Recommended Music school/college after GCSE

[peanutbutterbanana1]

Hi,
My son wants to study Music after his GCSEs. I wondered if anyone has any recommendations. We are in Kent so looking for ones in London or south east.
Thanks x

What instrument does he play?

He plays bass guitar

Anyone?

Have you looked at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford? They accept students from 16 on some of their courses.

Thanks I will look into it. Just trying to do a bit of research and not sure where to start so thanks :)

Brit School has a music pathway.

Sorry- I asked about what instrument he played as I know a bit about classical string players, but I don't know about bass guitar...

Thanks LIZ will look into that too.

No problem claraschu I should probably have put that in my first post but thanks for replying

Check out BIMM and ACM

I second BIMM. My son is studying guitar at the Brighton BIMM and absolutely loves it.

Great thanks will check those out too

Do you think it would be better to apply for these schools with gradings under your belt or can you apply without gradings?

The rhythm studio in West London is another possibility as they have a full-time sixth form. DS did a holiday camp last Summer - he plays bass so your post caught my attention. Entry for the level 3 extended diploma is 5 GCSEs and an audition, so no need to take grade exams as far as I know. I think that's true of the other colleges too.

Thanks Looseattheseams. I will look into this studio too. DS is reluctant to grade so this is good to hear.

My DD is starting a diploma at BIMM in September. You don't need official grades but there is an audition and you need to be playing around grade 5 standard

Great thanks Nellie. I have seen they do summer schools have any of your DC been on any of those?

I hadn't noticed that before! The timing for the London one doesn't quite work for us but it's good to see they do them.

Not the summer school, but my DS went to an open day at BIMM which he found inspiring.

What age did your Ds look around? My son is going into year ten in sept, do you think we should wait for next year? I just really want to inspire him and give him something to work towards....bit of get up and go if you get what I mean

This may be a little offbeat but have you looked at the music btec department at Ashford College. They've been in the new buildings year now and their music suite is fantastic - as are the creative arts staff. Might be worth look at one of their open days.

Will have a look thanks chilli.
When did you all start looking around for colleges etc? What age were your DDs?

We went to open days in year 10 for a couple of different colleges which DD found helpful as the courses were quite similar but she much preferred the 'feel' of one place over the other. It gave her something to aim for during the gcse years. She hasn't done the summer school but it does look good.

Have a look at ELAM, it has good connections to the music industry and very up to date facilities. I also know that Brit school is keen for bass guitarists so he could stand a good chance there.

Thanks very much I will look into those too. Yes son starts yr 10 in sept so hopin to look around a few so he can find what he wants to aim for.
Just finished a week at BIMM London summer school which he loved :)

ILikeTrains you sound very in the know, do you work in the music industry? (I don’t know how to take people) 😩