Teenager wins place at leading music college

Dominica is on her way to becoming a professional musician

A Shaw viola player has won a place at one of the world’s leading music colleges.

Student Dominica Hallstead (18) a student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, is on her way to the Royal College of Music in London.

“I’m so honoured to be accepted in such a prestigious school,” she said. “I’m thankful for all the help from my family and tutors, they’ve really helped me become good enough to reach the standard to get in.

“Chethams really made all my dreams come true. The standards are so high — they gave me so much experience, and the tuition is so inspiring, with classes from international stars.”

Her interest in music was fostered by Oldham Music Centre. She started playing the violin from the age of seven, but later moved to the larger viola.

“I fell in love with the rich, deep sound,” she said. “I thought it was more passionate than the violin.”

She also plays trumpet and piano.

Proud dad Martyn (47), said: “She has made us proud. Nobody in our family has achieved anything like this.”

Domenica said: “I’m quite nervous about moving to London because it’s going to be expensive and I’m going to have to be more independent. But Chetham’s has helped me towards that. I’m sure it will be exciting.”