A PAIR of musical maestros have hit the right note to gain places at a prestigious academy.

Notre Dame High pupils Euan McDonald and Sophie Bysouth have been accepted to study singing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) Junior School.

Euan, 15, also has a place to study cello at the centre, which is ranked sixth in the world for the study of performing arts.

He said: “It’s a really big honour. It will help me to develop my singing and cello.

“I sang and played cello at the audition and I also did some sight reading. It’s quite competitive, people from all over the country apply to get a place there.”

The Inverkip teenager lives with his parents Jennifer and Scott and young brother Blair, who also enjoys singing.

He said: “My mum and dad have been very supportive and they are over the moon.

“The school has also been very supportive and given us both the opportunities to do this.”

Euan hopes to become a classical singer or perform in musical theatre and he has the option of playing cello and piano.

Sophie, who lives in Greenock with mum and dad Annmarie and Nicky and her 11-year-old twin sisters Lucy and Nicole, and Karis, seven, is equally delighted.

She said: “It’s a big deal. I’m really happy.” 

Sophie, 13, sang a classical piece in Italian and The Owls by composer Peter Jenkyns, as well as playing the violin in front of two judges.

She said: “I had to prepare two songs and a couple of days before I was asked to play violin too, it was a total rush.

“I love performing, it gives me more confidence.

“I hope to do something in music when I leave school.”

Both pupils want to thank singing teacher Gemma McLean and principal teacher of music Gerard Gordon for their help.

Mr Gordon said: “The fact that the RCS has been ranked the sixth best place in the world to study performance arts and Euan and Sophie have gained places there is just incredible. 

“It’s an amazing achievement, they both have bright futures ahead of them.”