Prestigious Music Offers!

Two students at Cardinal Newman are celebrating after receiving fantastic offers at prestigious Music schools. William Melling and Cameron Dickason, who both study A Levels in Maths, History and Music at the College have each been offered places at Cambridge and The Royal Northern College of Music respectively.

 William, who attended All Hallows, decided to apply to Cambridge after taking part in the HE* Programme at Newman. The University’s reputation is what encouraged William to consider it as an option, but after visiting and looking around the Music Department, he was certain that this was where he would like to study.

 As the application to Cambridge has to be made earlier than other universities, it was important that he was organised as there also lots of additional things to do when applying for Cambridge, including additional forms to fill in, an example of an original composition, an essay on music and two interviews.

 William said: “I found the help with the application process that College provided really helpful and also received support from my Music Teacher when preparing for the interviews. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to study alongside some of the most talented music students in the country, as well as having access to the excellent teaching at Cambridge.”

Cameron, who attended St Bede’s Lytham, has secured a highly sought-after place at the Royal Northern College of Music after an intense round of interviews and auditions. Despite having been offered a scholarship at the Birmingham Conservatoire, his first choice is Bachelor of Music, specialising in piano performance at the Royal Northern College of Music. Similar to the Cambridge University application, Cameron had to apply much earlier than the normal UCAS deadline. He had auditions in November and December, where he had to prepare four pieces of Music to perform at his audition. He completed an audition in the morning and then the successful candidates were taken through to a second round of auditions and interviews in the afternoon.

Cameron said: “The College and particularly my Music Teacher Carisse were great in giving me advice when doing my personal statement and preparing me for my interview and auditions. I also had lots of support from my Achievement Tutor throughout the process, who was really supportive and caring. I am most looking forward to meeting and spending time with the other students who share my passion for music and performing in the ensembles. I hope to be able to develop as a pianist and become an accomplished performer!”