New Brighton classical guitarist hosts concert to help fund her place at prestigious University of Alicante

Eleanor Kelly has recently been accepted on to the prestigious Máster en Interpretación de Guitarra Clásica (Master in Classical Guitar Performance) course at Universidad de Alicante.

But as the course is outside of the UK, she is not eligible for a post-graduate loan and will fund her studies herself.

She has set up a Crowdfunding page in the hope of raising £8,000 for tuition.

So far, Eleanor has raised £2,010.

Eleanor told the Globe: " I am so happy that I have been offered a place on the prestigious Master of Classical Guitar Performance course at Universidad de Alicante, Spain!

"Unfortunately, I am not eligible to apply for a postgraduate loan however, I am hoping that a few donations from friends, music lovers and anyone wanting to support my education can help me get to Spain where I will have the opportunity to study with world renowned maestros of the guitar, such as David Russell, Pepe Romero and Manuel Barreuco - to name a few.

"If you know me, then you know music is my life! I am a music teacher and perform regularly across Merseyside as a soloist and chamber musician (notably as one half of the D2e Duo and with the Woodside String Quartet).

"I am the musical director of the fabulous Liverpool Guitar Society, without who I would not have embarked on a career in music.

"I also work part time in a supermarket, and will be doing a bit more of this to help with the funds!"

Eleanor first began to play the guitar at the age of 10 when her granddad taught her on his electric Fender Stratocaster and at 17, Eleanor taught herself how to play classical guitar.

After starting her BA Music studies at Liverpool Hope University, Eleanor was awarded a performance scholarship and began private guitar study with Zoltan Katona (Katona Twins) and graduated in 2016 a first class degree.

Now Eleanor will perform with the Woodside String Quartet at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum on Friday, May 24 from 7.30pm in a bid to raise cash for her to live in Alicante when she starts her course in January 2020.

Eleanor added: "As well as having set up a Crowdfunding page, I am going to work hard, play (guitar) harder and save, save, save. I also propose to do a number of fundraising concerts, so even if you can only donate £1, please come and listen to me and hopefully I can show you how much playing the guitar means to me!

"My target fee is the cost of the course so I would at least like to get this covered but any extra would be absolutely fabulous and would help to cover my rent and living costs for the duration of my studies.

"I will be eternally grateful if you could donate anything - no matter how small - to help me get to Spain and pursue my passion."

Musica Argentina at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum on Friday, May 24 with doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets for the concert are £10 and are available via

To donate to Eleanor's study costs please visit