The Davison Young Musician Awards were established post covid pandemic, to support a broad range of young musical talent who may not have access to, or the financial means needed  to develop their musical talent.

We have identified and auditioned over 240 talented young musicians, who have gone on to achieve significant musical aplomb in their own right.

Of those who auditioned for a prize, the DYMF has awarded twenty five cash awards to date.

In its 5th year, the Foundation continues to support young musicians and provide opportunity to showcase their musical talent. 

The DYMA continues its collaborations with New College Oxford and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and Budapest University Music faculty in addition to a new Award Recital Series with Trinity College Cambridge in Spring 2026.

The DYMF Team

Tom Davison

Tom is Founder of the Awards and DYMF.   He studied classical music, trumpet and choral.  

At 16 he was the first young musician to win the Ruth Dyson Musicians Award. He achieved ABRSM Grade 8 distinction at 17 and continued to study music and performance at Roehampton College and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.  He went on to session record for Strawberry and DJM Music Studios.  While running his own business, he played in the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra for two years. In 2014 he returned to the UK working in the Public Service. In 2023 he stepped away from Government and now dedicates his time to the DYMF.

Tamas Palfalvi

Is Professor of trumpet and brass at the Franz Liszt Music Academy Budapest. He is a prolific virtuoso trumpet player, professional recording artist and a leader of the brass quintet “In Medias Brass.” Tamas works with Tom on audition award programs for the Lizst Academy Series in Budapest and helped created the first Hungarian National University competition for music students. Tamas is a Board Member of the DYMF panel.  In May 2025 Tamas held the first ever Brass Master Class at New College Oxford University.

Cristian de Sa

Named a ‘Young Classical Star’ by Classic FM, the British violinist, Cristian de Sá, embarked on his career aged 24 with his European recital debut at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and concerto debut with the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon, and has since been invited to perform in many of Europe’s prestigious halls. He has played chamber music alongside Renaud Capuçon, Maxim Vengerov and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, France Musique, RTP Portugal, Scala Radio and contributes to The Strad Magazine and BBC Radio 4.
Cristian was a student of Maurice Hasson, Tasmin Little and Pierre Amoyal at the Royal Academy of Music & Mozarteum University. 

Kathy Bailey

Has known the Founder for several decades, professionally and personally. Kathy is a busy musician in her own right and a qualified teacher. Kathy sang with the BBC Symphony Chorus under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis, and Sir John Pritchard. She currently plays in the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Phillip Butcher. Kathy is a Music Graduate of the LCM and holds instrumental diplomas and a PGCE.

Edward Lloyd

Is a concert pianist. He studied at Chethams School of Music and continued his piano studies at the Royal Northern College of Music funded by the Alison Copley Scholarship. Edward had two Masterclasses with Sir Stephen Hough.  Edward went on to perform his first piano concerto debut with the Oxford Festival Orchestra. (Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no 1.) Edward has performed at Bridgewater Hall,  Steinway Hall London, and many other prestige venues. Edwards competition achievements include the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Competition, the Birmingham International and more. Edward plays recitals across the UK and Europe sharing an intimate and extraordinary understanding of piano music.  He participated in the International Music Competitions in Budapest as a panel judge with the DYMF  and is a supporting artist and permanent panel adjudicator with the DYMF.

Garth White

Studied performing arts and loves music of all genres. Garth represents Charles Tyrwhitt who was a key sponsor of the DYMF inaugural concerts at Ely cathedral in 2021. Garth is the  Voluntary Secretary and Awards manager of the DYMF. 

Felix Kirkby

Christina Bass

Christina first observed the work of the DYMF through its collaboration with the OFO and the Liszt Academy, developing relationships with those who share our philosophy and mission to support young musicians with the cost of their studies. Christina has supported one of three national competitions in Hungary as part of the Foundations international award program and funded a DYMF Bursary.