June Scholar of the Month

11-year-old Peyton is one of our 2021-25 Scholars from Merton and she plays the flute. She was nominated for a Scholarship after showing a natural talent for the flute and general musicianship in her class at primary school. Peyton absolutely loves music and was very excited about learning the flute. Her music teacher wrote: “Peyton is a very motivated student who has a natural ability and flair on the flute.  She has shown herself to be hardworking and studious in lessons achieving a good tone so far.”

Thanks to her Scholarship, Peyton has been having 1-1 flute lessons since September 2021. Her flute teacher describes her as a model student and a pleasure to teach. Peyton worked extremely hard for Grade 1 – her first music exam – which she took in the autumn term of 2022 and gained a Distinction! She is now working on her Grade 2 repertoire.

Peyton is exceptionally dedicated and practises regularly. As a result, her technique is developing very well, and she has a very good grasp of all aspects of playing and musicianship. Her sight-reading is good and she is attentive when it comes to dynamics and articulation. She was recently thrilled to learn how to play trills!

Aa a member of Merton Music Foundation’s Junior Wind, Brass and Percussion Ensemble and Young Voices Choir, Peyton has a busy musical life in and out of school. She also enjoys taking part in LMF events; she has attended our Autumn and Spring Playing Days this year, and in 2022 she performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at our 10th Anniversary Gala. Peyton’s mentor at MMF told us that joining ensembles, taking part in exciting performance opportunities and meeting new people have all helped Peyton to grow in confidence.

We are so proud to be supporting Peyton and look forward to seeing how she continues to develop over the remaining two years of her Scholarship and beyond!

We asked Peyton a few questions:

What is the best thing about being a London Music Fund Scholar?

 The best thing about being a London Music Fund Scholar is having the opportunity to play, hear and learn with other Scholars.

You have taken part in lots of performances and events over the last two years! Which has been your favourite and why?

 I enjoyed performing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall the most because I have never performed in front of such a big audience before.

What’s your favourite piece to play on the flute at the moment, and why do you like it?

 My favourite piece to play on my flute at the moment is ‘We’re off to see the wizard’ because it’s a bit tricky and it’s fast.

Is there anything you’re especially looking forward to over the next few months – any exciting concerts or celebrations?

 I am looking forward to the summer concert and I’m really excited to take my grade 2 exam.

As a very dedicated and hardworking musician, do you have any words of advice to inspire and motivate other Scholars to keep practising?

My advice to help other Scholars keep practicing is to ask lots of questions if you are unsure of something and that you’re not going to get it first try. Also practice makes perfect.