By Meg Jorsh

Last updated at 12:01, Monday, 29 December 2008

A Brampton pupil has won an audition at Paul McCartney’s prestigious performing arts school.

Laura James

The former Beatle opened the Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts in 1996 as a one-stop training ground for the stars of tomorrow.

Laura James, 17, from Scotby, will have the chance to be taught by some of Britain’s best-known entertainers if she wins a coveted place.

Former guest lecturers include performers like Dawn French and Amy Winehouse – and Sir Paul himself has been known to pop in from time to time.

Laura said: “It’s a music course that’s practical and it would help with my songwriting and generally prepare me for a career. The teachers have all been involved in performance as well, so I’d get to be taught by people who really know what they’re doing.”

The singer-songwriter has been playing guitar since she was 12 and regularly performs at venues throughout north Cumbria. She was first talent-spotted last year, when London agency Stuffed Animals offered to produce a CD for her.

She added: “It’s been useful for getting gigs with and I sell it when I’m playing, so it’s a good source of income. I’ve sold quite a lot of CDs at school – I’d say my biggest fans are my best friends.”

Often described as a jazz singer, the William Howard pupil serenaded the crowds with carols and standards at the Brampton Christmas lights switch-on. But her own songs have a much folkier edge, drawing influences from performers like Joni Mitchell and Regina Spektor.

She said: “I write about anything that’s going on in my life – usually not happy things, which is a shame. I’ve written a couple of happy songs, but the others are more emotional.”

The hours of guitar she puts in every day – plus practise on the piano and cello – can be distracting in terms of her school work. Studying for A Levels in English, Art and Philosophy, Laura admits she would rather be writing songs.

“It tends to mean I don’t get that much work done. My English teacher once told me off for writing songs instead of doing my homework,” she said.

But in music she has found her true calling. Even if the audition goes badly in April, she is determined to keep doing what she loves.

She said: “I just want to keep playing, really. I just want it to stay as big a part of my life as it is now.”

First published at 14:52, Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk