Sibford School pupil Noah Stone has beaten off strong competition to gain a place at The Royal Academy of Music in 
London to study jazz.
The 16-year-old drummer underwent a two-hour audition earlier this month before being accepted on the Junior Jazz Course.
Established in 2003 the course, which is run under the auspices of the Junior Academy, aims to help develop students of school age with a strong interest in jazz.
Teaching sessions take place on Saturdays and, as part of the course, students have the opportunity to give performances at the Academy and other notable venues including Soho Pizza Express and Ronnie Scott’s.
They also have the chance to take part in workshops and master classes led by some of the country’s leading performers including Kenny Wheeler (patron of the Junior Jazz course), Stan Sulzmann and Pete Churchill.
Michael Ahmad, head of music at Sibford School said: “This is brilliant news for Noah. He is such a gifted musician and this course offers a fantastic opportunity. Many of those accepted to the Junior Academy go on to gain a place at UK conservatoires at undergraduate level.”
Noah will take up his place at the Academy in September 2013 … when he will also move into Sibford Sixth Form where he hopes to study for A Levels in Music/Music Tech, Design & Technology and Media.
“For as long as I remember I’ve always been interest in music and rhythm,” said Noah. “I started playing the drums when I was eight years old, and have been playing ever since. I’m really looking forward to joining the Royal Academy and to playing with other musicians of my own age. It’s a very exciting prospect.”