I'm a mezzo soprano now, but I first started performing in the Eisteddfod aged six. However, I had no idea you could actually study music at university until I was doing my GCSEs.

I'd only vaguely heard about the Welsh National Youth Opera before going to university in Cardiff, but as it was based in the capital I never took too much notice.

When I did join during my first year at the College of Music and Drama I was the only member from north Wales.

But last year they held auditions in Caernarfon and they're going to do so again this year - this time over two days as it was so popular. It's great having fellow Gogs in the company, who don't have trouble understanding what I say.

It's encouraging because there are far fewer opportunities to get involved in opera in north Wales. The William Mathias Centre in Caernarfon has helped and I think Mary Lloyd Davies has begun to hold a summer school, but there aren't many other opportunities.

The Welsh National Youth Opera is different because it gives you the opportunity to take part in a real operatic performance which isn't something you'd get to do in school.

Rehearsals and performances take place each summer during school and university holidays. We all get together down in the Urdd accommodation of the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. People from all backgrounds with a Welsh connection and an interest in opera can meet up.

Some are still in school and some are studying in conservatoires throughout the world - it's really good to learn from each other. It's a great way of seeing whether performing is what you really want to do.

In the most recent auditions you've been allowed to just turn up and sing a song of your choice. It doesn't have to be opera; it can be a song from a musical. There are people from the world of musicals who perform with us and though the singing style is very different, the acting element is still the same.

During my first year with the WNYO I was part of the chorus in Candide, which was fantastic fun. The chorus is always an integral part of the show; they're always kept busy helping to tell the story.

It's a great way of learning to sing and perform as part of an ensemble - a way of becoming comfortable as a performer.

In 2007 we performed Stravinsky's Rake's Progress, which was quite a challenge to us newcomers - a style of music many of us had never heard or performed before.

My ultimate dream is to be a member of a professional opera company. I would also like to teach, especially back home. The classical singing scene just isn't strong enough in north Wales so it's my dream to introduce opera to young people where I grew up; especially since Bryn Terfel, one of the most famous opera stars, comes from North Wales.

The Welsh National Youth Opera is for young people between the ages of 16 and 25. They will be holding auditions in Caernarfon in December 2007. The closing date for applications is November 16 2007.