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A talented pupil from Elstree School in Woolhampton has become one of the youngest ever musicians to win a place to study the bassoon at the Royal College of Music.

James Dundas, aged eight, has only been playing the woodwind instrument for five months, but passed his Grade 3 exam with distinction and is now working towards his Grade 5.

The full-size instrument is almost as tall as the young musician but has been fitted with shorter keys so he is able to reach them.

And he also uses a special chair so his feet can touch the floor.

The aspiring musician, who also plays piano and cello, is already a member of the RCM’s Symphonic Wind Orchestra and last month he auditioned for the National Children’s Orchestra.

James is following in the footsteps of big sister Lucy, aged 13, who is in her sixth year at the RCM and has won places in The National Children’s Orchestra and The National Youth Woodwind Orchestra on bassoon after playing for just 12 months.

He said: “I watched Lucy practising bassoon and thought I’d like to have a go.

“At the time I was playing recorder and it was quite a challenge to swap to an instrument so much bigger but I love it.”

Elstree head of music Mary Westley was thrilled for James in securing his place at the RCM.

She said: “James is a charming, very young, talented musician and we are all extremely proud of him.

“He has an exciting future ahead of him.”

James has joined the junior department of the RCM where 300 children aged eight to 18 are educated each Saturday.

RCM is also home to extensive museum of musical instruments.

Bassoon tutor Sarah Andrew said: “James is one of the youngest students ever to have been accepted to The Royal College of Music department on bassoon.

“He has shown a rare natural talent on the instrument and I am very excited about his future.”

Peter Hewitt, director of the college’s junior department, added: “James has done very well in such a short time. It is quite unusual for someone so young.

“His ability on the bassoon is quite remarkable, but the fact he also plays the cello and piano has helped him.

“Our view is that the bassoon is his instrument. He is a natural.”