She was one of three finalists in the Youth Arts Awards on Saturday following a Showcase Concert of 14 performers at the Mitchell Conservatorium.

The concert and awards, run by the Bathurst Arts Council, showcased the creative talents of young people from across the Central West.

As one of the finalists, along with flute and clarinet player Hamish McIntyre and trumpet player Emma Russell, Niamh will perform at the upcoming Australia Day celebrations in Bathurst.

Niamh, who has just completed her Higher School Certificate at Bathurst High, has been learning violin for the past 11 years, but her playing career did not start smoothly.

“I didn’t always love violin. It’s really difficult to learn,” she said. “But when you get good at it you can play whatever you want.”

These days Niamh plays a lot of dubstep – a genre of electronic dance music.

“It has a lot of heavy beats, it’s techno, with violin over the top,” she said.

“With this newer music, everyone can dance along and it’s a lot of fun.”

When she’s not playing violin, she teaches it, and has students aged from seven to 12.

Youth Arts Awards co-ordinator Christine Sweeney said the annual community event recognises outstanding young people in the region.

“These awards acknowledge the work of young people in the Bathurst region who have distinguished themselves in their particular field of the arts,” she said.

The three finalists from Saturday’s concert will now compete for the annual $1000 2BS Bathurst Youth in the Arts Award which is presented as part of the Australia Day celebrations each year.

Each performer at Saturday’s Showcase Concert also received a certificate and $100 cash prize presented by Bathurst mayor Gary Rush.