Guitarist Dylan Cobb busks in Croydon to pay £5,000 music school fees
Nick Byrne
newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk
AN INSPIRATIONAL teen has been filling Croydon with the sound of music by busking in the street to fund his place at an exclusive music school.
Dylan Cobb, 17, hopes to become a professional musician like his hero, guitarist Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits.
But his dream of honing his skills at Kilburn's Institute of Contemporary Music in north-west London – where he was instantly accepted after an audition – comes at a big price.
To raise the cash, the determined youngster from Birchanger Road, South Norwood, has been busking outside the Whitgift Centre in his spare time.
And he has already raised £1,000 of his £5,000 target thanks to the generosity of Croydon's shoppers.
Dylan said: "I'm really enjoying playing to the crowds. I don't get nervous about playing in front of so many people, as it's something I love doing. I practise for several hours every day, maybe even all day when I'm really in the mood.
"I've only been playing the guitar for two-and-a-half years but I've listened to Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton for as long as I can remember.
"I really want to thank the people of Croydon, who have been nothing but friendly and are helping me to step closer to achieving all I want from life."
But playing the guitar like a pro is not where Dylan's talents end.
The gifted busker is also a gifted academic.
At just eight years old, Dylan achieved two GCSEs in maths and IT.
Having suffered badly at the hands of bullies as a child, he was home-tutored by his mum Anita until she took Dylan as far as she could, at which point they turned to ITV philanthropic show Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway.
After explaining his story, Dylan impressed the board, including ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who handed over £38,000 for him to attend Campbell Harris – a private college in Kensington.
The money was not quite enough to see Dylan all the way through, yet he still managed to achieve four A levels and another three GCSEs.
Anita, 54, said: "We had to sell our house and rely on a lot of help from charities to see Dylan through.
"But he still did exceptionally well despite everything that was going on around him.
"I'm really proud of Dylan. He's overcome so much and is out in the world fending for himself now."
Dylan can be found busking from Thursday to Sunday from noon to 4pm if you would like to make a donation.
10 Comments
by Katie, Croydon
Thursday, September 02 2010, 10:28AM
“its nice to finally hear a positive story about croydon youths!
i wish you all the luck in the world mate and i will be passing by and dropping some money in to your case :-)”
by Alan, Croydon
Thursday, August 26 2010, 2:21PM
“Good on him. I have no time for bullies, beat them by rising above it which is what dylan has done. I hope he suceeds in what he wants to achieve in music. I shall pass by this wekend and drop some money by.”
by Anon, Anon
Thursday, August 26 2010, 1:54AM
“Oh shut-up Dave, at least he has something you aint..TALENT!”
by Anita croft, Croydon
Tuesday, August 24 2010, 11:12PM
“For those interested in his progress, Dylan has so far raised £1600 - thanks to the generosity of the people of Croydon.”
by Addis bigboy, Addiacombe
Tuesday, August 24 2010, 8:16PM
“Good for you Dylan. Shame not all youths are like you and not afraid to graft to make a better life for yourself. I will also be popping down with a couple of quid on Thursday. Just keep an eye on your amp or someone will have it away!!”
by Tim, Everywhere
Tuesday, August 24 2010, 6:25AM
“What an example! This is a good news story. I hope he reaches his target.
For those people who would like to donate and can't get there, could someone give details of how to donate?
It would also be nice to get an update on his progress to his target. Has he made it yet?”
by David, Croydon
Monday, August 23 2010, 9:05PM
“It is nice to read about a gifted student who is trying to be successful, no matter what he has to do. Many other people his age could learn from him. Having said that, isn't it sad that a gifted young lad like this is having to busk and before that, had to go onto a tv show for money? Shouldn't our government be helping people like this rather than pouring huge amounts of money down the drain on wasters who never have any desire to achieve anything?
If I see Dylan in Croydon next time I pop in I will also be giving him some money.”
by Anon, Anon
Monday, August 23 2010, 8:09PM
“Thats the way to do it, well done to him, his putting the money to very good use, instead of wasting it on drugs,like most young people do these days. His an inspiration.”
by Len, Croydon
Monday, August 23 2010, 6:07PM
“I shall pass by on my way home from work Thursday afternoon to donate some £££”
by Stephen Morris, Birmingham, West Midlands
Saturday, August 21 2010, 7:47PM
“The story about Dylan, the gifted guitar teenager, is really heart warming. I hope he succeeds in his target of becoming a professional musician. It will show that talent plus hard work plus resilience can overcome adversity. A lesson we all need to learn methinks.”