My LMF Scholarships – Georgina’s Story

We were delighted to receive the below account from Georgina, who we have supported on our Senior Scholarship programme since September 2025, and our Scholarship programme from 2019-23.

Georgina, aged 17, is learning both the violin and the viola with the Hillingdon Music Hub. She shared with us how the scholarship has supported her musical journey during a particularly challenging time for her family, and how it has opened new opportunities and horizons.

Georgina and Chief Executive Chrissy

How did the Senior Scholarship support you this year?

Georgina: “I was delighted to have received a Senior Scholarship in September 2025 from LMF. My scholarship was used to pay the fees for the ensembles at Saturday Music School, the hire of the viola and the violin, and for my lessons during the last two terms. My dad was ill last year and unable to work for an extended period, and my family would have struggled with the fees for my music lessons without my LMF scholarship.”

What kinds of events did you attend?

Georgina: “From September to July, I attended as many LMF events as possible, I loved helping at the Playing Days and met so many lovely people involved in music: musicians, composers, teachers and educators, publishers, producers, fundraisers, sponsors, and my wonderful LMF scholar friends, young and old. I discovered a lot of aspects of the music world which were completely new to me and attending these events taught me that there is so much more to music than becoming a world-famous soloist!”

Which event stood out the most?

Georgina: “The Royal College of Music stood out the most for me. We had the opportunity to interact with a virtual audition panel and audience simulator. It was truly eye-opening and innovative, and also very useful as there are not many opportunities to go to such realistic practice auditions. We also visited the Instrument Museum and saw how tradition has endured, and new innovations keep emerging. The instruments we saw were just wonderful, and the museum was organised in a way that we could hear each historical instrument being played on a recording. I could have spent hours, days, and weeks in that place!”

What did you learn from Playing Days and ABRSM Workshops?

Georgina: “We had the opportunity to help the younger scholars and learn from experienced professional musicians on how to run a workshop. I learnt a lot of skills, such as, how to do a fun but efficient warm-up routine, or how to recall the wandering attention of youngsters. Personally, as I live with Asperger’s, I struggle to react quickly to unexpected events. Participating in running music events with dozens of very spontaneous children certainly challenged me. My communication skills, patience and ability to stay calm in a slightly chaotic and noisy environment improved a lot this year thanks to attending the Playing Days and workshops.”

How did the online presentations help you?

Georgina: “I enjoyed preparing a short presentation on a musical I love called Hamilton and became more familiar with using PowerPoint. It turned out to be more difficult to put links and sound on slides than I thought! We developed our presentation, communication and public speaking skills, and worked on spontaneous question and answer skills, which are all useful for interviews.”

What about the ABRSM Skills Day?

Georgina: “Unfortunately, I don’t know much about social media at all, so that day was an eye-opener for me. I got to understand that no matter how beautiful the music is, if no one knows about it, the musician or the organisation won’t be very successful. We gained a taste of independence and management, being collectively responsible for putting forward views and content – this was so relevant in the modern world.”

Did any artistic experiences surprise you?

Georgina: “Paper Clouds at Somerset House was unexpected, dreamy, beautiful. We saw a different perspective on the concept of sound and what is beautiful or displeasing to the ear. It helped build my improvisation skills and changed my perception of modern art in that tradition can continue to influence new works. The installation had an incomparable atmosphere – calm, tranquil and ethereal – with visual beauty deeply intertwined with a fascinating soundscape.”

Which event inspired you the most?

Georgina: “The OHMI presentation, which is a presentation we attended from the music making charity for people with physical disabilities, was the most inspiring event for me this year. We met representatives who make modified instruments for musicians living with disabilities, and I became aware of the huge effort and innovation that goes behind inclusivity. It was inspiring to see the importance of music in enriching lives, and that everyone is deserving of it, no matter the obstacles. Working to bring the joy of music to people with disabilities is the way I would like to use my music skills in the future.”

How have your fellow Senior Scholars influenced you?

Georgina: “They are all fabulous young musicians, and on top of being good friends by now, they help me keep motivated as they are all quite advanced in their music journey. Being with them inspires me and broadens my horizons. We all come from different schools and areas of London, so I am exposed to a great diversity of cultures and points of view, which is great. But it is also easy to find common ground, and to just have fun!”

What role has the LMF team played in your journey?

Georgina: “The team is always so understanding and clearly appreciates our efforts – we feel validated and loved and take pride in our individual and collective progress as a cohort. I love seeing Chrissy, Kate and Sophie’s smiles every time I step into a stunningly beautiful, historical and potentially unfamiliar venue, knowing that I am in for a day of musical enrichment, fun, joy and amazing opportunities.”

Looking back, what has the scholarship meant to you?

Georgina: “Overall, thanks to the Senior Scholarship, I have improved my technical musical skills, and transferable skills for work in the music field. I have broadened my horizons to different people, cultures and styles of music, and I have kept the flame lit within me that drives all musicians young and old alike to continue making progress and pushing boundaries. As a primary school kid ‘with a problem’, I could not see a future. Now I can.”

Closing Reflection

Georgina’s journey is a powerful reminder of how the our Scholarship programmes can transform lives. Through new skills, inspiring events, and friendships across London, she has grown as both a musician and a young person. We are proud to have supported her and look forward to seeing how she continues to share her love of music with others.

“As a primary school kid ‘with a problem’, I could not see a future. Now I can.”