A CONFIDENT young Port Glasgow performer struck the right note to secure a sought-after spot at a prestigious Scottish music school.
Abi Hoodless, 14, will begin lessons at the junior section of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow in September.
Young flautist Abi, who is in S3 at St Stephen's High School, says she's 'chuffed' to gain a place at the world-renowned music and drama centre.
Abi said: "I'm so happy.
"I really love playing the flute and I want to get even better at it, so I felt that applying for the course was the next step for me."
Abi started playing the flute in S1 and has finely honed her talent over the last couple of years.
She's currently principal flute in the Inverclyde Schools Senior Wind Orchestra and plays in the West of Scotland Concert Band.
The talented young instrumentalist heard that she was in with a chance of securing a place at the Junior Conservatoire soon after she submitted her application.
At her audition, Abi played Sonatina by Claude Arrieu, and John Rutter's Prelude, and had to play some pieces completely new to her in some 'sight reading' exercises.
She got a good reaction from the panel, and learned soon afterwards that she had a place on the course.
Abi will attend the Junior Conservatoire every Saturday morning where she will get one-to-one lessons, and get the chance to perform as part of different groups.
She will go along to the lessons for three years and could then choose to apply for a full-time course at the music school.
Abi says performing is her favourite thing about playing the flute.
She added: "I love showing people that I can play this instrument and that I'm good at it
"I'm confident in what I can do.
"I make sure I practise and I really enjoy it."
The skilful young performer says her friends and family are all thrilled about the next step she's taking in her music career.
Her teacher Victoria Douglas praised the teenager's positive attitude and work ethic.
Victoria added: "Getting into the Junior Conservatoire is testament to Abi's hard work and dedication.
"She has ambition and drive and is very self-sufficient.
"Abi was determined to get into the Conservatoire, and this will help her develop her skills even more."
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