We have the most exciting and happy news for the New Year, our founder and artistic director, Alison Kay, receives the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year honours list for her services to the Arts and to young people.

I am sure you will join with us to offer many congratulations to Alison for this well-deserved recognition. As many of you know, teaching and inspiring young people to play is a huge passion of hers and it is entirely fitting that her dedication to this musical mission and young people has been recognised.

Alison is surprised and delighted to be honoured in this way but, as ever, her thoughts are to all those people who have been involved; she has this to say:-

“I am deeply proud of this special community and this award is received in recognition of everyone who has played a part in supporting our young musicians, over the years.”

We are overwhelming proud of Alison, her enthusiasm and committment knows no bounds.

Please see below for the full press release:-

Poole Society for Young Musicians’ Alison Kay recognised in New Year Honours List 2025

Poole Society for Young Musicians (PSYM) is thrilled to announce that its Artistic Director and Founder, Alison Kay, has been recognised in the New Year Honours List 2025.

Alison receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of Services to the Arts and to Young People, following recommendation to His Majesty The King.

As a professional musician and teacher, Alison founded PSYM in 2010 to increase performance opportunities for students in the South; the Society was formed out of Alison’s passion for music education excellence and the importance of making it accessible to all.

The Society – alongside its partner, Broadstone Music Series – organises dozens of events each year, ranging from masterclasses, rehearsals and workshops to public chamber performances, and boasts a broad mix of professional musicians among its coaching staff.

Alison, originally from South Wales, graduated from London’s Trinity College of Music, studying violin, viola and piano, then furthered her practical study on viola with Jack Glickman at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has enjoyed a successful career in performance and teaching since 1986, including 12 years as Sub Principal Viola in Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Alison Kay, Founder and Artistic Director of PSYM, said:

“I created PSYM to inspire our young musicians in and around Poole, who were looking to develop their experience as performers. It fills me with great pride to witness how this community has grown over the years – it bridges the gap between taught learning and professional practice and it’s wonderful to see our former PSYM students entering the industry.

“I’m deeply proud of this very special community, and this award is received in recognition of everyone who has played a part in supporting our brilliant young musicians over the years.”

Further details about Poole Society for Young Musicians: https://broadstonemusicseries.info/ ***************************************************************************************

NOTES TO EDITORS

Contact: poolesym@gmail.com

About Poole Society for Young Musicians www.broadstonemusicseries.info

Poole Society for Young Musicians (PSYM) was established in 2010 to expand practical performance opportunities for young people in and around Poole, Dorset. It is led by Artistic Director, Alison Kay, who has enjoyed a successful career as both a performer and teacher.  Each year, PSYM welcomes visiting professors from the UK’s leading music conservatoires to lead masterclasses and workshops – it enjoys a close relationship with the Royal Academy of Music, London, and in the last year it has also welcomed guests from the Royal College of Music and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Beyond opportunities for its members aged 8 to 19, it offers a performance platform for advanced students on the cusp of their professional career. This season, it hosted the Kyan String Quartet, which coached and performed alongside the young musicians. 

Poole Society for Young Musicians is part of the Broadstone Music Series, which presents chamber concerts that see young performers collaborate with professional players. This season, it welcomed BBC Young Musician semi-finalist Hugo Svedberg among guest soloists. A registered charity, PSYM is supported locally by SoundStorm Music Education Agency, the Albert and Eugenie Frost Trust, Wessex Young Musicians’ Trust, and private sponsors.