A TALENTED youngster has been hitting all the right notes as he made his way to the finals of a prestigious national music competition.

Tyler Baker, 14, of Great Horkesley, has made it to the top 10 of the Young Drummer of the Year 2022, after impressing judges with his solo piece.

The inspiring youngster, who goes to East Bergholt High School, had to compete against 400 other entrants before being shortlisted for the final 10.

During the last phase of the competition, Tyler had to showcase his skills through three sets of pieces at Number 8 Arts Centre in Pershore.

Even though he did not win the competition, Tyler made both his parents Theresa Baker, 51, and Andrew Baker, 51, extremely proud.

Theresa said: “It is an amazing achievement and he did really well.

“Tyler has been playing the drums since he was four or five. His grandad introduced him to it.

“But he used to just tap on things all the time before he even had a drum kit.

“It is something that seems he is naturally been able to do.”

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But it is not only playing the drums that comes like second nature to Tyler.

He is also skilled at singing, playing the guitar, writing his own music and painting.

One of Tyler’s paintings now forms part of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery after submitting it to the popular Grayson’s Art Club competition.

Theresa added: “He plays the drums every day he has a drum kit in his bedroom which has taken over the whole room.

“He also goes drumming at jam nights in Colchester where he plays along with other people.

“Every time I do the washing up I can hear Tyler doing drumming so there is constant music in the house.

“If he is not doing his drumming he is singing a song and playing a guitar.

“I couldn’t get any prouder.”

Past winners of the Young Drummer of the Year competition have made numerous TV and radio appearances, as well as support slots for the like of Billy Ward and Thomas Lang, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez and Stanton Moore.

Finalists have also performed with Jojo Mayer, Dave Weckl, JR Robinson, Aaron Spears, Chris Coleman and Benny Greb.

Tyler's grandfather, Geoffrey, added he wanted to thank Paul Francis and Cameron Morrell of Orchard Percussion Studios for their support.