May Scholar of the Month – Romans

Romans and his double bass tutor

Romans, aged twelve, is a dedicated and enthusiastic double bassist who has been a London Music Fund Scholar since 2022. A committed member of the Hackney Music Service, Romans has shown impressive progress since the start of his scholarship and is now playing at a Grade 6 standard.

In 2025, Romans gained a place in the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO), and he recently took part in Hackney Music Service’s Gala Concert at the Hackney Empire. Earlier this year, Romans also travelled to Tenerife over the half-term break to perform with the Classical Meets Jazz Diversity & Inclusion Ensemble.

We asked Romans how he has been finding his Scholarship:

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

“One of the things I love about the double bass is being able to play with other instruments and seeing how all of the various parts of the music work together to create something wonderful. I have played the bass for a while now, and seeing just how much progress I have made since I started keeps me motivated. I know I can keep on improving and moving forward with my music-making.”

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

“During the Easter holidays, I went to Dorset with the NCO for a week. I was able to play a lot of different and exciting pieces and at the end of the course I played at a concert hall in Bristol.

I enjoyed playing with many different instruments, widening my musical knowledge, as well as making friends through music. I want to thank my amazing mum, and my bass teacher for helping me with my NCO audition and guiding me along my musical journey.”

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

“I have many favourite pieces of music, but one of my most recent favourites is a piece called Mambo. It has a very joyful and carnival-themed feel to it, which makes the audience enjoy the music as much as the musicians playing it. I played Mambo at the NCO concert, and whenever I perform it, I feel like I want to get up and dance. It also has a solo for the bass section, allowing us to stand out and add more to the music.” 

Are there any new musical experiences or opportunities you are most excited to try?

“This summer I am doing the NCO course again, so I am really looking forward to playing more orchestral pieces and hopefully finding a new favourite piece. I am also really excited about continuing my musical journey with the double bass.”

Romans has already achieved so much in his Junior Scholarship journey, and his passion for music shines through in everything he does. Romans will be graduating from his LMF Junior Scholarship this year, and we look forward to watching him flourish as a double bassist with the NCO.

We are so pleased Romans has been making the most of his Scholarship. Go, Romans!