Ciara Parker-Northeast – who will be starting at the Royal College Of Music, in London, in September – is taking part in Highworth Talent today.

The 10-year-old violinist from Highworth says it was much more daunting auditioning for the prestigious college than performing in front of an audience.

She said: “It is not as scary performing in front of an audience like Highworth Talent as it is performing in front of people who teach famous people.’’ The winners of the Highworth Talent will go on to compete in the Swindon Talent ’10 final at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday, August 8.

Ciara has just passed her grade 6 exam and says that she would eventually like to go to the Yehudi Menuhin School but is delighted to have won a place at the Royal College Of Music.

The Southfields School pupil has inherited her talent from her mother, Marcia.

“Mum plays the piano while I practice violin,’’ said Ciara, who plays for an hour a day.

When she is at home the young musician listens to classical music but once she is with her pals she likes Justin Bieber, Pixie Lott and Sheryl Crow. She is a member of Swindon Young Musicians, can also play the piano and has performed at the Wyvern Theatre.

Ciara is looking forward to performing in Swindon Talent ’10 and says it is particularly good for getting people noticed.