An 11-year-old boy has made history after becoming the youngest person in the entire world to obtain a university degree in music.

Curtis Elton, who stands at just 4 foot 7 inches tall,  has been playing the piano since the age of three and learned to read music the following year.

The accomplished pre-teen began his foray into the world of music by mastering Yankee Doodle and the Pink Panther theme song on his family's piano before rapidly progressing through the grades and obtaining Grade 8th -the highest- at the tender of eight.

Curtis has been dubbed Mini Mozart after being awarded a Licentiate of Trinity College London which is the equivalent qualification to the final year of an undergraduate degree.

Commenting on her son's accomplishment, proud mum Hayley, a concert pianist, said: "It is an incredible achievement for Curtis. It was hard work, but it was worth it."

Acknowledging that not all children who are encouraged to play an instrument exhibit the same flair Curtis has shown, Hayley said: "Even if children start an instrument young, they might not want to continue. But Curtis loves playing the piano and he is very keen to learn."


Paying tribute to his mum for nurturing his love of music, Curtis said: "I used to listen to my mother playing when I was younger and I really enjoyed it. The piano is a really musical instrument and it is nice to play. My favourite composer is probably Chopin."

Looking to the future, Curtis said: "I would like to play at the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Opera House."

Curtis has featured in Channel 4's Child Genius programme and reveals that he can't help but dream big, saying: "Hopefully one day I will play in America. I would like to play all over the world."

Congratulations on the fantastic achievement, Curtis!

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