January to March 2019 music thread (Title edited by MNHQ)

"A level or equivalent" is the usual wording and BTec level 3 is equivalent. Some pupils won't have the opportunity to take either.

I will get off my soapbox now, DS had a big choice after GCSE as his school didn't offer music so it was stay put with no music or look elsewhere. That was the point where I found out how few schools locally offered music beyond GCSE and how little choice he really had.

In his sixth form options inteview, the Head of Sixth form asked him why he would even consider studying music over a potentially lucrative career in Computers!

I knew you two would know how it stood! And I totally agree with you knitting about your own research. Music teacher 1 is an alumni of you DS's current location, he has checked with them, all good. (he is very keen for DS2 to consider this one!). Music teacher 2 did music at an RG uni and they would also be fine. However at first look DD's current uni don't accept BTECs, as they require 3 Alevels in whatever subject, plus theory and Grade 8 if not music.

We will have a more thorough look before September, He already has Grade 6 theory, and a practical Grade 8 with Distinction (piano) but not on his now First Study.

It would obviously help if he knew if he wanted Conservatoire, Uni Music Degree or Computer Science Degree.

Having been through the process fairly recently, if your school/college doesn't offer A level music then it doesn't stop you applying for music courses at uni or conservatoire. Some places don't specify that one of the A levels (or equivalent) must normally be music, one says G6 theory or above would be considered as an alternative to A level music. It doesn't take many characters in the personal statement to say that music A level was not possible.

I would advise anyone with an interest to look at entry requirements online and not rely on what well meaning people tell you because it is sometimes based on something a friend of a friend said once or their music teacher's experience from decades ago. I'm already two years out of date (but I have just checked that what I said still stands)

just a quick look at RCM
www.rcm.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bmus/

raspberry

They are very helpful if you need to contact admissions. On behalf of my dd I contacted several as at one point it didn't look like she would achieve GCSE maths/English. They said that they would accept functional skills at level 2, if she didn't pass. It transpires now that she should be ok, just
If the Btec is level 3 I'm sure it would count as an alternative to A level as it's set at the same standard iyswim. I would double check though, but I'm sure they do.

Reading the requirements with interest. If DS2 stays at his current school for sixth form (he is Y11) they may not be offering A level Music, though BTEc will defintiely be on offer. It is possible they may work with him to do A level music. Music teacher reckons all options would still be open to him with BTEC, I think we need to do some research.

He doesn't want to move to our catchment school as they no longer offer Further Maths, and he wants to keep as many options open as possible!

I guess also fair to overseas applicants who will have taken different exams or none at all.

I was talking to a friend who got into Guildhall from overseas 20 years ago. All he did was send in an audition tape and reference from teacher. No live audition (nor obviously Skype) and not even a phone interview. Incredible.

Thanks for the reassurance.
I suppose it's better than her being blaze and thinking she'll get in no problem.
I do like that it seems fair to all, even down to not having the opportunity to have sat GCSE or A level music.
There are a few schools near us that don't offer music at all.

Romany what they are interested in is future performers. If it's down to two of them then the one that has the most potential as a performer is the one that will get the nod. Clearly applicants have to be literate enough to turn in the odd essay on Mozart's impact on blahblah and get their head around music theory but if the institutions were bothered about A level results then their standard academic offer wouldn't be EE.

At the end of the day, the best she can do is the best she can do, there's no point her worrying about it. A bucket of nine's and a run of A's is not going to open any doors to someone who doesn't nail the audition.

Neleus

it usually says equivalent, so they don't have to have done the exam.
I keep telling dd though, the more you have to offer if competition is high, the better. She is hoping that she won't be let down as she isn't academic. It says 3 GCSE's old A-C and 2 A levels A-E. Music included if possible. it doesn't sound much but she worries if it's down to two of them will the one with a string of A/B at A level and several 8/9's at GCSE take preference.
We are hoping not, but you never know.
I'll never forget her laughing at the professor from Cambridge, when taking her for a 6th former asked if she'd applied as they would be interested in her voice. She was y9 and not knocking her but academically she doesn't stand a chance.

I will have an ask about, still in touch with dd old violin teacher. Should say past, she'd be mortified at being called old as is about 35

I’ve contacted the maker himself- and they are no longer in production- will continue to check luthiers/shops and auctions. Let me know if you come across one though 🤣

Seems my attempt of tagging is failed (don't know how to do it)!

Romany, the grade requirement for conservatoire means 'standard' rather than 'actual exam certificate' right? So no need to take them.

It seems it's a natural step to move on to the next exam for @Shakyisles's DD. Go ahead. Good for her. But I just thought, you may want to search for another option to nurture her love of music in the meantime. Sometimes the rigid system can be a killer for real creative soul. She sounds very talented and creative. Many able DCs can pass exams but creativity is something rather special. For instance, Alma Deutsche's dad deliberately avoided introducing her to the traditional English method of exams and mechanical learning. Instead he researched and found her a teacher who could teach her music in a very unique way (the method used in 18th century Italy). She studies with him via skype. So you don't need to live physically close to excellent teachers (if living outside the UK is your concern).

Zak, sorry never heard of it. Have you contacted deals/luthiers everywhere? You may want to send out a bulk email? You can possibly contact dealers outside the UK too. Bows can be posted.

Dd tried the violin luthiers when she picked up her full size violin and fell in love with it!!! Unfortunately luthier wasn’t selling it as it was her own bow.
So I’m now on a mission! 🤣

why that one Zac, I'm nosy.

Mumsnetters- I’m on the search for a Benoît Rolland Spiccato carbon fibre violin bow. Any help appreciated- searched high and low.....maker had stopped making them but they are out there!

I think it's a personality thing ito exams, they are really useful but not the be all.
There are plenty of brilliant musicians who have never taken an exam and others that have passed many.
Grade 8 is the requirement for conservatoire and most colleges. Some expect a grade 5 Piano.
The lack of GCSE or A level isn't a barrier though. In fact you may be at a disadvantage if you have taken them and not got great grades.

I don't mean that those who did diploma wouldn't be a pro nor wouldn't enter conservatoire. There are many different musicians, approaches and goals.

That's also what I wanted to say. Exams can hinder proper development required for serious musicians. After all there are so many to learn before reaching to the conservatoire entry. But as thirdfiddle pointed, they can be a great tool for those who are motivated, need challenges and pretty serious but not as serious as considering a music career.

Enjoyed reading through this discussion. DS did G8 before joining music school but his & his teachers focus since joining is 100% on improving tone & technique. Everything seems so relaxed, which I find quite unnerving. If he were at home, we'd no doubt be guiding him towards a diploma etc.

Romany, I like reading stories before becoming famous.

Outside music school world getting a diploma can also help open doors or make people think of you when opportunities come up. Recital slots, concertos, paid gigs, opportunities to play with pros. In a smaller local music scene word does get around and it's just another nudge for people to remember you rather than someone else. And the diploma can be a different musical experience itself. But it is going to be really variable from person to person whether they are already performing enough that people know what they can do. I played violin so easy to get lost in the crowd!

It's a good excuse to give a recital too - if you're not in a system where it's the norm, "can I do a lunchtime recital to help prepare for my diploma" is easier to say than "can I do a lunchtime recital because I'm so fabulous dahling"