While their peers await the release of this week's HSC results, the Port Macquarie girls are celebrating their invitations to highly acclaimed music schools.

Grace is enrolled in the Australian Conservatorium of Music in Sydney for 2021 and has big plans to build an opera career in Europe.

Francesca auditioned for the British and Irish Modern Music Institute with hopes of studying at the Hamburg campus so that she could spend time in Germany with her extended family and learn their language. That dream came true too, although Francesca's study begins in September next year and will be contingent upon the world's Covid-19 situation.

Alongside their MacKillop College classmates Robbie Moore and Taryin McIntyre, Grace and Francesca were also nominated for the Encore showcase of best HSC music performances in NSW.

Their HSC nominations, combined with successful auditions for prestigious schools, secured both girls early entry to their courses.

MacKillop College music teacher Sam Adams is thrilled for them. They are both incredibly talented and passionate, she said: "I would buy their albums tomorrow if they came out."

For Grace, the journey towards a musical career has been rapid.

She only started singing about two years ago, but when she did her talent was instantly recognisable.

It was her voice coach Ian Castle who nurtured the operatic voice that wowed HSC markers with its wide range and athleticism, and fuelled a passion for musical theatre.

Grace said she had always imagined a career on stage, but thought it would be as an actress.

As a young girl Grace appeared in a number of commercials and short films, and just last week received a callback for an audition at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. However, Grace's exponential rise as a singer has made music the new focus.

Francesca is also a talented operatic singer with classical training and, under the tutelage of local musical legend Robyn Ryan OAM, worked on the stylistic ornamentation of her performances to similarly impress the HSC markers.

Francesca's true passion, however, is more contemporary, hence the audition for the modern music program; she wants to pursue a career as a modern songwriter.

"I was considering environmental science as an area to study after school, but I was always drawn back to music," Francesca explained. "If you find something that gives you joy, you have commit 100 per cent."

Both girls are excited about the year ahead and grateful for the support they have received on their respective journeys.

Given the success of the MacKillop College music class of 2020, thanks should be extended to all those who supported the students as tutors and accompanists Robyn Ryan OAM, Ian Castle, Kerry Daley, Chris Trotman, Lydia Wills, Russell Dick, Zachary Horne and Dave Sims.

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