June Scholar of the Month - Blythe

1 Jun

Since becoming a Junior Scholar in 2022, Blythe has flourished as an active member of Lewisham Music Service and a dedicated, resilient young musician. She has shown outstanding commitment to her musical development throughout her Junior Scholarship and, over the past year in particular, has demonstrated remarkable determination. She is now working confidently across Grade 6 and Grade 7 acoustic guitar repertoire.

Blythe regularly attends Lewisham Music’s Saturday Music Centre and is an enthusiastic member of their folk group, where she contributes both as a guitarist and a singer. A highlight of her recent achievements has been performing at the end-of-term concerts, as well as at the Live Unplugged event at a local school.

We asked Blythe how she has been finding her Junior Scholarship:

What do you enjoy most about playing the guitar right now, and why?

“I enjoy how playing guitar is an outlet to expressing myself, and how I can put so much emotion and experience into each note. Playing other people’s songs helps me connect to their stories through music and helps me tell my own stories though song.”

Can you share a musical moment from the past year that made you feel especially proud or inspired?

“When my music teacher asked me to play and sing a guitar solo at a public venue as part of a folk ensemble performance. I played cello song by Nick Drake.”

What is your favourite piece of music to play, and how does it make you feel when you perform it?

“My favourite piece of music to play is Migrations by Richard Walters and Katherine Priddy. I have been playing this piece for some time now and I never tire of its simple yet moving melody and its meaningful lyrics. It compares the end of a relationship to the change of seasons and the migration of birds, in a beautiful story that lingers with you long after hearing it. It gives me a wistful, reflective feeling when I play it.”

What new musical experiences or opportunities are you most exited to try?

“I am keen to start writing my own songs on guitar in the style of my favourite folk acoustic guitarists. Hopefully, I will be able to perform small gigs of my own where I can play my songs as well as others from artists I love.”

Blythe has made excellent progress during her time as a Junior Scholar, developing strong technical skills and musical confidence. As she prepares to graduate from her Junior Scholarship this summer, she should feel incredibly proud of all she has achieved.

We are so pleased Blythe has been making the most of her Junior Scholarship. Go, Blythe!