Olasumbo from Newham is our January Scholar of the month

11 year old Olasumbo is in the second year of her Scholarship and is making brilliant progress on the violin. She is a dedicated and highly-valued member of both violin club and orchestra, and her sight-reading and technical skills are improving rapidly. She passed her Silver Music Medal in the summer and took her Grade 1 in November. Olasumbo is also a keen singer, and sang the solo in 'Once in Royal David's City' at the Mayor of London’s Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral in December. She performed beautifully and did the London Music Fund proud!

We asked Olasumbo a few questions about her musical journey so far...

Why did you decide to play the violin?

Well in primary school, we had a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience where we could play the violin. I didn’t want the experience to end and I loved it as it was interesting. I stumbled across a violin player (Rob Landes) who was inspirational. Since then, I’ve been playing the violin.

Has music taken you to some cool places? If so, where?

Well during my first few months I went to London’s Music Hall, yet recently Southwark Cathedral where I sang for the Mayor. As they were great experiences, I would not be there if it wasn’t for this Scholarship.

Olasumbo singing at the Mayor’s Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral in December

What music do you like playing the most?

To be honest, I really like playing ‘Mas Que Nada’ as it has a fast, pop, upbeat to it.

If you could perform alongside someone famous, who would it be would it be? Or what musician do you look up to?

If I were to perform alongside somebody, it would either be Rob Landes or Dan Reynolds because they equally have good talent and a taste with music while Rob Landes plays all genres of music on the violin. The artist I look up to is Billie Eilish because she once said, ‘Even though I’m homeschooled, look where I am. I don’t let anyone or anything put me down.’

What is your musical goal for 2020?

I would say that my musical goal for 2020 would be to play and find new songs because there could be a thousand more songs not found awaiting for me to play and make Newham Music and the London Music Fund proud.

What is your favourite thing about being a London Music Fund Scholar?

The best thing about being a London Music Fund Scholar is that you have amazing opportunities and perplexing music to learn that pushes you off your boundaries to do your best.

Olasumbo and her family with Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, after the Carol Service