How DYMF began

DYMF grew from a longstanding interest in music and a recognition of the difficulties faced by talented young performers seeking to develop their abilities.

Exceptional musicianship does not automatically lead to opportunity.

For many young performers, progress depends upon a combination of excellent teaching, personal commitment, financial support, performance experience and the chance to be noticed.

The Foundation was created to contribute to that process in a practical and independent way.

What began with individual awards has developed into a wider programme encompassing competitions, performances, recitals and collaborations with musical institutions.

DYMF has subsequently brought young musicians into distinguished performance environments and developed relationships with institutions including New College Oxford, Trinity College Chapel Cambridge and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest.

These collaborations have helped shape the Foundation’s philosophy.

We do not simply wish to present an award and conclude our involvement.

Where circumstances allow, we want an award to become the beginning of something: a performance, a new audience, a professional connection or another step in a developing musical career.

The Davison Young Musicians Foundation was established from a simple belief: musical potential deserves to be recognised and encouraged.

For a young musician, an opportunity arriving at the right moment can make a significant difference.

It may be an award that helps meet the cost of study. It may be an invitation to perform in an important venue. It may simply be the knowledge that experienced musicians have listened carefully and recognised something exceptional in their playing.

DYMF exists to create those moments.

We support young musicians through awards, competitions, concerts, recitals and collaborations with musical and educational institutions.

We are particularly conscious of the financial pressures associated with advanced musical education. Instruments, specialist tuition, accompanists, travel, auditions and study can impose substantial costs, particularly upon young musicians who do not have extensive financial resources behind them.

Our work therefore combines recognition with practical opportunity.

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Our Vision

A musical culture in which exceptional young musicians are recognised for their ability and given meaningful opportunities to develop and perform, irrespective of their financial circumstances or educational background.

Our Mission

The Davison Young Musicians Foundation identifies and supports talented emerging musicians through independently adjudicated awards, performance opportunities, concerts and collaborations with leading musical and educational institutions.

We seek to combine recognition of musical excellence with practical support at important stages in a musician’s development.

Our Values

Musical Excellence

Music comes first.

Our awards and opportunities are founded upon musicianship, preparation, interpretation, commitment and artistic potential.

Opportunity

Recognition becomes more meaningful when it creates an opportunity.

Where possible, DYMF seeks to connect its awards with performance, exposure and further musical development.

Fairness

Musicians should be considered on the quality and potential of their work.

Our competitions and awards are therefore designed around clear criteria and independent musical assessment.

Individuality

There is no single route to becoming a musician.

We recognise different musical backgrounds, personalities and approaches to performance.

Collaboration

DYMF works with musicians, educators, institutions and venues because lasting opportunities are often created through partnership.

Legacy

Our interest in a musician does not necessarily end when an award is presented.

We want to follow the journeys of those we have supported and celebrate what they go on to achieve.

The Panel

Tom Davison

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

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 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 working in Australia he played with the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra for two years. In 2014 he returned to the UK. In 2023 he stepped away from the Civil Service and since 2021, dedicates his time and resources to music and the DYMF Mission.

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. 

Edward Lloyd

Is a concert and recital pianist. He studied the Royal Northern College of Music funded by the Alison Copley Scholarship. Edward had two Masterclasses with Sir Stephen Hough.  and has since performed his first piano concerto debut with the Oxford Festival Orchestra. (Rachmaninov Piano Concerto no 1.) Edward has also played at Bridgewater Hall,  Steinway Hall London, the Stoller Hall and at the Boyne Music Festival in Ireland and at the Franz Liszt Recital Hall in Budapest. Edwards previous competition achievements include the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Competition and many others. Edward plays recitals across the UK and Europe sharing an intimate and extraordinary understanding of piano music.  He has participated in the International Music Competitions in Budapest as a panel judge and is now a supporting artist and panel adjudicator with the DYMF.

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.

Vince Baczko

Is an exceptional emerging trumpet player who has won several DYMF awards and many prestige and high profile competitions across Europe for his musicianship and instrumental command. Vince plays professionally as principle trumpet at the Slovak National Opera and 2nd trumpet with the Miskolc Symphonic Orchestra.  Vince is an accomplished trumpet player who brings exceptional musicianship and technical skill to the DYMF recital competitions. Vince took part as a guest judge for the   DYMF 2026 Exceptional Young Musicianship Award Series in Budapest.

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  Secretary of the DYMF and awards administrator. 

Julian Bennett

Brings skills and experience In marketing and media, to help grow the DYMF mission. Julian is an Award winning creative who In Television and print media.  Julian is the Creative Director and CEO of Digitalself live and the DOME project, with clients across the globe in the music and sports industry.