We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Fran Hanley Fund. The Fund will support one talented young music creator to participate in our flagship young composer programme, In the Making, every year for the next ten years.
Francesca Hanley was a much-loved music teacher, musician, music leader and advocate who enjoyed a richly varied career. She specialised in flutes from around the world and loved improvisation. Fran was happiest in a rehearsal room, creating with fellow musicians, collaborating in ensembles, and working with numerous dance and theatre companies, bands and orchestras.
Beyond her work as a performer, Francesca contributed to music education, spending many years at The Centre for Young Musicians in London, also working at Arts Council England, and latterly for the Musicians’ Union.
You can read some of the wonderful tributes to Fran from colleagues and peers on a dedication to Fran Hanley on the Musicians’ Union website.
When Fran passed away, her friends and family united to celebrate her life, spirit and contribution to music. In tribute to her impact, over £12,000 was raised to continue to support new music and young music makers in the UK.
“Eight years ago we gathered for the wonderful Fran Fest, a joyful celebration of the life and spirit of Francesca Hanley. It was an uplifting evening filled with music, song, and storytelling. That night, a plan was hatched to continue her inspirational legacy. Today, long after her passing, we are delighted to support Sound and Music’s In the Making, through the Fran Hanley Fund.”
— Bernadette O’Brien, Partner of Fran Hanley
The Fran Hanley Fund will be used to cover the participant fee for the already heavily subsidised In the Making, meaning a young person from a low-income background can participate in the unique programme completely free of charge.
“We are delighted to facilitate the long-term legacy of Francesca Hanley and embark on an ongoing partnership with her family and friends by way of the Fran Hanley Fund. The deeply felt reflections of Francesca, as an innovator, collaborator and a person curious of the world around her, resonate with our own mission. In the Making feels like a perfect fit for Francesca’s legacy and memory.
She clearly embodied so much of what In the Making is about: openness, boundless enthusiasm, generous creativity and above all, a love for making exciting new music. She will no doubt act as a way-finder for the proud recipients of this annual bursary.”
— Dr Will Dutta, Chief Executive at Sound and Music
In the Making is the UK’s only year-long artist development programme for young music creators and composers aged 14–18 and builds on our 17 years of experience delivering transformational summer school programmes. It’s open to all regardless of instrument, interest, background, or location.
This summer, young music creators from across the UK will come together for In the Making 2025. Guided by top composers, industry professionals and tutors, they will develop their composing, recording, and performing skills while building their confidence, experience, and creative ambition – making friends and having fun along the way.
We offer means-tested bursaries to ensure cost is never a barrier to participation. This year, almost 50% of participants on In the Making are recipients of one of our bursaries, upholding our commitment that ability, not affordability, must determine the next generation of music makers.
As the final plans are put in place for In the Making 2025 to kick off with a week-long residential at the University of Huddersfield, we look forward to welcoming the first young person supported by the Fran Hanley Fund to take their place on In the Making.
For more information, visit our In the Making page or to support our 2025 bursary, visit our 2025 Young Music Creator Fund.
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