Mount Annan teen guitarist to tour America

The rockin’ rhythms of Mount Annan teenager Elle Youdan will see her tour America as part of the School of Rock All Stars and perform on stage at the Lollapalooza music festival.

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The rockin’ rhythms of Mount Annan teenager Elle Youdan will see her tour America as part of the School of Rock AllStars tour, and even perform on stage at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago.

The 17 year old, whose favourite artist is Slash, was first inspired to pick up a guitar only four years ago.

Guitarist Elle Youdan is preparing to tour America as part of the School of Rock AllStars tour. Picture: Robert Pozo

Now, four years after walking into School of Rock Macarthur for the first time, Elle’s musical talent has seen her selected for a scholarship at Berkeley College with the world at her feet.

“The fact that I am one of seven kids chosen (for the scholarship) is honestly phenomenal,” said Elle.

“I never thought I would get such a massive opportunity like this. It’s honestly unbelievable, I don’t know what to say.”

Elle Youdan said Slash was one of her idols. Picture: Robert Pozo

The Year 12 HSC student at Mount Annan Christian College dedicates at least two hours a day to her musical craft and had to navigate a vigorous audition program to join the prestigious AllStars tour.

Waking up at 4am on a Sunday, Elle Youdan travelled to Campbelltown to perform live via webcast to School of Rock’s top international music directors.

The teenager praised the role of School of Rock Macarthur in her journey.

“This school has really helped me build my confidence, my musicianship and my practical skills as well,” she said.

“It also helped me appreciate music more, the complexity behind it all, and helped me appreciate each genre for what it is because music is just great in my opinion.”

The teenager said she is taking her musical career one step at a town at the moment. Picture: Robert Pozo

Elle, who also plays drums and bass guitar, said she is taking everything one day at a time.

“Before this whole thing happened I had this mindset of studying music at university, and maybe even law, but right now honestly I am taking everything one step at a time and whatever happens happens I guess,” she said.

School of Rock Macarthur music director Hanna Hyeronimus said the school was extremely proud of Elle’s achievements.

“She is one of the most hard working students I have ever worked with in my ten plus years of teaching,” she said.

“She is super, super talented and willing to take on anything.”

Elle will leave for America in early July.