London Mayor Boris Johnson with talented young musicians Tara Jones, nine, Tahmidur Rahman, 13, Amy Portchmouth, 10, and Jean-Michael Javier, 10. Picture: Jav Sondh

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has launched a new initiative aimed at raising £2 million of private sector cash to boost children’s music education.

The Mayor of London’s Fund for Young Musicians has been set up as a charity to provide opportunities to seven to 11-year-olds with musical talent.

Four hundred children in London will be awarded four-year music scholarships for tuition, mentoring, performances and access to instruments.

Another 10,000 children will get to work alongside professional musicians.

The charity, which aims to raise £2m by March 2012, will focus on some of the primary school children who get early access to learning an instrument but are unable to continue due to it being too expensive.

Eighty per cent of children say they would like to learn an instrument but most do not get the chance.

The Mayor said: “Music can transform the lives of young people from all backgrounds, enriching the mind, teaching valuable skills and discipline and importantly, providing a source of invaluable self-expression, personal enjoyment and life-enhancing career options.

“If a young Londoner has a talent for music and the commitment to progress, I want them to be able to do so regardless of their starting point. The new fund will help to make this not just an aspiration but a reality for young musicians who could otherwise be overlooked.”

Munira Mirza, mayoral advisor on arts and culture, added: “We know that music education can have a hugely positive impact on a child’s life but sadly there are many families who simply cannot afford it.

“The fund is an ambitious initiative that will transform access to music education in London and with it help improve the lives of many disadvantaged young people.”

What patrons of the Mayor of London’s Fund for Young Musicians says:

Pianist Stephen Hough: “The launch of MFYM is something quite wonderful. It shows a trust in the power and value of great music, and a trust in the young people who will benefit from this scheme, joining excellence and the highest standards with the widest possible access.”

Double Bass player Chi-chi Nwanoku: “This wonderful initiative has arrived not a day too soon. At last a chance for young people with a curiosity for music to really have an opportunity to try their hand and realise a creativity previously reserved for others more financially fortunate than themselves.”

Jazz pianist Julian Joseph: “I fully support the Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians and recognise that implemented responsibly it will improve access to music making at the highest level for all children in all genres. This in my mind is as it should be and will enrich their lives and all of ours, now and in the future.”

Cellist Steven Isserlis: “Music can transform a child’s life in so many ways. A child singing to him or herself is a happy child. The benefits of studying music - emotional, social and intellectual - are well documented. The Mayor’s Fund for Young Musicians will encourage as many children as possible to tap into those benefits, and to follow their musical dreams.”