TEMPO Fund Ambassadors

South London’s Finest Musicians Set New TEMPO for Music Education 

Merton Music Foundation has joined forces with prominent local musicians to support its newly established TEMPO Fund, which aims to make access to music fairer for disadvantaged young people. 

The Foundation’s new Ambassador programme hopes to draw attention to its nostalgically titled ‘1991’ regular giving campaign whilst also providing its 5,000+ students weekly pupils contact with inspirational figures.  

The first three Ambassadors involved in the programme are world-renowned pianist Derek Paravicini; composer, muti-award winning jazz musician Professor Robert Mitchell; and actor, singer and West End star Siobhan Athwal.  

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Derek Paravicini

World-famous pianist, Derek Paravicini has a unique understanding of the extensive benefits that music can provide people with additional needs, as he is blind, autistic and has severe learning difficulties. Derek also understands the positive impact early musical progress can have on young people, having been a child prodigy and reaching international acclaim when he was only nine years old.  

In the early 2000s he released his debut album “Echoes of Sounds to Be” and his biography In the Key of Genius by his teacher, mentor and friend, Professor Adam Ockelford. He has since gone on to be the subject of multiple documentaries and most recently a short movie which will have its London premier at Raindance Film Festival later this month.  

Derek commented: ‘I love playing the piano and look forward to working with the children in Merton’.  

‘Derek shows that even severe disabilities need be no obstacle to becoming a marvellous musician’, added Derek’s long-term mentor Prof. Adam Ockelford. 

Professor Robert Mitchell

Mitcham-based Robert Mitchell is a formidable force, working as a gifted pianist/composer in jazz, classical and beyond. A Steinway artist since 2009, he has released multiple, albums, EPs, books, and performed worldwide. He has also taught at some of the world’s leading Conservatoires, and has been a Professor at Guildhall School of Music & Drama since 2022. His groups include Panacea, Epiphany 3, True Think, Little Black Book and The Flame. He frequently performs solo and works in duos alongside cellist Shirley Smart, pianist Ashley Henry, and dancer Masumi Endo. He has won awards for composition (Paul Hamlyn), recording (Gilles Peterson Worldwide), and Innovation (BBC Jazz Awards). 

Mitchell reflected: ‘I am really honoured to be an ambassador for the MMF Tempo Fund. Their work over many years has led to both brilliant and unique projects for young musicians with a local, national and international outlook. I look forward to help maximise the opening of doors. To help the creation of more opportunity for all who wish to learn music regardless of financial level. And to help strengthen impact and visibility wherever and whenever possible!’  

Siobhan Athwal

BRIT School graduate, Siobhan received her first lead role on the West End in the Spice Girls Musical, “Viva Forever”. Since her success in this role, she has gone on to work in TV with reoccurring appearances in shows such as Eastenders. She has also won critical acclaim for a multitude of projects such as Romeo & Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe, Bend it Like Beckham the Musical and Yarico at The Royal Opera House. Siobhan has most recently been nominated for ‘Best Supporting Performer in a Musical’ at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards for her portrayal of Sunita in the musical Bhangra Nation. 

Siobhan told us: “I’m excited to be an ambassador for Merton Music Foundation because I have experience of how important it is for a child to have someone who sees them, even if for a split second, for who they are or could become… That moment of non-judgemental acknowledgement has a lasting impact and offers an opportunity of change and belief. Supporting the TEMPO Fund enables us to help offer these moments, through music, to help young people grow into a lifetime of achievement.” 

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About Merton Music Foundation

Merton Music Foundation (MMF) was established as an independent charity to deliver music education across the South London borough of Merton in 1991. The Foundation supports access to music for over 10,000 children and young people in over 50 schools and venues across Merton every year. MMF is well known locally for delivering high quality music education alongside inclusive special projects and one-off events, such as biennial Royal Albert Hall concerts which feature over 1,500 local young musicians and school children.  

David Rees, Chief Executive of MMF, stated: 

‘Musical learning can be transformative, particularly for children with additional learning needs, but access to lessons isn’t equitable. There is a huge divide in the opportunities that are available to young people depending on who they are, where they live and what background they come from. We have noticed certain groups are less able to participate in our programmes due to financial or other barriers, and pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) are also very underrepresented in our provision. That’s not right, so we knew we had to do something about it. We set up TEMPO Fund to enable access to music for every child – music should be a right, not a privilege’.