A GIFTED teenager, who has been selected as one of the best young drummers in the UK for the fourth time, has now turned his talents to teaching.

Cirencester Kingshill student Will Downes-Hall has made it into the Top 40 Young Drummer of the Year list so many times you would think he would be used to it.

But the 16-year-old, from Ampney Crucis, said it was always a surprise and a fantastic feeling to be recognised among the best in his age group.

Along with juggling his GCSE studies and performing at the opening ceremony for the Weymouth Olympic Games, the teenager recently released a charity Christmas single with the South West Music School, of which he is a member, and has also begun teaching alongside his music teacher dad, Tim.

Teaching music is relatively new to Tim, who turned a lifetime’s hobby into a career just four years ago when he opened the Drum Den in Preston near Cirencester.

Now Will has taken over teaching half a dozen of his dad’s students, who have moved on to secondary school.

Will said: "It’s weird being on the other side and teaching rather than being taught. It’s fun though – I really enjoy it."

He said that watching his dad successfully turn his passion into a career had inspired him to pursue his dream of travelling the world as a session drummer.

"Seeing my dad do it and seeing how much he enjoys getting paid for his hobby has given me more confidence to take that route," Will said.

The SWMS single called ‘What We All Need’, which features Will, is available to download on iTunes with proceeds going to Youth Music and the SWMS.