Hannah — “Playing at the Proms is a dream come true”
On the morning we spoke to clarinettist Hannah, she was preparing for one of the biggest moments of her career: her debut performance at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall.
Just weeks after graduating, she was getting ready to step onto one of the world’s most famous stages. Thanks to support from Help Musicians, she was able to reach that moment with the time, confidence and stability to focus on her music.
Hannah’s musical journey began with an upright piano left in her family’s home by relatives. Drawn to music from an early age, she started piano lessons before moving to the clarinet aged 10. Later, she joined Yorkshire Young Musicians in Leeds, a charitable music centre that helped develop her talent and encouraged her to apply for conservatoire.
After completing her undergraduate studies with scholarship support, Hannah stayed on in London to study for a master’s degree. But alongside the excitement of pursuing a career in music came the financial pressures many young musicians face.
Before receiving support from Help Musicians, Hannah was teaching for up to three days a week while trying to keep up with her studies, performances and practice schedule.
“Before the funding, I was teaching three days a week alongside my Master’s degree and trying to fit in gigs and classes. I was absolutely exhausted.”
The demands quickly became overwhelming.
“I remember having to skip classes and masterclasses to go and teach so I could afford to be in London. The funding took that pressure off.”
Receiving a grant from Help Musicians changed everything.
Hannah onstage at the BBC Proms with friend and fellow clarinettist, Emily.
“The funding basically allowed me to live in London. Without that support, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to stay here.”
“I could pay my rent without having to go amazingly above and beyond what I should have been doing. It meant teaching didn’t take over my degree.”
The impact went far beyond helping with living costs. For the first time, Hannah had the space to focus on her development as a musician.
“I think the support allowed everything to happen. Everything started slotting into place in the last year and a half. Without that support, I wouldn’t be doing half of what I’m doing now because I wouldn’t have had the time to invest in my playing.”
Today, Hannah performs regularly with ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and English National Opera, alongside her own chamber music projects. She is also passionate about finding new ways to introduce audiences to classical music and challenge perceptions about who it is for.
Hannah on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, pictured second from the left.
Reflecting on her Proms debut, Hannah describes it as a lifelong ambition realised.
“Playing at the Proms is a bit of a dream come true. It’s what you watch on telly when you’re 10 or 11 and think, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing to do that one day?’”
For Hannah, support from Help Musicians represents more than financial assistance. It is also a vote of confidence at a crucial stage in a musician’s career.
“It’s the money, but it’s also the feeling that someone sees something in you and wants to nurture it.”
“Having that support and confidence behind you can really change the trajectory of where you’re going.”
That is why she encourages others to support Help Musicians.
“This support can really change someone’s life. That sounds big, but it’s so true.”
For student and early career musicians trying to build sustainable careers, Help Musicians’ support can be transformative.
“Most people I know who didn’t come from money are able to be at the same level and do the same thing because of people who support us, like Help Musicians and its donors.”
“My best friend, who’s sitting next to me tonight – also playing clarinet at the Proms – she’s also supported by Help Musicians. Neither of us went to private school and neither of us grew up in that music circle so support like this really, really makes a huge difference.”
The view from Hannah’s music stand during rehearsal at the Royal Albert Hall.
And as she prepared to take her place on the Royal Albert Hall stage, Hannah’s message to supporters was simple: your generosity helps talented musicians fulfil their potential and thrive.
“When people say, ‘We want to support you and help you get through this year,’ it gives you a sense that actually, you can do it.”
“It really does make dreams come true in people’s lives.”
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