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Eighteen year old Erdem is a student at Northgate High School in Ipswich studying Music, Maths and Further Maths at A Level and travels every week to the Junior Department at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Chamber music is a big part of Erdem's musical life and he belongs to a piano trio, a duo with violin and until recently a piano duo. He enjoys almost any form of sport and also likes anything that requires a logical thought process from maths puzzles to chess.

Final Thoughts

How did you feel when you heard you had reached the final?
I felt surprised, but quite relaxed!

How did your family react?
They made lots of noise, Mum probably cried...

How did your music teacher/school react?
My piano teacher was very proud...school are probably pleased, I haven't got much feedback from them.

How much time have you been playing to be ready for the final and how does this compare with your normal playing?
I had to learn a new concerto in less than 2 months, so practise anywhere between 2 and 6 hours each day.

What would you like to do in the short and long term with your music?
Short term... have fun and keep improving. Long term... inspire others.

Do you have musical inspirations e.g. composers or players or friends?
My list of composers that I enjoy would be too long, but the most inspiring must be Bach. Favourite pianist, unfortunately dead, Vladimir Horowitz!

Do you have favourite contemporary music musicians bands?
No...I feel hundreds of years behind everyone! But I will listen to anything that I like the sound of.

What would you do with the prize money?
Buy lots of presents for people! Or maybe be sensible and invest it!

Do you think younger people enjoy classical music as much as they could?
No - they need to be more open minded mostly.

How would you make your friends and other younger people want to come to a concert or listen to classical music?
Force/bribe.

Do you have siblings?
One brother.

Are any of them musical?
He's had go at lots of things...keyboard, violin, guitar, drums, sax, bass - a bit indecisive I think.

Are your parents or any other family members musical?
Not my parents...closest family musician is my cousin.

What are your other main passions in life (acting, film, etc)?
Good films, food, friends, girlfriend, sports/games, sleep.