MUSIC IS FOR EVERYONE.

WE HELP SONGWRITERS AND COMPOSERS ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL.

MISSION

The Ivors Academy Trust is the charity dedicated to supporting songwriters and composers.

Established in 2000, for over two decades we have been creating change with and for music creators who experience barriers to developing their skills, realising income, and to showcasing their talent through the music industry.

Our mission is to make the craft of songwriting and composition accessible to everyone as we believe in its huge social, economic and artistic value. Our vision is to support equal access, sustain inclusion and shape the future of music. We exist to create equity of access, and enable all music creators an opportunity to participate.

History

Previously known as the BASCA Trust, we were established in 2000 by the Chair and Chief Executive of BASCA to provide access to education, funding and resources for songwriters and composers. In 2019, we officially became known as The Ivors Academy Trust and continue to work closely with The Ivors Academy to provide pioneering programmes for our community.

2025 marked our 25th Anniversary, and and Trustees underwent a detailed review of our activities, objects and mission with the aim of making more impact than ever before, and responding to an ever-changing industry landscape.

Our revised programme is informed by our community and designed to empower and support songwriters and composers to create their own change, through the development of partnerships, investment and networks, alongside access to education, training and bursary opportunities.

LEGACIES

David Ferguson (1953-2009)

David Ferguson (1953 – 2009) was one of Britain’s most successful television composers with credits including Cracker, Rebus, and Auf Wiedersehen Pet. He served for six years as chairman of The Ivors Academy and was awarded a Fellowship, their highest honour.

David dedicated much of his life to campaigning about the rights of songwriters and composers. In 2013, David left a portion of his estate to The Ivors Academy Trust to support our education programmes.

To honour his memory and ongoing commitment to championing songwriters and composers, The Ivors Academy Trust holds the David Ferguson Lecture series, exploring the big issues faced by composers and songwriters today.

PETER SINFIELD (1943-2024)

Peter John Sinfield was a lyricist, producer and musician, born 27 December 1943 died 14 November 2024.

As the co-founder of the seminal prog rock band, King Crimson, his poetic and melancholy lyrics and vision for the project were a key ingredient to its success, and he is often hailed as one of the lyrical founders of the genre.

Later in his career, he utilised his songwriting talent to write numerous successful pop songs for artists such as Celine Dion, Cher, Cliff Richard, Leo Sayer, Five Star, and Bucks Fizz.

In 2025, Peter left a portion of his estate to The Ivors Academy Trust to establish the Peter Sinfield Bursary Fund - a fund to empower the next generation to keep writing music in the genres he so loved and impacted.

If you are interested in leaving a legacy donation to The Ivors Academy Trust to pass on the gift of music, please get in touch with us at info@ivorsacademytrust.org.

SUPPORTERS

We are proud to be supported by the following organisations.

TRUSTEES

From practising composers and songwriters to music industry heavyweights - our Trustees are united by an unwavering passion for music and a strong vision for change.