About the Australian Music Foundation

Helping young Australians achieve musical excellence

The Australian Music Foundation (AMF) is a charitable organisation operating in the United Kingdom and Australia. For more than 50 years, the Australian Music Foundation has supported outstanding young Australian classical musicians as they undertake advanced study overseas and establish international careers.

Through awards, scholarships, mentoring and professional opportunities, the Foundation assists musicians in the later stages of undergraduate education and at postgraduate level, enabling them to continue their development at leading institutions internationally.

In 2026, the Australian Music Foundation proudly launches its inaugural First Nations Awards — a dedicated initiative supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students studying classical music in Australia. This programme reflects the Foundation’s commitment to broadening access, recognising talent and ensuring the next generation of musicians is supported with respect and opportunity.

Established in 1975

The Australian Music Foundation was founded in London as a UK-registered charity under a Deed of Trust declared on 30 December 1975. The original trustees were Baron Goodman, The Hon Sir Davies Hughes, Mr Robert Norman, Group Captain Douglas Bader, Mr Sam Lynn and Mr Guy Parsons.

The first awards were made in 1980, and the Foundation quickly established strong links with London’s leading music conservatoires, including the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

In 2006, a corresponding Australian charitable trust was established to support and extend the Foundation’s work within Australia. It was publicly launched in December 2007 at Admiralty House, Sydney, by His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery.

Today, alumni of the Australian Music Foundation pursue further study, professional appointments and performance opportunities across the world, reflecting the global reach and reputation of the Foundation’s programmes.

Our Structure

The Australian Music Foundation operates through registered charitable entities in both the United Kingdom and Australia, working collaboratively under a shared mission and identity.

This dual structure enables the Foundation to support musicians internationally while maintaining strong engagement and governance in Australia.

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