Two of the borough’s most talented music makers have been rewarded with prestigious scholarships.

Aimee Dart, 9, of Harold Hill, and Molly Gulvin, 8, of Upminster, were two of a lucky few chosen to receive music scholarships from Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

The young virtuosos, who both play violin, have secured music tuition for the next four years and will be guided by a music mentor.

The programme will see Aimee and Molly spend two hours a week perfecting their skills through classes and activities and will get the opportunity to perform at concerts.

Aimee, who goes to Drapers’ Brookside Junior School, said: “It feels amazing to have won the scholarship, it was such a big surprise - I was in disbelief when I found out.

The passionate prodigy, who practices up to five times a week, added: “I just want to thank my headteacher and my music teacher - if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have picked up the violin in the first place.”

Molly, who goes to Upminster Junior School, said: “Making music is fun, it just makes me feel happy. Not many of my classmates play instruments and they’re really happy for me.”

The young musicians were awarded their scholarships at a City Hall event before they took part in a performance themselves.

The scholarships, awarded by the Mayor’s Music Fund, have been given to 70 children across London and are worth a total of £280,000.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Not every child can afford an instrument or the lessons they need to make real progress as musicians and the Music Fund is doing vital work to help hundreds of gifted youngsters towards realising their ambitions and achieve their full potential.”

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