Meet our July Graduate of the Month

This month we’re catching up with one of our more recent Graduates. Nathan-Asher, who turns 13 this month, is a phenomenally talented drummer, percussionist, saxophonist and all-round musician from Newham. He was nominated for a Scholarship by Newham Music in 2016, after his musical talent was spotted at primary school when he progressed to Grade 2 drum kit in just a couple of months. We thought we would catch up with him one year after graduating from his Scholarship!

Nathan worked incredibly hard during his four years as a Scholar – it would be impossible to make more of an opportunity than Nathan did. He attended all our Playing Days, always turning up with a huge smile on his face and wearing his LMF badge with pride! Nathan had numerous exciting performance experiences and has played at venues such as the Tower of London, Central Park East Ham, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, and in masterclasses with NYJO.

Nathan-Asher at our Awards Day in 2016

Nathan performing at The Newham Show in 2019

Nathan & Dame Evelyn Glennie

Nathan not only took part in lots of amazing performances but also took every opportunity to attend inspiring musical events, always signing up for LMF ticket offers. In 2018 Nathan attended the London Saxophone Festival, where he met LMF ambassador YolanDa Brown and got to try out lots of saxophones. This inspired Nathan to take up the saxophone, which he loves; he took Grade 5 in November, and is taking Grade 5 Jazz Sax this month (just two years after first setting hands on one). Among other events, Nathan also attended Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions where he met Simon Cowell; the Classic Brit Awards at the Royal Albert Hall where he was incredibly excited to meet Tokio Myers; ABRSM Shine where he represented LMF and met Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jess Gillam; and a concert at King’s Place where he got to meet Dame Evelyn Glennie. We are delighted to have indirectly enabled Nathan to see so many of his musical heroes up close (and we’re sure he will be something of a celebrity himself one day).

Nathan-Asher as ‘host’ at our zoom meet-up with Chineke! Juniors

During the lockdowns Nathan took part in multiple online concerts, recordings, masterclasses and meet-ups, and we loved receiving videos of him performing at home. At our recent Zoom meet-up with Chineke! Juniors, Nathan performed on the saxophone as well as taking on a presenter role, interviewing Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE and YolanDa Brown. Nathan also enjoyed taking part in the Benedetti Foundation’s recent Mini Sessions on Memorisation and Improvisation, gaining new tips and techniques.

Nathan is now studying orchestral percussion on a Scholarship at the Junior Guildhall, as well as continuing with lessons at Newham Music. Nathan and his family have kept in touch with us, and we have been delighted to hear about his progress. Earlier this year Newham Music recommended Nathan to LSO’s East London Academy, and he successfully auditioned for their 2-year programme. He then gained a Music Scholarship and Bursary to Rugby School, where he will be starting as a boarder in September. We’re thrilled that he will be taking GCSE Music.

Nathan has achieved a tremendous amount, particularly over the last difficult 18 months. We can’t wait to follow his progress over the next few years!

“This Scholarship has been a real blessing for Nathan-Asher, it has opened up so many opportunities for him. The 4 years have seen him mature into a young confident musician through the Playing Days, concerts, masterclasses & workshops. He has used the skills he’s developed to help/support others in the Hub and at school. It has been a wonderful journey and we as a family want to extend our profound gratitude to LMF, the Sponsors, and our Hub who nominated him for the Scholarship in the first place.”

Nathan-Asher’s family

Tell us about being a London Music Fund Scholar. What did you get from the experience?

It was great fun. I learnt to interact and perform with people - working with other young musicians and professionals. I had the chance to watch performances at iconic places.

Tell us about your best moment(s) of being a Scholar – did you get to perform in some cool places/meet some interesting and exciting people?

My best moment of being a Scholar was getting to go and watch Britain's Got Talent the Champions, followed by the Brits awards and finally the Drake and YolanDa Awards. I got to meet Simon Cowell & David Walliams, Karen & others from Kingdom Choir and many others I see on TV.

What impact, if any, has music had on your life?

Music has given me so many opportunities. It has really helped me through Lockdown.

How has music helped you through the months of lockdown and isolation?

I had something to focus on. I was able to take part in a variety of workshops, masterclasses and projects with different organisations that I may not have been able to attend in person.

What’s your proudest musical moment?

 My proudest moment was my first live performance, at The Troxy with one of my hub’s (Newham Music) bands – Dub Orchestra now known as Newham Music Collective.  I was just 6 years old and the drummer of the band.

What are your long-term ambitions?

 My long-term ambition is to play music professionally, teach/inspire others to love, create and play music.

What are you looking forward to over the next year or so?

I’m looking forward to developing my music skills at my new school (Rugby), in September – where I have received a Music Scholarship for Drums, Saxophone and Piano. I am also really looking forward to being a part of Newham Music’s newly formed Youth Ambassadors team.