April Scholar of the Month - Nir’el
Nir’el
Nir’el, aged 13, was nominated to be a London Music Fund (LMF) Junior Scholar in 2022 by his primary school headteacher. He was receiving instrumental lessons in school on both drum kit and trumpet, and both of his instrumental tutors had remarked on his impressive progress. Now in the final year of his Junior Scholarship, Nir’el has made full use of every opportunity that has been offered to him.
Nir’el joined the Hackney Music Service Junior Creative Ensemble as a drum kit player, and when he transitioned to secondary school, he moved up to the Senior Creative Jazz Ensemble. His Mentor reports that he is dedicated and valued member of the ensemble, always punctual and present both at the weekly rehearsals and the various performances the group is regularly involved with. Nir’el also signed up to Classical Meets Jazz programme, a 10-year partnership project between Hackney Music Service and the London Symphony Orchestra, originally funded by the London Music Fund. Classical Meets Jazz is a diversity and inclusion ensemble, shining a light on young musicians from cultural and socio-economic backgrounds overwhelmingly underrepresented in the professional world.
Through his membership and hard work in these two groups, Nir’el has taken part in many large-scale performances over the years. He has performed annually at the Hackney Empire for the Hackney Music Service Gala Concert, at the Schools Music Festival in Finsbury Park, at the Round Chapel as part of the Hackney Schools Music & Dance Festival, and last year, he performed at the Barbican as part of the London Symphony Orchestra Discovery Annual Showcase. He has also taken part in the London Symphony Orchestra’s 'Activate' programme which supported his instrumental transition from primary to secondary school. Perhaps most excitingly of all, Nir’el recently travelled to Tenerife alongside 20 other Classical Meets Jazz members, where the group took part in a showcase in partnership with the Escuela de Música in Puerto de la Cruz.
We asked Nir’el how he has been finding his Scholarship:
What do you enjoy most about playing the drums right now, and why?
“What I enjoy most about playing the drums right now is the sound and the freedom it gives me. Even when I’m just playing on my own without music, the drums still sound powerful and exciting. I really like that I can add my own style when I play and make the beat my own. It makes every song feel a little different.
It’s also really fun to play along to the music genres I enjoy, because I can experiment with different rhythms and beats and see what works best. I love trying new patterns, changing the groove, and just seeing where the rhythm takes me. Drumming lets me be creative and express myself while still keeping the energy of the music going.”
Can you share a musical moment from the past year that made you feel especially proud or inspired?
“I had the opportunity to travel abroad with my music ensemble, Classical Meets Jazz. In February 2026, we went to Tenerife for six nights to perform together.
It was an amazing experience because playing music in another country felt really special, and it showed me how far my drumming has come. Performing with the ensemble, sharing music with new audiences, and being surrounded by other talented musicians was really inspiring. The trip made me feel proud of the work I’ve put into learning the drums and motivated me to keep improving and exploring new musical opportunities.”
What’s your favourite piece of music to play, and how does it make you feel when you perform it?
“One of my favourite styles of music to play is drum and bass, especially when I’m warming up. It really helps warm up and strengthen my wrists, and it pushes me to keep up with the tempo, which is usually really fast. I enjoy the challenge of it because it takes focus, control, and energy to keep the beat tight at that speed.
I’ve also grown to really enjoy playing jazz. Both of the music ensembles I’m part of play jazz, and performing it together feels great. Everyone has their own part to play, and when it all comes together it creates one powerful sound. It feels good to be part of a team where everyone contributes to the music and supports each other.”
What new musical experiences or opportunities are you most excited to try?
“One of the musical experiences I’m most excited about is getting the chance to play in another country again. Travelling and performing abroad was an amazing experience, and I’d love to do more of that in the future.
I also dream of playing on a really big stage one day, like at The O2 Arena or Wembley Stadium. It would be incredible to perform in front of a huge crowd.
Another big dream of mine would be to play drums for Bruno Mars. This summer I’m going to my first concert at Wembley to see him live, and I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait to watch the band perform, especially the drummer, and see what it’s like to play on such a big stage.”
Nir’el , like all Hackney LMF alumni, will be offered continued membership to the Hackney Music Service ensembles. We look forward to continued updates about his future performances and achievements after he graduates from his Junior Scholarship in July of this year.