The BBC Performing Arts Fund has awarded £190,000 to 19 music organisations across the UK as part of its Music Fellowship scheme. The funds will enable each of the organisations to host a fellow, who will work under the guidance of professional mentors to develop their skills and experience first-hand what it is like to work within the music industry. The Fellowship scheme covers a wide range of musical areas, from classical, to folk and pop.

Among the recipients are ballet conductor James Ham, who will be mentored by Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia; Alex Wilson, who, along with his contemporary Dr K Sextet, will work with the Cheltenham Music Festival to produce a new Composer Academy; Carlos del Cueto, who will work as assistant conductor for English Touring Opera; soprano Bethany Seymour, who will receive training and performance opportunities through the National Centre for Early Music in York; and composer Shiori Usui, who will work with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s community and outreach departments.

The BBC Performing Arts Fund (formerly Fame Academy Bursary Fund) is devoted to supporting new UK performing arts talent, and is funded through revenue from voting lines for BBC One entertainment programmes, including The Voice and Fame Academy. Since its inception in 2003, the fund has awarded more than £4m to individuals and community groups.