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The Amber Trust helps blind and partially sighted children across the UK, who have a talent or love for music, by providing grants for music lessons, music therapy, instruments, equipment and concert tickets. For some children, learning to play an instrument or to sing can add immeasurably to their lives. For others, music therapy may offer a lifeline. With the right encouragement – preferably from the early years – these children can develop their talents to remarkable ends, breaking down barriers, promoting social inclusion and helping to fulfil their potential as individuals and musicians.

Ronan is a remarkable little boy: totally blind and still learning to speak. But he can communicate – brilliantly well – through playing the piano. For him, music is a language; he uses it to convey his thoughts and feelings with great eloquence. It is crucial that people understand Ronan as he reaches out to them through his music making. This is where Amber comes in, funding musicians to be companions on his journey of musical development.

Ashleigh is a truly remarkable girl. She was born at 23 weeks and six days and spent her first six months in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As a result, Ashleigh lost her sight through Retinopathy of Prematurity (RoP). Her general development was also delayed, and Ashleigh, now aged 13, attends a school for children with special needs. However, she is a young pianist with outstanding potential. 

Like Ashleigh, Derek was also born extremely prematurely. He started to teach himself the piano when he was only two years old. He shot to fame when he was nine, playing jazz with the Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. Dubbed ‘The Human iPod’ in the States, Derek has a repertoire of tens of thousands of pieces – all learnt just by listening. Derek was the inspiration for the establishment of The Amber Trust, and today he and his family continue to be among our greatest supporters.