April Scholar of the Month

Luca is one of our new Scholars and began his award in September 2022. He is a 10-year-old saxophonist from Newham Music.

When he started his Scholarship Luca had been playing the alto saxophone for 18 months and had already reached Grade 2 level. In his nomination form his teacher had told us that Luca had enormous natural musicality, exceptional aural skills, and the ability to improvise creatively and expressively. His school Music Coordinator wrote, “Luca is one of the most naturally talented and able 10-year-old musicians I have ever met, and also one of the hardest working.”

Having made rapid progress on the saxophone over the last two terms, Luca is now working at Grade 4 level and is excelling in all aspects of his musicianship. He has a particular passion for jazz and is learning the fundamentals of jazz harmony to inform his playing. Luca’s mid-year report was tremendous. His saxophone teacher wrote: “Luca is excelling in his music, as he harnesses his natural ability and inspiration. He is already an exceptional saxophone player with a great technical proficiency for his age. He constantly practices at home and school. He is very self-driven and motivated.”

Luca makes the most of every musical opportunity that comes his way. He plays in Newham Music Jazz Collective, Newham Music Senior Orchestra, Bridging Sounds Orchestra, and Senior Wind Band and Orchestra at school. He attended our North London Twilight Session in January, where he learned about New Orleans style jazz improvisation with the Hackney Colliery Band, and he came to our Spring Playing Day at Conway Hall in February, where he took part in a creative composition workshop led by musicians from the London Chamber Orchestra.

A confident performer, Luca has already had some very exciting performance opportunities, both as a soloist and in ensembles. He gave a solo performance in Newham Music’s spotlight concert and has also taken solos during Wind Band concerts at school. He’s played at the Royal Albert Hall at the Olympic Velodrome, among others!

“Luca is very dedicated and his love for music, especially jazz, shines through whenever he is participating in lessons and music groups.” – Luca’s Scholarship mentor

Luca at our Spring Playing Day

“We were all given a theme related to London and we had to include three or more elements to create a song with all the other groups. I learned that I can use different parts of my instrument to make sounds that are similar to the sounds that you hear in London. I enjoyed that I could play with other talented people in the woodwind group. The overall experience was very fun, joyful, and one of the most musical afternoons ever.”

We asked Luca a few questions about his musical journey so far: 

What do you love most about playing the saxophone?

I love playing the saxophone because I can express myself when I play it.

How did you feel when you were awarded a London Music Fund Scholarship?

I was very amazed when I heard that I am one of only four in my borough entitled to get the Scholarship awarded by the London Music Fund.

Your music has already taken you to some very exciting places, and you’ve done so many performances! What’s been your favourite moment of your Scholarship so far and why?

My favourite performance was when we went to the Spring Playing Day because we were all given a theme related to London and we had to include three or more elements to create a song with all the other groups.

Tell us a bit about our Spring Playing Day. What did you learn, what did you enjoy, and how was the overall experience?

I learned that I can use different parts of my instrument to make sounds that are similar to the sounds that you hear in London. I enjoyed that I could play with other talented people in the woodwind group. The overall experience was very fun, joyful, and one of the most musical afternoons ever.

What are you looking forward to next term?

I look forward to learning new techniques, how to play new notes, and to improve my flutter tongue.

How does music make you feel in three words?

Relaxed, ecstatic, and fulfilled.