Carl began formal music training at the age of 10 when he joined the Manchester Cathedral choir and began piano lessons.  He was nearly 11 when he had his first viola lesson and is somewhat unusual in that he did not learn the violin first.  Whilst Carl's early childhood included an enthusiasm for theatre and dance, he also spent a lot of time working to overcome dyslexia.

Now, with grade 8 distinctions in viola, piano an singing, Carl has begun to study for his A levels at Chetham's School of Music.  He has been a member of the Junior RNCM, both the Bolton and Lancashire Youth Orchestras and also Capriccio String Ensemble.

Carl won the Future Champions Bronze award for Bolton in 2008.  Although he hopes to be a professional viola player, he also has a passion for barbershop singing.  To hear the all winners in action at Ronnie Scott's last November, click here.

"I am very much looking forward to getting a good bow.  The Award has helped my self confidence as well.  I wasn't going to apply but someone in Bolton Music Service suggested I did.  I haven't talked to people about music very much before and I did better than I expected.  Thank you."