A STUDENT and teacher from a County Durham school are to share their talent and experience at two prestigious events.

Dr Robin Harrison, director of music at Barnard Castle Preparatory School, has been invited to speak at the Royal Academy of Music aural symposium in London in April.

Dr Harrison will join music educationalists from the United States and Germany at the round table research event.

It is designed to open up debate into a wide spectrum of views on the nature, purpose and content of aural skills pedagogy, which is the backbone of much of the instrumental, vocal and compositional training in university and college music.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Mackay, a sixth former at Barnard Castle School, will perform in a concert to mark the 21st anniversary of Samling Academy at Sage Gateshead.

Last year Nicholas was selected for a sought-after place in the academy, which is developing the next generation of classical singers in the North-East through intensive workshops culminating in a public concert.

The Samling Coming of Age Gala: A Night at the Viennese Opera, directed by Sir Thomas Allan and conducted by Nicholas Chalmers with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, takes place on February 17.

Simon Dearsley, director of music at Barnard Castle School, said: "The invitation to Dr Harrison and Nicholas's selection to Samling Academy are both prestigious honours and we're delighted that their respective expertise and talent have been recognised in this way."