A TALENTED Port Glasgow teenager has taken a step closer to his dream of being a professional musician after securing a spot at a prestigious institution.

Thomas Williams is set to study a Batchelor of Music degree in jazz guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS).

The Port Glasgow High School pupil auditioned for the course in November, before receiving the good news while setting up for a school concert in the run up to Christmas.

The young guitarist hopes the four-year degree will be a stepping stone to a full-time career in music.

Greenock Telegraph:

Thomas said: “It was brilliant to get that news – it was such a surprise.

“I’m looking forward to starting a new adventure and seeing where it takes me.

“I want to be a professional musician. I’d love to be playing on albums, playing gigs, recording and touring – and all the stuff that comes along with that.”

Thomas started playing guitar while at primary school and developed his skills after moving to secondary school and joining the RCS Junior Conservatoire programme.

He added: “I want to thank my music teachers Mr Hart and Ms Ballantyne – they’ve been fantastic.

“They’ve really nurtured my talent and it was them who advised me to applied to the Juniors.

Greenock Telegraph:

“My teachers on that course have taken my playing to a whole new level in the time I’ve been there as well.”

Julie Ballantyne, head of music at PGHS, said: “It’s so well deserved. Even when Thomas was in primary, he was doing solos.

“He also picked up piano at high school and is an accomplished piano player.

“I’ve seen him up at RCS Juniors doing the jazz and it’s a really high standard.

“We’re really, really proud. He’s worked so, so hard and done really well.”