By Richard Pitt

A MALVERN musician has won a place at a prestigious music school in Manchester after a successful audition.

While most children her age will be relaxing over the Christmas period, 13-year-old Tilly Chester will be busy preparing to pack up her violin, leave home and join Chetham’s School of Music in January.

Chetham’s is the largest specialist music school in the UK, and with only 290 students on the books gaining entry is quite an achievement.

Tilly, who currently attends Bishops Perowne Church of England College in Merriman’s Hill, Worcester, is understandably brimming with excitement at the prospect of furthering her education in a such an environment.

She said: “Although I’ll miss my life here, including my school, my friends and playing in the Worcestershire Youth Orchestra, I’m so excited and I can’t wait to start.”

Despite progressing through the interview process, Tilly’s place at the boarding school hung in the balance as the family awaited confirmation of funding support.

Money was secured from the Government’s Music and Dance scheme meaning Tilly can attend the school which would otherwise cost the family more than £30,000 every year.

Proud mum Claudia has mixed feelings about seeing her daughter leave home but is thrilled at the opportunity that awaits her.

Mrs Chester said: “It’s going to be quite a shock when Tilly leaves for the first time. The house will be eerily quiet and we’ll all miss her terribly but she’ll be back every three weeks for a weekend and for longer holidays.

“We’re all delighted she’s got this opportunity to do what she loves the most – music.”

Tilly, who also plays piano, viola and trombone, will spend a third of every day focusing on music, starting with practice at 7.45am in a schedule that will not finish until 8.30pm.

Although Tilly currently practises for up to two hours a day that is set to double once she heads to Manchester.

Shula Oliver, Tilly’s violin teacher from Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, is immensely proud.

She said: “I’m very sorry to be losing a pupil with such potential, but equally delighted at her success.”