The prevalence of charitable organisations for public benefit and the way in which, through them, ‘people help each other’ is worthy of celebration. Ninety-two years ago, Editha Knocker and Edith Croll embodied this laudable impulse when they founded what is now known as the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme (BMILS). In a letter to the Times they requested owners of ‘good violins and violas lying idle’ to loan them to their nascent scheme, for the benefit of ‘students all over the country’.
Opening up new vistas
Nine decades later their idea has blossomed into the largest scheme of its type in the UK and, quite possibly, anywhere in the world. In some respects, little has changed since its inception; our instruments – mostly of the string family and some wind instruments – are loaned or donated to us by generous individuals and families: retired professional and amateur musicians, parents whose children have outgrown a smaller instrument, collectors, and many others, all sharing a common desire to support an emerging generation of talented musicians, for whom buying an instrument of sufficient quality to help them develop their potential is often out of reach. One of the best things about working in the Scheme is witnessing the profound encouragement that students derive from acquiring a superior instrument. It makes a game-changing difference, opening up new vistas of musical imagination and allowing new levels of confidence.
Overcoming financial constraints
Our mission at BMILS is to be accessible to the broadest possible spectrum of potential borrowers. This is a challenge, given the disparities in musical education brought about by funding constraints and curriculum choices, particularly in the public sector. In spite of these much debated issues, there is also a positive narrative to be told with stories of extraordinary and pioneering work throughout the land. We at the BMILS are actively seeking out new partners with whom we can work. Our recent engagement with the Central Foundation Boys' School in Islington is a proud example, where an extensive instrumental programme is supported by MiSST with funding from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme. We recently presented a quartet of their highest-achieving string players with violins, a viola and a cello, with which they were ‘all absolutely delighted.’ Typically, we loan to individual borrowers like Gabriel Ward, a talented musician who visited Benslow in July and is now borrowing a fine old English cello, with which he will continue his studies at the Royal College of Music Junior Department. An instrument of this calibre is usually out of reach financially but is possible here, thanks to the generosity of our lenders and donors.
How to apply for an instrument
The scheme is available to UK resident students aged 7–25 currently in full-time education and taking a course of instrumental instruction. To apply, fill in an online form, including a statement from the instrumental teacher. After assessment, an appointment can be made, at which the borrower chooses from a selection of instruments and bows. A deposit is payable and the guarantor is responsible for insuring the instrument and arranging its annual maintenance.
How much does it cost?
As a ‘not-for-profit’ registered charity, we keep charges to the minimum level required to administer, securely house and maintain our extensive inventory. A monthly subscription fee is payable based upon the valuation of the loaned items. There is an annually adjusted loan cap, currently set at £400 for instruments and £200 for bows. A bursary scheme, funded by cash gifts and the Scops Arts Trust, means that a family's means is never a barrier to access. None of it would be affordable without the many generous donors and lenders to the Scheme, past and present. With them, we are privileged to continue enabling people to ‘help each other’.
If you would like to enquire about a potential application or the loaning and donating of instruments, please contact us at enquiries@benslowmusic-ils.org or on 01462 420748.
We are hosting an Open Day at our Benslow home in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, on Sunday 27 April 2025. Further information will be posted on social media and online at benslowmusic-ils.org
