Introducing our Senior Scholars
In September 2022 we were delighted to launch the pilot year of our ‘Senior Scholars’ programme, with generous support from John Studzinski CBE. Ten former LMF Scholars have been selected following nominations from music services, junior conservatoires and specialist music schools. These young musicians are studying a range of disciplines from classical violin to drums and jazz bass.
The ten talented musicians, aged 16-19, are all graduates of our main Scholarship programme and are now playing at an advanced standard and intending to pursue music at higher education or conservatoire. As part of the programme they will all receive a grant of £1000 to support their ongoing musical learning (anything from travel and audition costs, to instrument purchase, coaching or tuition) and will benefit from opportunities tailored to their personal musical aspirations. They will also develop their leadership and education skills through working as mentors to LMF’s younger Scholars.
Opportunities the Senior Scholars have had so far include a bespoke ‘open afternoon’ at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where they had a tour of the college, met some Heads of Department, and sat in on a masterclass. They also took part in a training session with Lincoln Abbotts and musicians from ABRSM, prior to taking part as Scholar Mentors in our November Playing Day, where they each led a section and worked with our younger Scholars. Future events include an open rehearsal of the London Symphony Orchestra, acting as young leaders at our February Playing Day, and performing at our Spring Concert at the Mercers’ Hall in April.
Six of the Senior Scholars took on the role of young leaders at our November Playing Day, assisting the musicians from ABRSM and mentoring our current Scholars.
Chrissy Kinsella, London Music Fund CEO said: “I am so pleased that we can continue to support these talented young musicians, some of whom we met when they were just 9 or 10 and at the very early stages of their musical journey. We are immensely grateful to John Studzinski, CBE for this bespoke support for advanced young musicians in this specifc older age group as they look towards studying music at conservatoires, colleges and universities. We know that students from low-income families continue to meet financial hurdles as they reach a higher standard of playing and I am thrilled that we can continue to support them in their musical training.”
John Studzinski CBE, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation, said “It is well known that the costs of music education increase significantly as students become more proficient, with the need for longer lessons, higher-quality instruments, and exam and audition fees among other things. I am delighted to be supporting the very first London Music Fund Senior Scholar cohort, and look forward to following their progress.”
Meet the Senior Scholars
Adrianna, age 16 - piano, violin, voice
Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire
Lambeth Music Service Scholar from 2014-18
Adrianna is a pianist, violinist, singer and composer from Lambeth. She studies at Junior Trinity Laban where she is preparing for diplomas on the piano and violin. As a singer she has performed with Garsington Opera. Currently in year 12, Adrianna is studying for her A levels and plans to study Music at university.
Aimee, age 18 - cello
Bexley Music Scholar from 2014-18
Aimee is a cellist from Bexley Music and was a London Music Fund Scholar from 2014-18. Since then she has continued to develop on the cello and enjoys playing in a variety of ensembles. Aimee is preparing for her A levels this year and hopes to become a cello teacher in future.
Christopher, age 17 - drums
Harrow Music Service Scholar from 2015-19
Christopher is a drummer hoping to study performance and music production at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. For the last few years Chris has held a John Lyon’s bursary at Harrow Young Musicians. He regularly performs with Tomorrow’s Warriors and other ensembles in a variety of styles from jazz to hip hop.
Dahlia, age 18 - violin
Centre for Young Musicians
Lewisham Music Scholar from 2014-18
Dahlia is a violinist studying at the Centre for Young Musicians, having previously learnt through Lewisham Music. She is one of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Artists 2022-23. Dahlia is in the process of auditioning for conservatoires across the UK, hoping to become a professional orchestral player in future.
Ignacy, age 18 - violin
Yehudi Menuhin School of Music
Hounslow Music Service Scholar from 2013-14
Ignacy was one of our 2013 Scholars and has been studying at the Yehudi Menuhin School as a violinist ever since. He has given a number of virtuosic solo performances at our concerts over the last few years, including at our 10th Anniversary Gala at the Southbank Centre. He hopes to study Electronic Music at the Sibelius Academy in Finland next year.
Luna, age 16 - piano, flute
Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service Scholar from 2014-18
Luna is a pianist, flautist and singer, and has been based at Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service since she became a LMF Scholar in 2014. Now in year 12, Luna is working towards her A levels and is considering studying Music at university. She gave a beautiful performance of a Chopin Nocturne in our Autumn Concert.
Mia, age 17 - flute
Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire
Hackney Music Service Scholar from 2015-19
Mia plays the flute and has been supported by Hackney Music Service since graduating from her LMF Scholarship in 2019. This year she gained a bursary to study at Junior Trinity Laban, which she now attends on Saturdays. Mia has recently taken up the harp and is also a keen singer. She enjoyed the experience of mentoring younger musicians at our November Playing Day.
Michael, age 18 - drums, percussion
Harrow Music Service Scholar from 2014-18
Michael is a drummer and percussionist from Harrow who is currently applying to jazz courses at UK conservatoires. He attended a Tomorrow’s Warriors residential in the United States this summer and performs with the group regularly. Michael showed himself to be a natural leader at our Autumn Playing Day, guiding our young percussion Scholars.
Rejus, age 18 - violin
Barking & Dagenham Community Music Service Scholar from 2013-17
Rejus from Barking & Dagenham is a violinist and a member of the LSO’s East London Academy. He hopes to study at conservatoire next year and recently gained a place on the Supported Application Scheme at the Guildhall School. Rejus has taken part in several LMF events as a graduate over the last few years, most notably leading the Celebration Ensemble at our 10th Anniversary Gala in February.
Zaki, age 17 - jazz bass, clarinet
Purcell School for Young Musicians
Hounslow Music Service Scholar from 2013-17
Zaki is a multi-disciplinary musician in his final year of study at the Purcell School for Young Musicians. He was a clarinet Scholar from 2013-17, learning with Hounslow Music Service. Since then he has continued to progress on the clarinet, giving several solo and chamber music performances for LMF. Zaki has also taken up music technology and jazz bass, which he is hoping to study at conservatoire next year.
Photo credits: Dan Evans / Conway Hall
If you’re interested in finding out more about our Senior Scholars programme please email dorothy@londonmusicfund.org.