“From a young age, people saw potential,” Gonçalo recalls. That potential eventually led him to London, where, after researching both Guildhall and the Royal Academy of Music, he chose the latter. Through our Postgraduate Award, Help Musicians were able to help fund his studies. 

His love of music began with childhood curiosity and grew into a life’s pursuit. ​“Around the age of five, I was fascinated by sounds – the guitar solos. When I saw guys like Jimmy Page, I knew I wanted to play guitar – it was just so cool.” With encouragement from his father, Gonçalo explored beyond rock: ​“He told me, ​‘To improve, learn what came before.’ That opened me up to classical music – and now it’s my main instrument.” 

Gonçalo first came across Help Musicians as a teenager when looking into study in the UK. While his first applications weren’t successful, he didn’t give up. Years later, during his Advanced Diploma at the Royal Academy, taught by Professor Michael Lewin, he applied again – and received the Ian Fleming Award. 

The financial support he received from Help Musicians was transformative. ​“Even though I received a very good scholarship – nearly full – the tuition fees remained,” he explains. ​“The support from Help Musicians allowed me to study. After tuition, I had some money left that helped me with getting to competitions – it was amazing.” 

The funding made a tangible difference not just financially, but mentally: ​“It allowed the experience to be much less stressful. It led to a better end performance – without thinking about money or constantly thinking about paying fees.” 

To fellow musicians considering applying for support, Gonçalo is encouraging – and practical. ​“My experience has been very positive. It’s difficult to get accepted, but it was worth trying all those times,” he says. ​“Make sure the numbers are good and well written – know your income and expenses. The video recordings have to be the best you can do. Be prepared. Getting accepted makes it all worth it.” 

Of the charity itself, Gonçalo adds: ​“People from Help Musicians are extremely approachable. It’s not impossible to find a way to talk to them. I hope to remain connected to Help Musicians – they’ve been so important to my journey.” 

His journey continues with a busy performance schedule – ​“12 concerts until November” – and an outlook full of energy and positivity. Whether playing in a serious classical duo or letting loose on electric guitar, his goal remains the same: ​“Music is the good times. And I just want to keep playing.”