---
By DANIEL J. WAKIN
Published: April 7, 2009
A TALENTED nine-year-old has been offered a place at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.
Megan Mckay (9) of Mattersey will receive specialist, structured training in violin and piano from September at the country's largest music school.
Proud mum Sian McKay said there are only 220 places available at Chetam's, which takes in musicians from all over the world that show exceptional ability.
Ranby House School pupil Megan has been playing the violin since the age of six and has just finished grade four.
She recently won an under-10s violin competition at a festival in Worksop.
And the eager youngster has lessons for two and a half hours every week, which she boosts with her own practice. She said she would perhaps like to teach violin when she is older.
"I am so pleased and proud of her," said Sian.
"Training there runs until the age of eighteen and is the best music tuition available. It is very hard to get in, with people from around the world competing for places."
She said she was confident that students are not placed under pressure and also felt reassured knowing Megan can return home often.
"It is not a pressurising environment there - every student is naturally gifted.
"It seems a young age to start, but with the violin it's a case of the earlier the better to iron out bad habits.
"Megan will be able to come home every weekend.
"She isn't fazed by it at all - she is taking it all in her stride!"
Megan's music teacher Fiona O'Connor has given her violin lessons for four years and said she is an extremely talented youngster.
"She's streets ahead of other children I've taught - she picks things up quickly, and if anything is more tricky she practices until she gets it," said Mrs O'Connor.
She said Chetham's will open doors for Megan in the future, whatever direction she chooses.
"Megan has a fantastic choice of options ahead of her, whether academic or musical."
Original Article
(The original writer does not know or endorse the product. It's really good though.
