Introducing our 2023—24 Senior Scholars
Following a successful pilot in 2022, we are delighted to announce the second year of our Senior Scholars Programme, in partnership with ABRSM. Our ten Senior Scholars for 2023/24 have been selected following nominations from music services and junior conservatoires, and study a range of disciplines including flute, saxophone, trombone, piano, violin and percussion. All are previous graduates of LMF’s Scholarship Programme.
The ten talented Senior Scholars, aged 15-19, are exceptional musicians for whom music will form an integral part of their higher education. As part of the programme, they will all receive a grant of £1,000 to support their ongoing musical learning (anything from travel and audition costs to instrument purchase, coaching or tuition) and will benefit from opportunities tailored to their personal musical aspirations.
Across this academic year, Senior Scholars will be offered opportunities such as a day at ABRSM to include sessions on marketing, content writing and event production; an afternoon at the Royal College of Music with an evening performance by RCM’s Symphony Orchestra; and workshops on presenting and leadership. So far, they have attended a tailored afternoon at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where they had a tour of the college, met several Heads of Department, and watched GSMD’s Big Band perform. Senior Scholar Adrianna Forbes-Dorant also met with eminent composer and LMF Ambassador Rachel Portman OBE to discuss pathways into the music industry and the art of film composition.
Senior Scholars take an active leadership role in our Scholar Playing Days, mentoring LMF’s younger Scholars in workshops and performances. They will also be given the opportunity to collaborate and perform together in our fundraising concert at St John’s Smith Square in May.
Meet the Senior Scholars
Nathan-Asher, age 15 – percussion, saxophone, jazz piano
Rugby School, Newham Music Service Scholar from 2016-20
Nathan-Asher is a percussionist, saxophonist and jazz pianist and previously attended Guildhall School of Music & Drama Junior Department before moving to Rugby School. Nathan-Asher has performed at many LMF events, including in the percussion section of our Celebration Ensemble at LMF’s 10th Anniversary Gala at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and with YolanDa Brown OBE at LMF’s Autumn Concert in 2021.
Naum, age 15 – trombone
Wandsworth Music Academy Scholar from 2016-20
Naum is a trombonist and has been based at Wandsworth Music Academy since he became a LMF Scholar in 2016. Naum is interested in composition and hopes to study music at Conservatoire or University level.
Adar, age 16 – flute
Guildhall School of Music & Drama Junior Department Scholar from 2018-22
Adar is a flautist and attends the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Junior Department. As a Scholar he played in the wind ensemble at LMF’s 10th Anniversary Gala at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and hopes to study music at Conservatoire level.
Iris, age 16 – flute
Southwark Music Service Scholar from 2016-20
Iris is a flautist and has recently started at Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire. She hopes to study music at University or Conservatoire level. Iris has also recently started playing the piccolo and saxophone.
Luke, age 16 – violin
Bromley Youth Music Trust Scholar from 2017-21
Luke is a violinist and is continues to take lessons at Bromley Youth Music Trust. He enjoyed taking part in our November Playing Day as a leader and mentor to younger scholars, and hopes to achieve his Diploma in violin during his A-level studies.
Ali, age 17 – clarinet, saxophone
Hounslow Music Service Scholar from 2015-19
Ali is a clarinettist and saxophonist and has been with Hounslow Music Service since he became a LMF Scholar in 2015. Ali is interested in Music Composition and Technology and hopes to study this at higher education level.
Luna, age 17 – flute
Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service Scholar from 2014-18
Luna is a pianist, flautist and singer, and has been based at Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service since she became a LMF Scholar in 2014. Luna is currently working towards her Diploma in piano. Luna and Mia gave a wonderful flute duet performance in our fundraising concert at the Mercers’ Hall in 2023.
Mia, age 18 – flute
Hackney Music Service Scholar from 2015-19
Mia plays the flute and is a keen singer. She also enjoys playing the harp and last year she gained a bursary to study at Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Mia and Luna gave a wonderful flute duet performance in our fundraising concert at the Mercers’ Hall in 2023.
Adrianna, age 17 – piano, violin, voice
Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Lambeth Music Service Scholar from 2014-18
Adrianna is a pianist, violinist, and singer from Lambeth. She studies at Junior Trinity Laban and last year was awarded a distinction for her violin diploma. Adrianna is a keen composer and as part of her Senior Scholarship with LMF has recently had a mentoring session with Rachel Portman OBE.
Molly, age 17 – violin, piano, percussion
The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School, Havering Music School Scholar from 2014-18
Molly is a violinist, pianist and percussionist and is working towards ABRSM Diplomas in both the violin and piano. Molly continues to take an active part in Havering Music School ensembles and as a volunteer leader for younger students.