SIXTH Form student Matt O, from Middlezoy applied to study a practical performance degree at three prestigious establishments, and was overwhelmed to receive offers from all three: The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, The Royal Welsh College of Music and The Royal Scottish Conservatoire.

Currently at King’s College Taunton, Matt has access to expert music teachers and outstanding facilities in the form of space to teach, rehearse and perform, writes Richard Walsh.

The 18-year-old has been playing the trumpet for 12 years and started lessons at a very young age.

"On average, I probably play for about 15 hours a week, which includes at least an hour practice every day, and if I have a concert coming up then it will be solid practice on the pieces I’m playing," Matt said.

He also plays in the Somerset County Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, as well as occasionally in the Brass Band with his parents.

"I get involved in everything at school to get as much practice as possible and expose myself to different styles, talented musicians and experts.

"My long-term goals are to be in a professional orchestra and tour the world or be a soloist. The music business is quite precarious, so I might end up going into teaching," Matt added.

Like most pupils at King’s, the trumpeter is quite an all-rounder.

He captains the Boys Hockey First XI where he plays in goal, played First XV rugby and is very involved with the Combined Cadet Force.

Karen Paul, the head of academic music at King’s said: "We are so proud of Matt's achievements.

"He is a hard-working and dedicated musician, always willing to push himself and never settling for anything less than his best.

"Whether playing his trumpet as a soloist and in various ensembles, playing bass in our rock groups or singing in the numerous choirs, he is at his happiest when performing. He has done extremely well to gain offers of scholarships at three music colleges, which is a great reward for his efforts so far. “

For more information about King’s College, Taunton, please contact the Admissions team on 01823 328204.