Double Conservatoire Success

The College’s Music Development Centre is delighted to announce that two A Level Music students have been successful in securing places at top UK conservatoires.

Toby McInnis, a cellist and pianist, will study composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Ryan Watkins, a trombonist, will study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Toby, who also studies A Levels in Film Studies and English Literature, is looking forward to concentrating on his music writing skills. He says: “I have enjoyed studying Music at York College and when I sent off my composition pieces to the Birmingham Conservatoire I didn’t really know if I would be successful. I am interested in all kinds of music and I like the idea of working on a range of collaborative experiences such as film, theatre and advertising.”

Ryan played the trombone from the age of seven. He is overjoyed to be offered one of four trombone places (out of 40 applicants) at the Royal Northern College of Music. Ryan studies
A Levels in Music, Music Technology and Psychology, he has also completed an Extended Project based on the mixing of popular and classical music. He says: “The trombone is a varied, technical instrument and the Music Development Centre at York College has allowed me to develop my playing skills. I can also compose music at a decent level and I may also look at conducting in the future. I would like to thank my family who have been so supportive towards my music and I am really pleased to have made them proud.”

Andrea Hayden, Team Leader for Music at
York College comments: “Both Toby and Ryan deserve their conservatoire places. They have played an active role in the life of the Music Development Centre over the last two years and I wish them every success in the future.”