The Royal Military School of Music near London is set to honour a member of the Bermuda Regiment for completing some very intense musical training.

L/Cpl. Paul Smith and his tuba have been to Jamaica, Germany, and Grenada in the past two years.

And most recently at the Royal Military School where L/Cpl. Smith endured three 14-week terms.

Along that stretch he was named the best overseas student on the Foundation Musician?s course.

?That?s a coveted prize!? exclaimed retired Maj. Kenneth Dill when he explained the importance of the award.

?All the overseas students compete for this very nice prize every year,? he said.

Overall the course develops the best and brightest candidates of the British Army and from certain overseas units like the Bermuda Regiment.

L/Cpl. Smith began his training back in January 2001 under Maj. Barrett Dill when he was the Director of Music.

The former director Kenneth, who happens also to be Barrett?s brother, remembers that L/Cpl. Smith entered the programme on the cornet, but switched to the tuba ? an instrument he?s on his was to mastering.

?He?s a very talented young man,? said Kenneth Dill, ?he?s done extremely well?.

Somewhere during that time as a bandsman, L/Cpl. Smith earned the nickname ?Paws?.

There?s no explanation as to why, but the name is said to be an affectionate one.

Simultaneous to the Foundation?s coursework at the Royal Military School, L/Cpl. Smith achieved his first ever Royal School of Music diploma, with merit, in Theory (Grade V).

Meantime, he is also under the instruction of the principal tuba of London Symphony Orchestra in pursuit of a Grade VII practical.

Although he has such an accomplished resume, there is a lot of training ahead if he wants to keep going.

Kenneth Dill says the Lance Corporal may think about becoming a Bandmaster ? as he was.

That person must be proficient in every single instrument of the orchestra.

It?s an enormously gruelling and time consuming mission, but the former major believes the young man has what it takes.

?He definitely has what it takes. He?s good, he?s talented, he?s energetic.

?I spoke to him a few weeks ago, he brought me up to speed. And I told him ?I?m very proud of what you?ve accomplished?.?

The two men bumped into each other as the Premier met with Bermudian students based in the United Kingdom (Kenneth Dill is now head of Bermuda civil service).

L/Cpl. Smith will receive his certificate from the Royal Military School on Thursday as part of a Passing Out Parade.

Maj. Wayne Smith will be there to support the local musician, ?as an officer in the Regiment, a representative of the Military and as L/Cpl. Smith?s cousin, I am honoured to be there in person to recognise his achievements?.

L/Cpl. Smith?s mother will make the trip as well.