A YOUNG Sale musician is certainly hitting the right notes after winning a place at a world-renowned music school.

Katie Laing, 11, of Marford Crescent, has gained a place at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester to study piano from September 2016.

Katie, who is currently a student at Forest School in Timperley, has been playing piano for the past five years. Piano is her first study and singing, her second.

She said: “I spent a week at Chetham’s Summer School last August and I thought it was fantastic. When I auditioned and then found out I’d been accepted by the school I was completely overwhelmed. I thought my dream had come true. I am so excited to start in September.”

Katie’s parents, Ken and Andrea Laing, said they were proud of their daughter and delighted she has been accepted to study at the prestigious school.

“She truly loves music, especially classical,” said Ken.

“She is so self-disciplined towards her practice and thoroughly loves performing in public. We feel she is definitely going to the right school.”

With around 300 students aged eight to 18, Chetham’s is the largest specialist music school in the UK and welcomes musicians from across the UK and overseas.

When Katie joins the school, she will have the opportunity to play in chamber groups, choirs, school orchestras, as well as receiving academic and music tuition.

She will also take part in regular concerts held in key music venues, such as the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Royal Northern College of Music and the Bridgewater Hall.

Katie’s music teacher, Susan Wellings, said: “Katie is an exceptional pupil and a perfect example of how innate talent is supported by dedicated practice. She thrives on a challenge and will be inspired at Chetham’s to progress even further.

“I look forward to hearing about her next steps as a musician and feel very confident of her future success.”