A new scheme to support UK composers has been launched which allows members of the public to directly connect with them, and to make one-off or regular monthly donations towards their work.

Called Music Patron, it has been launched by Anthony Bolton, the financier, philanthropist and musician, who developed the idea of harnessing the ethos behind the Patreon platform, adapting the idea of grassroots, collective online giving specifically to the needs of composers. Recent statistics suggested 53 per cent of composers make less than £10k a year from their work, highlighting the importance of new initiatives to help match funding to creativity. Monthly donations can start from as little as £3 and all revenue goes directly to the composers, who are chosen for inclusion by a panel drawn from the music industry.  

High profile advocates of Music Patron include Dame Judith Weir, Master of the King’s Music, and conductor Sir Simon Rattle, the latter saying: ‘I believe in supporting the music of tomorrow. Music Patron is a new and important way to do this. It gives ordinary people the chance to directly support a composer, provide that composer with game-changing income and help bring new music to life.’

Music Patron covers a wide breadth of creativity, including classical, folk, jazz, electronic, dance, musical theatre, singer-songwriters and sound installations. To find out more, visit musicpatron.com