Guitar prodigy seeks benefactor for top music course

Eilidh McKellar

A guitar-playing prodigy from South Queensferry who won a place on a top music course is appealing for a wealthy benefactor to bankroll the 84,000 school fees after learning her parents can't afford it.

Eilidh McKellar, 17, was walking on air when the acceptance letter came through for the bachelors degree at Berklee College of Music, Boston, two weeks ago.

Just 24 hours later, the St Augustine's High pupil was crestfallen after failing to earn the scholarship that would cover the exorbitant price tag.

With the first cash instalment due in May, the aspiring musician now faces a race against time to stump up the cash ahead of the looming deadline.

"It's my dream to study at Berklee because I have high ambitions for my career in music and Berklee is known to be the best place to study contemporary music," she said.

"I am so close to achieving my dream, but like all top American colleges the fees are only possible for wealthy families. Ordinary families like mine just can't afford 21,000 per year for a four-year degree.

"I just hope that someone recognises my talent and my commitment and can help me out financially."

The youngster, whose jamming videos have attracted nearly 25,000 views on YouTube, is one of only 33 female guitarists from a 466-strong pool accepted to the Berklee faculty, which counts Quincy Jones, Steve Vai and John Mayer as past alumni.

"Musicians in the industry that come out from there have gone on to be really successful," said Eilidh. "It's the one place that can give you a platform to be successful, that can give you a step up in your career.

"It was kind of bitter-sweet getting in but not getting the scholarship. I was so pleased that I got in but the chances of being able to go now are really slim.

"I'm hoping someone will come forward to act as a benefactor or perhaps even some sponsors that could help support me. If it happens I would be amazed because it's so much money. It's worth a try and if I had not tried it would be a 'what if'.

"So if there's someone out there that likes rock music and has a lot of money to spare but doesn't really know what to do with it, my dreams would come true if they supported me."

Dad Malcolm said he hopes his daughter's talent is given the chance to flourish at the university.

"Eilidh has worked so hard and her focus and determination have paid off," he said.

"Neither my wife nor I are at all musical and supporting Eilidh to get to this point has been a learning experience for us both. We have had great support from Eilidh's guitar teachers over the last few years and her experience in playing with the Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble has been significant in making her the musician she is today."

If you can help, please contact [email protected]. Her videos can be seen online at YouTube.