Ciara hasn’t even finished high school yet, but she’s already been around the world and back.

“Christmastime in Ireland is a really great memory because of all the snow. Our gatherings are a lot smaller at home in Melbourne, and of course the weather’s so different. It’s really nice being in Australia with people we’re close to, but I guess Christmas in Ireland is even more special because it’s a huge gathering and we don’t see everyone very often. It’s really exciting.”

Born in Melbourne to an Irish music teacher mum, Ciara has travel and music in her blood.

“Ever since I was really young I’ve loved music. I started learning violin when I was four years old. My mum was adamant viola would come to good use as well, so I started playing that too when I was nine years old. I managed to catch on pretty quickly. It’s really handy being able to play both now. It’s not all that different at all.”

As well as trips to her mum’s family home of Belfast, Ireland (with stopovers in Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Denmark and Dubai, “there are other places too, I just can’t put my finger on them right now”), Ciara’s musical accomplishments have already had her jet setting around the globe.

“I’m very lucky.”

Earlier this year there was a trip to Japan for a Suzuki world convention, and now Ciara’s counting down the days until she gets on a plane to the United States with the touring choir of Young Voices of Melbourne.

“I’ve been in the main choir since I was 11. In my first year we travelled to Tasmania for two weeks. It was really exciting. Last year we went to Adelaide in September. And then every two or three years we have a big tour.

“When I was 12 we went around Europe for three and a half weeks, travelling and singing in Italy, Slovenia, Wales and Cambridge. It was incredible to be travelling with all my friends and having the most amazing musical time.”

In 2011, Ciara went with the choir to Samoa. While she was there Ciara got an insight into the ritual of islander music. Experiencing Samoan culture and seeing the way they approach choirs, Ciara saw Samoan church goers singing naturally in harmony with each other.

“It was a great experience for me. Just amazing.”

Despite Ciara’s impressive collection of exotic travel stories, she says she never gets homesick and is already gearing up for the next big trip.

“I’ve got to get through my mid year exams before we go to America but I’ll definitely start packing as soon as I can. It’s gonna be so great. We’re going to New York for a few days, then San Francisco for a few days. Then Disneyland. Then Yellowstone National Park and then Montana for a choir festival and Idaho for another festival.”

Even amidst the excitement of new places and the distance she’s already traversed, Ciara still says Melbourne is a beautiful city after seeing so many others.

“Melbourne is definitely home for me, for sure. I love it. I especially love being in the city because there’s always so many people around. All my really close friends are here as well.

“Maybe it’s just because I’m used to it.”