Stories of our work
Oneke Tebbs

The Young Talent Awards are an important source of funding for talented young musicians. Awards of up to £1,000 are made to those who show a high level of musical achievement and in financial need. They can make a huge difference to a family struggling to provide the funding for musical training or for an instrument that a talented child needs.

Multi-instrumentalist, Oneke Tebbs received a Young Talent Award towards a new alto saxophone. Oneke is eighteen years old and grew up in North West London, where she attended Hampstead School. From a young age she listened to the music of Motown and discovered jazz at the age of 15, she became inspired by the music of John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Since then she has dedicated herself to the saxophone.

“ I was ecstatic when I was told I had received an award! I bought my dream saxophone the same day. It is a beautiful, professional instrument.”

Oneke will use her new saxophone when playing in the various jazz groups and ensembles she is involved with, including Centre for Young Musicians, Camden Jazz Youth Band, Roundhouse Studios, and Tomorrow’s Warriors.

Currently on a gap year in order develop her musical skills and do some teaching at her old secondary school, Oneke’s plans for the future are to attend music college and study undergraduate jazz performance.

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