Leaving a Musical Legacy – the Mary Janet King Memorial Fund

Mary King was introduced to Foundation Scotland in 2010 by her financial adviser. Mary didn’t see herself as a philanthropist, she simply wanted to help people who were less fortunate than herself.  Mary was an accomplished pianist and achieved Grade 8.  She very much enjoyed attending piano concerts at the Royal Conservatoire and knew the passion and commitment it took to play piano at such a high level.

Over the years, Mary became aware of the challenges regarding music tuition in schools and she asked Foundation Scotland to source grants for projects which would help young people to take up music. 

Here’s a glimpse at some of the wonderful organisations that were regularly supported by Mary during her lifetime, and which are to receive continuation funding as part of her legacy:  

• The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Annual scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate piano students.  
• Sistema Scotland – Big Noise music education and social change programme in Raploch and Fallin (Stirling). 
• National Youth Choir of Scotland – Regional Choirs supporting young singers in Scotland to develop their vocal and musicianship skills.
• Edinburgh Youth Orchestra – Orchestral training and performance opportunities through the Summer Programme.
• Royal Scottish National Orchestra – Classical music experiences for young people in partnership with Sistema Scotland.
• The Glasgow Barons – Schools-based music opportunities across Govan.   
• Strathmore Schools Pipe Band – Tenor, bass and snare drum tuition for young people across rural Strathmore communities.
• Music Education Partnership – Free borrowing of musical instruments via public libraries across Scotland.

• EPIC Young People – East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy ‘Music for Life’ education programme.

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Many have benefitted from Mary's philanthropic giving over the years.  Here are just some of the things that they had to say:

This scholarship has very simply been the cause of all of my achievements and successes thus far, as without it I would physically not be able to remain at RCS and pursue this career. I am very grateful for it and will continue to work as hard as I can. 

Dida Condria, BMus Piano Performance, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

We are incredibly grateful to Mrs King, who, through her charitable fund, helped talented music students from all backgrounds pursue their dreams. It's clear that she had a passion for the performing arts and her long-standing support of young artists will have an impact long into the future. 

Julie Reynolds, Head of Fundraising and Alumni Relations, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

I wouldn’t be where I am without Big Noise. It has supported me for the last 11 years of my life, every step of the way [...] Before Big Noise I didn’t have many aspirations, like going to university, but now I have the motivation to be the best and do the best I can in life. 

Big Noise Raploch Graduate, Sistema Scotland

During her lifetime, Mary made over 350 grants.  She worked closely with her Fund Advisor at Foundation Scotland who sourced funding applications for her that met her interests.  Mary sadly died in 2025, just before her 93rd birthday. The Fund will continue to be managed by Foundation Scotland as a legacy fund. Foundation Scotland works with donors to provide personalised long-term giving strategies.  We know that having a legacy in place is a comfort to most people.  

If you would like to find out more about how Foundation Scotland can help you, or to start a conversation about legacy funds, please contact us: development@foundationscotland.org.uk