Meet Magdalina

‘Before coming to the Academy, I spent 13 years studying violin performance at the National School of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria. I will always be grateful for my time in Bulgaria as it shaped the artist that I am today, giving me the discipline and musical understanding to practise and perform the craft. After so many years, though, I felt ready for the next step, which was always to study overseas.

‘Initially, it was London that drew me to the Academy. I visited for the first time when I was 16 years old, and it made an unforgettable impression on me. A few years later I was auditioning for the undergraduate course at the Academy, and I was made to feel so welcome that I immediately knew I wanted to study here.

‘As someone who comes from a far less developed country than the UK, the issue of finance has always been present and I would never have had this life-changing opportunity if it weren’t for my scholarship. Knowing that I have your support is a source of motivation to keep moving forward and creating music. I feel so honoured to have received a scholarship for my studies.’

Magdalina was the recipient of The Clarence Myerscough Trust 20th Anniversary Award for the 2020/21 academic year.