April 16, 2025
About the Author: Stefan Joubert
At the London Violin Institute, we’re passionate about helping adult learners achieve their musical dreams—no matter their background or when they begin their journey.
In this special interview, we’re proud to share the story of Ileri Oyefesobi, a dedicated violin student whose curiosity, commitment, and love for learning have led him to achieve a Distinction in his ABRSM Grade Three exam—all within just over a year of picking up the violin for the very first time.
A software engineer by day and musician by passion, Ileri brings a unique perspective to music education.
His journey is not only a testament to the power of persistence but also a reminder that it’s never too late to begin something truly meaningful.
Stefan: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do outside of music?
Ileri: Day to day I work as a software engineer. I enjoy games / maths puzzles (pool), so entering the world of music is a very new experience for me.
I like having a new challenge – in 2021 I learned how to play poker, in 2022 I learned how to ski, early 2023 I learned how to drive, and late 2023 I started learning how to play the violin.
Stefan: When did you first become interested in music, and what led you to choose the violin?
Ileri: I chose the violin because out of all the instruments I’ve seen, I think the violin sounds the most incredible, especially when played by professionals.
To be honest, I was unaware before starting that violin is considered one of the hardest instruments to learn, but I do appreciate the challenge.
Stefan: Had you played any other instruments before starting the violin, or was this your first musical experience?
Ileri: The violin is my first instrument.
Stefan: What inspired you to begin violin lessons as an adult, and how did you come across the London Violin Institute?
Ileri: I had recently passed my driving test, so I was in the mood to learn something new. I was trying to decide between learning an instrument, because it seemed like an interesting challenge, or learning another language, because I have a friend who speaks native mandarin.
Around this time I had recently watched the movie Oppenheimer and I was completely blown away by the soundtrack, I decided I would learn how to play the violin.
I searched on google for violin lessons in London – specifically in person, because I assumed it would be advantageous to be in the same room as a teacher. London Violin Institute was the first option I found that offered in person, one on one lessons.
Stefan: What has it been like studying at LVI for over a year now? How has your journey evolved since you began in September 2023?
Ileri: The time has gone by so fast. I remember first practicing how to keep my bow straight while playing open strings, and now I’m practicing how to switch from first to third to second position multiple times during a piece. I’ve gotten into the routine of practicing during the week, and taking notes to discuss during my next lesson.
Also, the more I improve the more I find pieces on my own and bring them into lessons to practice – I found a 2012 ABRSM grade 2 exam book so I could learn the song moon river.
Stefan: Congratulations on your ABRSM Distinction! How did you feel when you received your result?
Ileri: Thank you. I always schedule my exams on a Monday, and I receive the results on Thursday morning. Waking up, logging in to ABRSM to see the distinction, I was very surprised. I knew a merit was possible but I always struggle with sight reading and thought that might hold me back. But getting a distinction has helped me stay motivated while I start Grade 4.
Stefan: What motivated you to take the ABRSM exam, and what did preparing for it mean to you personally?
Ileri: When Vira first mentioned the opportunity to take the exam, I quickly agreed. The ABRSM grades allow me to measure my progress over time, and provides an insight into the difficulty of pieces I plan to learn one day.
The ABRSM grades have provided a structured approach for me to learn – every grade comes with a few new techniques to learn, and an increase in difficulty.
In grade 3 my big challenge was double stops; Now that I’ve started grade 4, the new big challenge is being able to change positions during a piece.
If I start to slip in my practice routine, I can book the next exam for 3 / 4 months from now. Having a deadline helps me get back on track, as I now must be ready by a specific date.
Stefan: How did Hayley support and guide you throughout your preparation?
Ileri: Hayley provided invaluable support as we prepared for the exam. While practicing scales, she would provide feedback which sounded small, but made a clear and immediate difference in the sound I was producing.
She’s also very patient – she once spent half a lesson helping me understand the rhythm of dotted eight + dotted sixteenth notes because I was struggling with the timing.
Overall, it was very fun practicing with her because she can also play the piano, so she could accompany me when practicing pieces.
Stefan: Can you describe what your practise routine looked like in the lead-up to the exam?
Ileri: In the month leading to the exam I’m comfortable playing separate + slurred scales, so my focus is mostly cleaning up my 3 pieces + practising sight reading. I’ll dedicate a lesson for each piece, so I have notes on where I’m strongest and how I can improve.
Then I’ll spend the next week practising the piece with the notes from my last lesson.
I also like to dedicate time to practice sight reading. I buy a few sight reading books for extra practice during the week and I’ll note down any questions I have for Hayley for our next lesson.
Stefan: Were there any pieces or techniques in the exam that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?
Ileri: Double Stops!! I had heard of playing 2 strings at the same time, but assumed this was an advanced technique and I wouldn’t have to learn this until at least grade 6.
When learning Blackberry Blossom I saw I would have to play the A and E strings at the same time. This took a lot of practice, but Hayley helped me a lot with this.
Stefan: How did you approach managing nerves and staying focused on the day of the exam?
Ileri: I’m usually slightly nervous on exam day, but every time I get there it’s just me + a few 10 year olds getting ready for the exam. The kids always tell me to relax, which helps. As soon as I start playing I can feel my hands shaking and I can hear the effect it has on my playing. So I’ll take a couple deep breaths between scales + arpeggios to relax – the examiner always notices and they’re very nice about it.
Stefan: What has learning the violin taught you about yourself?
Ileri: Going from engineering to learning an instrument is a very humbling experience. Stepping into an area you know absolutely nothing about. Going to exams and I’m the only adult in the room – all other students are children.
However, it’s reminded me I’m capable of doing anything I choose to do, as long as I decide I will learn how to do this.
Stefan: In what ways has learning music enriched your life?
Ileri: Learning how to play an instrument has helped me develop a much greater appreciation for music. When I look at a Warhol painting I just see cans of soup, but when I listen to a Tchaikovsky concerto I now understand how musicians can describe music as colourful. I can listen to 2 interpretations of the same piece and not only will I have a preference, I can now describe why I prefer one over the other.
It’s also made me more well rounded. I’ve had times I’ll meet people who play instruments I can have deeper conversations with them, and connect with their experiences.
Stefan: What advice would you give to other adults who may be considering taking up the violin?
Ileri: Go for it! As long as you’re willing to take the time to practice you won’t believe how far you can come in a year. After seeing my progress in the violin, I now also plan to learn a second language.
Stefan: Do you have any future goals or pieces you dream of playing next?
Ileri: I’m looking forward to learning vibrato. I’ll have to learn this when I start grade 5, but I’ll also use the opportunity to revisit older pieces and add vibrato to hear how it enhances the sound.
I have a rough list of pieces + composers I’m looking forward to learning as I become more skilled: Gymnopedie, Swan Lake, Interstellar theme, Oppenheimer theme, Air on the G String, Carmen Habanera, Bach, Tchaikovsky. Whenever I hear a piece I like I add to the list.
Stefan: Lastly, is there a particular memory or moment from your time at the London Violin Institute that stands out as especially meaningful?
Ileri: My favourite moment with Vira – the first time we played together, she accompanied me on the piano. This was the first time I had ever played with another person, and it feels surreal to hear music you are creating. She mentioned that she has always wanted to play the piano and I had inspired her to start practicing again.
My favourite moment with Hayley – before telling this story you need to be familiar with a specific scene from the movie Whiplash. In this scene the band is practicing in class and they have a new drummer. The teacher keeps making the whole band stop to call out the drummer “You’re not on my tempo. Let’s try again.” The teacher makes the whole class repeat one bar a dozen times because of the drummer, saying “Tempo slightly off, try again.” Eventually the teacher throws a chair at the drummer’s head and asks “Did I throw a chair at you because you’re going too fast, or too slow?”
The next day I have a lesson with Hayley, and we’re practicing Blackberry Blossom. In one section I have to play an E note with my 4th finger but I keep getting it slightly wrong. Eventually Hayley stops me and asks “Just now, do you think you were playing too high or too low?” I bursted out laughing, and she was so confused.
Another favourite moment with Hayley – preparing for the exam we spent a lesson practicing sight reading. I was struggling to keep a tempo while playing, especially when staccato and 16th notes were introduced. After an hour of struggling we get into a big argument – I’m arguing this is impossible and rocket science is easier in comparison, and she’s arguing maths is impossible and the pieces we’re playing make perfect sense. We were laughing the whole time.
I’ll miss having her as a teacher and wish her the best of luck in the future.
Final Thoughts
Ileri’s story is a beautiful example of how music can become a powerful part of our lives—regardless of when we start.
His open-minded approach, willingness to embrace new challenges, and the joy he finds in each lesson serve as an inspiration to adult learners everywhere.
We are incredibly proud of everything Ileri has accomplished during his time at the London Violin Institute and wish him continued success as he embarks on Grade 4 and beyond.
From double stops to dreaming of vibrato, we have no doubt that his musical journey is only just beginning.
