Meet the Performers – Molly, Violin

We are delighted that Molly will be performing at our ‘Jess Gillam and Friends’ concert on 7 May. Molly is a violinist, pianist and percussionist and is working towards ABRSM Diplomas in both the violin and piano. She was the Coopers’ Coborn Young Musician of the Year 2023 and continues to take an active part in Havering Music School ensembles and as a volunteer leader for younger students. Molly has an offer to read computer sciences at the University of Cambridge, where music will continue to play an integral part in her student life.

Tell us about your experience of being a LMF Scholar

The LMF has been involved in my musical journey since the very beginning and it's definitely true that if it hadn't been for my LMF Scholarship, I wouldn't have ever been able to continue having my violin lessons. 10 years later, I've reached Grade 8 in three instruments, all with the support of my local music service Havering Music School. Music plays such a major role in my life, and I can't imagine not doing it, but without the LMF and their constant support (even when I graduated from my scholarship) what I've been able to do musically would never have been possible. This year, I've been a Senior Scholar, which has meant that I've been going back to the Playing Days and supporting the younger musicians, alongside taking part in specialist days with the other Senior Scholars. It's been such an amazing experience and I've had a brilliant time! The LMF gave me so much more confidence in myself as a musician - which I really think is the most important thing to have as a performer!

What are you looking forward to about the concert?

On 7th May, I'm playing in the string ensemble and the finale but can't wait to see the whole concert! My brother (who was also an LMF scholar) is playing in the Brass Fanfare, so I'm hoping to be able to watch and enjoy that! I got the chance to play at the 10 year anniversary concert at the Southbank Centre, and it was so amazing to play with such a talented group of musicians, so I'm really looking forward to playing in these ensembles. 

What does playing music mean to you?

Music is such a key part of my life, and I cannot imagine not being a musician! Aside from it being an A Level subject of mine, music is such a key part of my time - if anyone ever needs to find me, they know the first place to check is my school's music department! I try to take as many musical opportunities as I can, including learning the bass over last summer so that I could join the school big band! Over the past few years, I have started to volunteer at ensembles at school and at my music service, many of which being ensembles that I was a part of when I was younger, and it's been great to be able to give back to all of the places that shaped me as a musician. I'm also a massive fan of live music, and can often be found in smaller venues around London watching independent artists! Music is such a key element of my life, and it's been a constant, no matter what else is going on. I would be a very different person if I didn't play music, and it's been so integral in my personal growth. It's also been a way to connect to my father, who passed away in 2014. He was also a huge musician and when I play, I feel just a bit closer to him. 

What impact do you think music has on the world? 

For so many people, including myself, music has been an escape, whether that is listening or performing. Just one person performing brings joy to so many people and performing as group has to be one of the best feelings out there! Above all, music is one of very few places where people from all across the globe can come together and simply play, no matter what training they’ve had or the styles they’ve learned. 

Who are your biggest musical inspirations? 

I have a few musical inspirations: in terms of classical performance, I always look to Hillary Hahn on violin. Many years ago, I watched a performance of hers of Beethoven’s Spring Sonata and desperately wanted to play just like her. I wouldn’t say I’ve quite done that, but it’s definitely been driving me through my progression on violin! Also, I’m a huge fan of the music of Jacob Collier - I got to see him perform live recently for the first time, and it was such an incredible experience to watch someone who is just so passionate about music. Other than that, all of my music teachers have been massive inspirations to me, and truly pushed me to go further than I ever thought I could musically. 

What is your dream performance?

I wouldn’t say I aspire to be on a stage, but instead underneath one! I’m a huge musical theatre fan and performing in a West End pit is a massive dream of mine. I’ve recently played keyboard in my school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors and it was so amazing - I absolutely love listening to musical theatre, but I enjoy being part of a show just as much.

You can see Molly perform with Jess Gillam and Friends on 7 May 2024 at St John’s Smith Square. To book your tickets, click the button below.