Following the footsteps of his concert-pianist mum, Hayley Elton, son Curtin Elton has once again created history by becoming the world's youngest child prodigy to receive the prestigious degree-equivalent diploma, an ATCL qualification for his piano playing skills.

In 2012, the nine-year-old London lad set records for being one of the youngest pianists to pass the Grade 8 music exam, a university-level piano exam.

Considered to be one of the best young pianists in the country, the schoolboy, from Whetstone, north London, acquired the incredible talent of mastering the piano from his mother Hayley Elton, who is herself a concert pianist.

Hayley, now 40, was also a record-holder in her childhood - being the youngest person to gain admission to the Guildhall School of Music at the age of eight. She is also well-known for teaching Victoria Beckham.

Elton began playing the instrument at the age of three. Haley said that when he was still a toddler, she noticed that Elton loved listening to her play and displayed unusually high levels of concentration and focus. Since then, she helped him hone his piano-playing skills.

This year, he has been nominated for a Nickelodeon Fruit Shoot skills award for the best rising star. Tasting stardom at the young age, Elton was invited to a Yamaha event to promote both a Disney film and GAP clothing, and was approached to participate in the London Master classes at the Royal College of Music with world prominent conductor Benjamin Zander.

"Mr Zander was so kind and helpful. I really would love to play for him again some day," said Curtis, who aspires to be a concert pianist, like his mum.

Hayley's talented son will be releasing an album, 'On Daydreams' Nov.4. The album will feature fresh interpretations of adored classical pieces including the music of Mozart and Bach.

"He loves to entertain, he's a performer. We have always enjoyed playing together and wanted to collaborate on a project that we'll be able to remember for years to come," Hayley said.

Curtis is now looking forward to completing his full diploma, the LTCL, probably creating a new record of his own!

Topics World, Record, Degree, Skills