Local girl in search of school fund sponsorship

Claire Lees

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Claire Lees, 26 from Rochdale is currently on the search for local people and businesses to sponsor her in order to help her pay the fees required for a Masters degree course in music.

Her postgraduate studies will be at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and Claire needs £6,580 to cover her first year fees.

Claire, who was born and raised in Rochdale, is passionate about music and has been studying and performing from a young age. After accepting a place on the course, due to start in September, Claire is hoping for sponsorship from local businesses to help her chip away at the grand total.

Claire said: “My course is part-time so finding work is vital for me to supplement my maintenance costs. The fact that I now have secured work will alleviate some of the financial pressure.”

Claire has been working as a soprano since 1999 when she started as a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. She has worked in many opera performances spanning from 2005 onwards and has won awards including the Delius Prize in 2010. After attending St Cuthbert’s High School and Sixth Form, Claire attended Birmingham Conservatoire where she studied for a BMus (Hons).

Claire who is currently living and working in London said: “I have an unconditional offer to study and unfortunately I only face one challenge: finance. I absolutely categorically despise the fact that I have to ask for financial support.”

Claire moved to London after spending her childhood in Norden, Rochdale and believes Rochdale really sparked her enthusiasm for music. “It was part of the thriving musical community in Rochdale that I feel my musical talent was nurtured” said Claire.

For anyone willing to support and help, Claire is offering something in return:

• Available to sing at any event; be they business or person.
• To become a singing representative for your business or organisation.
• Advertisement of your business/organisation through her personal website.
• Termly updates on her progress with copies of her performances.
•  Complimentary tickets to any performance.

Claire added: “Although I now work in London and will study in the capital as well, I am still a Rochdale lass. I want to reach my potential and continue on a journey that started at Rochdale Music Service.”