James Pantefedwyn Foundation

01970 612806post@jamespantyfedwen.cymru

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Elan Richards

After receiving a first class degree in Music at Cardiff University, I was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the James Pantyfedwen Foundation to help with the fees of a Composition postgraduate course at King’s College, London.

The course has been extremely beneficial to me; I had the opportunity to develop my personal composition skills under the guidance of the composer Robert Keeley, and was challenged to compose for unconventional combinations and larger ensembles. I was also able to perform in a workshop with the Lontano ensemble, where I had the opportunity to discuss and work with professional musicians and record a high-standard version of my own work.

Apart from the course assignments, the skills I learnt gave me the confidence to compose independently. I received the second prize for the Composition Medal in the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Brecon and Radnorshire 2018, and I composed a piece for a Piano Trio for the 2018 Dyfed Young Composer Competition. This piece was played in the concert to celebrate the Young Composer by the Galos Piano Trio, and following the competition, I was commissioned to compose a piece for the winner of the Dyfed Young Musician Award 2018.

I am interested in music education and the musician’s development, and I have just received a post with the ABRSM Examination Board, the largest music education body in the UK. I also hope to continue composing and to develop my skills further through competitions and commissions.

I’m really grateful to the James Pantyfedwen Foundation for their generous scholarship which enabled me to study for my Master’s degree at King’s College. The course has been such an important step in my development as a composer and musician.