February Scholar of the Month

Photo credit: Nathalie Delente

This month we are celebrating the achievements of one of our newest Scholars, 11-year-old Robert from Havering. In the first few months of being a Scholar he has already made brilliant progress and shown outstanding commitment and enthusiasm for learning.

In his mid-year report his teacher told us Robert is an exceptional student who listens well, works hard and practises regularly. He has a lovely natural playing style, good technique, and is developing his sight reading and aural skills well. Robert took his Grade 2 violin exam in the autumn term and achieved a distinction.

“Robert loves playing his violin and is a most enthusiastic pupil. He loves to attend music concerts. He won 3 pairs of concert tickets via the London Music Fund and also makes the most of any discounted tickets that are offered. He enjoys writing his own reviews and has been inspired by listening to the NYO. He hopes one day to be able to join them! It's a real privilege to be teaching Robert.” – Robert’s violin teacher

Robert enjoyed taking part in our Awards Day and November Playing Day last term. So far this term he’s loved our Twilight Sessions which have enabled him to explore new styles of music, in workshops led by the Hackney Colliery Band and Musiko Musika. We have been delighted to read several reviews from Robert, of concerts he has been to see with his family, making use of various free tickets and discounted ticket offers available through LMF. As well as his violin playing we know he is also a budding composer, making use of his music theory skills to write his own pieces!

As you can tell, Robert is making the most of every opportunity he is offered. We look forward to following his progress over the next few years and seeing where his musical journey will take him!

We asked Robert some questions about his Scholarship so far:

How does being a London Music Fund Scholar make you feel?

It makes me feel really special. I'm so happy because this has given me the opportunity to become a better musician.

Thinking back to your Awards Day in September… how would you say you’ve developed since then? Have you learnt anything new?

I've definitely learned a lot of new things since then. I've learned lots of new styles of music and this has had a great effect on my composing and playing. I feel more confident with my playing now than I did in September.

What is your favourite thing about playing the violin?

It makes me feel calm and peaceful when I play. It's like me and my violin are in our own little world of music.

Of all the events you’ve taken part in so far, which has been your favourite and why?

The Afla Sackey African music workshop at Fossil Studios was my favourite so far, because it was completely different to any other kind of music I've played.

Of all the concerts you’ve attended, which have you found the most inspiring?

Definitely the National Youth Orchestra. It was the amount of energy they had when they played and watching them in person made me want to be on stage with them. I really hope I can apply to join them as soon as I can.

What is your musical goal for 2023?

To pass my Grades 3 and 4 with Distinctions, to keep going to lots of concerts and to go to as many LMF workshops as possible.