January Scholar of the Month
Happy New Year! We’re starting 2023 with our January Scholar of the Month: 12-year-old Skye from Southwark. Skye plays the piano and has been a London Music Fund Scholar since September 2021.
Skye was nominated for the Scholarship by her primary school when they noticed her outstanding aptitude for music. Having had online lessons for a short period but almost entirely self-taught, Skye had reached Grade 2 level on the piano, having learnt songs and exam pieces by ear.
Since becoming a Scholar, Skye has been attending Southwark Music Service’s Saturday Centre, where she has her piano lessons and plays in keyboard ensemble and junior string ensemble. She has worked extremely hard and made fantastic progress over the last four terms, moving through lots of new repertoire at a rapid rate. In July 2022 Skye took her first piano exam, Grade 4, and passed with Merit.
In Skye’s end of year report her piano teacher told us, “Skye is a very determined young player who is working extremely hard at all aspects of her piano technique. Her ability to adapt to various styles in the repertoire that she is learning and to understand the nuances is very impressive. I am also impressed with the self-motivation she shows in her learning – her attitude to practice is first rate.”
Skye’s music service mentor told us Skye is a highly valued member of the centre who has really grown in confidence since she joined. She performed as a soloist in the summer concert, overcoming her nerves and playing beautifully.
At our November Playing Day, Skye used her keyboard skills to play the glockenspiel, joining our very strong percussion section. She enjoyed playing alongside Bishop and Ayomide, and being supported by Rob, our percussion tutor, and Michael, one of our Senior Scholars.
We asked Skye a few questions about her Scholarship so far:
What’s your favourite thing about being a London Music Fund Scholar?
My favourite thing about being a LMF Scholar is going to all the different events that only some people dream of, and the opportunities we get to meet other Scholars.
Why do you like playing the piano?
I like playing the piano because it gives me a release from the world and a sense of serenity. I prefer the piano because I don't have to think about my breathing, or a violin bow or a pick and I can just sit down and play.
How did you find the experience of playing percussion at our November Playing Day? Had you done this before? Did you learn anything new?
I had done a Playing Day before and it was at the Queen Elizabeth Hall last year, which was really fun. The November Playing Day was very educational and enlightening because I have never played on a glockenspiel before.
Do you have any advice for other Scholars about how to tackle nerves before a performance?
My advice would be to act like you're just playing at home in front of your parents.
What’s your musical goal for 2023?
My main goal is to pass my Grade 5 exams and maybe join another ensemble for new experiences.
Photo credits: Dan Evans / Conway Hall