There's no better feeling than when dreams come true.
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For Goulburn High School student Alexei Caulfield, that dream was to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music at the University of Sydney.
When the recorder player found out he was successful, he was over the moon.
"For about three to four years, I had been aiming to get into the Sydney Conservatorium and it was good to see it finally within reach," Alexei said.
The 17-year-old, who has been studying at Hume Conservatorium for about eight years, said his love for music started in primary school, but the recorder wasn't always his only option.
"I started playing the recorder in primary school as it was a class activity and I liked the idea of pursuing private lessons," he said.
"I also wanted to play the violin, but because I live out of town, the teacher said I would have to come into town to do the lessons.
"I thought about it and decided to stick with the recorder because I was really good at it."
The "musical prodigy", which is what former Hume Conservatorium director Paul Scott-Williams referred to him as when he was just 12-years-old, isn't sure where he wants his career to go, but is glad to have the Sydney Conservatorium as a stepping stone.
"I'm not sure where I want to end up as I'm still in the early stages of my music career, but getting into the Sydney Conservatorium is a huge step because this is where I start to study music more in depth," Alexei said.
"I'll get an idea of what styles I want to perform one day and will also make new contacts which will be very helpful in the future if I want to collaborate with others.
"I'm also hoping to do solo performances, but I know that to get my name out there, I may have to start off with ensemble work."
Goulburn High School principal Yogesh Mani congratulated Alexei on his achievement and said it was well deserved.
"He's a really hard working student and I wish him all the best with his future endeavours," Mr Mani said.
"We've got a really strong music program at our school.
"In the classes, the teachers spend time outside school time to provide students with extra learning opportunities.
"Alexei was fortunate enough to make full use of the opportunities."
All Alexei Caulfield needs to do is to finish his HSC and a spot at the Sydney Conservatorium is his.
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