A TALENTED musician has scooped £2,000 and a prestigious prize.

Hannah Swinney won the Beatrice Huntington Award after impressing during an audition with her performances on the cello.

The teenager, who has just left Dunbar Grammar School, was delighted by the success.

She said: “I saw the award advertised by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Juniors on their ‘weekly update’ email.

“I auditioned at the start of March with two pieces,

‘Julie-O’ by Mark Summer and Bach’s Prelude to the ‘Cello Suite no. 2 in D minor’.

“I am so happy to win this award! This award will allow me to return to the Encore Music Projects summer school this summer, where I had two weeks of intense music making, including daily lessons with Alison Wells, chamber ensembles, choir and string orchestra.

“I feel like this will again greatly improve my playing and prepare me for auditions to conservatoires in the autumn!”

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Conservatoire offers auditioned courses for youngsters aged between 11 and 18.

For more than 50 years, the organisation has been encouraging thousands of young people to fulfil their artistic potential and develop essential life skills.

Seventeen-year-old Hannah started playing the cello after being offered lessons when she was still at Dunbar Primary School.

That love of music continued when she started at the town’s secondary school.

She said: “I’ve spent most of my time in the music department at Dunbar Grammar over the years.

“I have enjoyed playing cello and singing at school shows.

“I have also really enjoyed learning about music technology – this has become a big interest of mine thanks to Mr Stewart, from Dunbar Grammar School.

“Mrs Woodsend, my piano teacher, has coached me throughout, helping with theory, accompanying me and really helped me to get into Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Juniors.

“I would recommend Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Juniors to anyone who has an interest in music.

“Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has given me so many opportunities to work with other young musicians from all over Scotland and learning with incredible tutors.

“I feel my playing and confidence has come on hugely since I started there.”

Hannah is now looking to the future and hopes to develop a career in music.

She added: “I would love to pursue a career in music but I know I’ve got a lot to learn!

“I know I want to study cello and can see myself in the future combining my loves for singing and music tech with cello too.”