A former Stratford-upon-Avon College music student has made it through to the final of the BBC’s Young Jazz Musician competition.

Elliot Sansom, aged 21, is one of five contestants who will battle it out for the top award.

Having already passed an intense audition process, the finalists will be accompanied by the Gwilym Simcock Trio, who will also act as their mentors.

Elliot gained his level three extended diploma in music at Stratford-upon-Avon College in 2012, before going on to study Jazz at Birmingham City University’s Birmingham Conservatoire.

After starting to play the piano himself at the tender age of five, 16 years later he credits the college for being “instrumental” in his career progression.

Elliott said: “I’m thrilled to be in the final of such a prestigious competition and to be recognised for playing the kind of music I love.

“They [his college lecturers] gave me confidence in my ability as a musician and helped me define the kind of musician I wanted to be.”

The final will take place March 12 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, and will be broadcast on BBC Four.

Pic: Former Stratford-upon-Avon College music student Elliot Sansom playing the piano

 

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