Legendary music executive Dr. Mathew Knowles, best known for managing Destiny’s Child and helping launch the careers of Beyonce and Solange, last week visited London ahead of the UK leg of the Cowboy Carter Tour, to launch his music scholarship partnership with the London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM) in Southwark.
The Dr. Mathew Knowles Scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and provide direct mentorship to the next wave of UK-based music talent, right from the heart of South London’s creative scene.
“Your talent deserves a stage, and this scholarship can help remove financial barriers so you can focus on what really matters: your future.” says Harry Leckstein, Deputy Managing Director at LCCM.
During his trip, Dr. Knowles engaged with local students, delivered a guest lecture at LCCM’s campus, The Music Box on Union Street, and spoke about the importance of music education, access and diversity in shaping the future of the industry.
Access to education is one of the greatest equalisers we have,” comments Dr. Mathew Knowles. “This scholarship isn’t just about talent. It’s about empowering the next generation with the tools to succeed. At LCCM, the students don’t just learn how to perform or produce, they learn how to navigate contracts, develop a brand and market themselves, and turn passion into a profession. We’re shaping future artists and executives to take control of their careers from day one.”
The initiative is part of Dr. Knowles’ ongoing work with LCCM as a Visiting Lecturer, where he offers one-to-one mentorship, guest lectures, and insider industry knowledge to help students build real careers in music.
The partnership reflects a shared mission to champion grassroots and homegrown talent, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to professional training and industry pathways.
“Too often, talented young people are overlooked because they don’t have access to the right networks or support. I’ve always believed diversity drives innovation,” says Dr. Knowles. “This scholarship at LCCM is about amplifying voices from every background. Music is global, and our industry should reflect that. When we invest in young creatives, we invest in the future of culture itself.”
