March Scholar of the Month - Toki!
Toki
Toki, aged 14, is an outstanding young guitarist from Merton Music Foundation (MMF) who has been a London Music Fund Scholar since 2022. Now in the final year of his four‑year Scholarship, he continues to flourish as both a musician and a young leader within the MMF community. His recent distinction in Grade 6 acoustic guitar is a remarkable achievement and we could not be more proud of his progress.
Over the past year, Toki has emerged as one of MMF’s most exciting and committed students. His progress in his individual lessons has been exceptional, and his enthusiasm for music extends far beyond the classroom. He is a leading member of both the VoiceBox and Senior Guitar ensembles, and he plays a significant role on MMF’s Youth Council, contributing thoughtfully to discussions and helping shape opportunities for younger musicians.
Toki’s musical life is rich and varied. He is the lead singer of his band, T.A.K.E, who performed at several community events last summer, including MMF’s Lift Off Festival — an event he also helped organise through the Youth Council. From rehearsals to his after‑school volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Toki brings the same maturity and reliability that make him such a valued member of the MMF community.
We asked Toki how he has been finding his Scholarship:
What do you enjoy most about playing the guitar right now, and why?
“The concerts I get to perform in, such as the Royal Albert Hall and Battle of the Bands, because I love the excitement of playing live and sharing music with an audience.”
Can you share a musical moment from the past year that made you feel especially proud or inspired?
“I’m most proud of achieving a distinction in my Grade 6 acoustic guitar exam.”
What’s your favourite piece of music to play, and how does it make you feel when you perform it?
“I enjoy singing and playing Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen on my acoustic guitar.”
What new musical experiences or opportunities are you most excited to try?
“I’m really excited about performing in my school production of We Will Rock You this summer, where I will be playing Galileo Figaro and singing lots of Queen songs.”
Toki’s dedication, creativity, and leadership have shaped his extraordinary Scholarship journey. From his early days in 2022 to becoming a central figure in MMF’s ensembles, Youth Council, and community events, he has embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and maturity.