A PUPIL has turned teacher at Yarm school. Sixth former and violinist, Richard Gratwick, aged 16, is celebrating outstanding success in his music studies.
Last week, he learned he has passed the exam to become a licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music. This is the equivalent of what a 21-year-old achieves after three years at music college, and is a performer's diploma allowing the holder to wear an academic gown.
Yarm school's music director Mr Ben Wilson said: "Richard has worked very hard to achieve this award and is a talented violinist. Even so, to achieve the award at such a young age is absolutely exceptional and we are very proud of him."
Richard, who comes from Faceby, started playing the violin when he was a pupil at Yarm prep school in lessons run by Mr Martin Bainbridge, who has been his only teacher for the instrument.
He also learns the piano with Yarm school's former music director, Mr Michael Trotter.
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