A DALES teenager has won a prestigious scholarship to pursue his dream of studying at Berklee College of Music in America.

Giggleswick School sixth former George Collins successfully auditioned for a place to study Batchelor of Music in Guitar Performance at the world-leading musical college before Christmas.

The 17-year-old, who lives near Settle, has been awarded a merit scholarship by the Boston college and he is now busy fundraising to make his wish come true.

George earned a trip to Berklee’s Summer Guitar Sessions as part of winning first prize in the Pendle Young Musicians Bursary last year. The experience fuelled his passion for studying full time at Berklee after he finishes his A levels later this year.

He said: “I need to prove that I have one year’s worth of funding to be granted a student visa. Unfortunately, UK student loans are not available for study in the US nor is US federal aid available to UK students so fundraising is crucial.”

George has received donations from private individuals as well as Settle Rotary Club. The proceeds of his regular gigs at Settle’s Talbot Arms and further afield have boosted his total and he has released a couple of singles. He is also playing a fundraising gig in Leyburn in June, arranged for him by former Giggleswick pupil, Colin Bailey, through the Blueboxt Productions Emerging Artists programme.

George said: “Music is my passion and I spend every waking hour playing, performing and practising. In 2018 I was named as a runner up in Lee Ritenours Six String Theory International Guitar Competition as well as winning the Pendle competition.”

He is currently working with Manchester Camerata, composing music for electric guitar and strings which will premier in May, an opportunity which was also part of his Pendle Young Musician prize.

George has released two singles, both available on Spotify and all other major platforms, to boost his Berklee fundraising. Be Alright and Thought Of You are described as blues/R’n’B.

A Giggleswick pupil since year five, George is studying music, music technology and design.

Director of music Margie Simper said: “George is an exciting talent.

“We are incredibly proud of him and are certain that he has a bright musical future ahead of him.

“He not only has all the skills, he has the determination and dedication for success.”

Giggleswick School is a 400-pupil, independent, co-educational day and boarding school set in stunning countryside near the market town of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. Founded in 1512, the school offers a high quality education where personal development is a key focus alongside excellent academic results, providing young people with the skills, positive attitude and self-belief to equip them for happiness and success in today’s world.