A TALENTED teenage guitar player from Blackburn College is set to become an ambassador for the Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub after progressing at an incredible pace.

Liam Muscat, 16, took up guitar through the Blackburn with Darwen Music Service at Blakewater College when in year nine.

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After only three years Liam is now studying for his Grade 8 after achieving distinctions in Grades 6 and 7 rock guitar.

And, he has decided to show his gratitude by becoming an ambassador for the BwD Music Hub, based at Witton Park Community Centre, which encompass the Music Service.

Liam’s mum Amanda Crane said he got into music by chance when he was a pupil at Shadsworth-Blakewater College, which is now Blackburn Central High School, and she was extremely pleased with his achievements.

She said: “He started having just 20-minute lessons a week, but they discovered he had a real talent for it, so after just a couple of weeks we booked private guitar lessons for him. We’re really proud of him.”

Liam, whose skills include acoustic guitar, bass guitar and ukelele, has played solo electric guitar for the Royal Maundy Recipients Lunch at King George’s Hall in Blackburn and has been part of the year 10 Ambassador Band at the same venue.

He also teaches at Turton and Edgworth Primary School one day a week and is the first pupil that the Music Hub has put forward for a silver Arts Award.

Nick Mackey, who has taught Liam since he took up the guitar, said: “It’s really nice to see people enjoying themselves and to give up their time to put something back into helping others is great.

“Liam is learning the skills of how to teach as well as helping children enjoy learning the guitar.

“I just want to give children the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for the guitar and then give them the chance to play with and speak to other musicians.”

Now at Blackburn College, Liam is studying for his Grade 8 and is hoping to make a career in music performance or teaching.

Ms Crane said: “When Liam said he wanted to go into music as a career we weren’t too sure, but he’s got such a talent and we’ve learned about all the opportunities that there are, so we really support him.

“They’re a fantastic team at the Music Hub.”