Conservatoires

[rogueantimatter]

Would anyone like to join me on a thread for parents (or anyone with interesting info) of DC who are at, starting in sept or applying to conservatoires?

I'm envious of the MT/acting thread

DS will start Guildhall to do a BMus in jazz (bass) is September. I'm thrilled for him but very nervous. And of course the costs are eyewatering.

His sister started a BMus at RCS a couple of years ago.

Roll up, roll up all welcome.

I guess it wasn't the experience your other dd was after but maybe dd wil like it and even though places are like hens teeth least she auditioned

Gosh purple that sounds gruelling.

The RADA process is long winded - four rounds, over several months. And each round is lengthy ( three hours for round three, six for round four) and intense. But there's not that much to do in preparation. Three two minute minute monologues and a song ( in which you needed show no musicality).

All DD need do for round four is learn a new monologue. And it's probably better to be under rehearsed than overly so.

I feel that the music auditions are far too short. Some places don't do aural tests or ask many questions about your expectations of the course.

Very glad they don't involve four rounds though.

When I auditioned for a music degree at university many years ago I was there all day. Essays to write, audition on two instruments, lunch where they watched how you interacted with others and 30 minute interview!

My friends who auditioned at RAM and RCM had similar. Perhaps more people audition these days than in the dark ages so they churn through them more quickly!

Oh that's interesting re your uni audition.

RAM and RCM are definitely more thorough than a lot of the other British conservatoires. DS was in and out of one of his auditions with an offer in 15 mins.

RCS jazz had a new system this year - recorded submission, telephone interview then performance audition and interview.

I'm spending a lot of time helping DS apply for funding at the moment. Not terribly hopeful, but you never know. The manager of one of the groups DS is in offered to advise - what a lovely, helpful lady. She spent 90 minutes on the phone going through things with me.

How did the Trinity audition go Purple?

She felt it went well but wasn't sure it was the right place for her- has to wait two weeks to see if she has got
any further .

She was at Arts Ed today but didn't get past the first round. They auditioned 56 and recalled 5 - all boys. Apparently they take more boys than girls. She felt it was all a bit rushed and didn't really have time to show her talents.

She had the third round at RCS on Sunday which she felt went really well but they were all at least two years older than her so she feels they will say no and maybe try again next year. But considering she is so young, she has done very well to get that far. Have to wait two weeks or so for the answer.

No more auditions for a while- just the Mountview recall in April. She is pleased as can now get back to her
a levels!

Ooh - well done. That sounds very positive. I've heard that trinity has a less friendly feel than some of the other places.

So tough for English pupils who are studying for A levels. The Scottish applicants are lucky in that they tend to already have enough Scottish higher passes to get unconditional offers.

DS changed to a specialist music school this year and they have been brilliantly supportive, giving himflexibility so he could concentrate on preparing for his auditions and do jazz stuff with other teachers and institutions.

Good luck to him rogueantimatter!

DD applied to specialist vocational schools for year 12 but didn't quite make it (e.g. waiting lists so good enough to go there but not in the top 15 places available.) She currently attends a very high performing grammar school where academics are the main priority so the fact that now she is getting further than those who have been in full time vocational training gives her hope that she will eventually make it.

One of DDs very good friends is at Trinity and just loves it but she wasn't feeling the love at all.

I can't speak for anything except drama but can categorically confirm that attending school as opposed to vocational training has not hindered DD in the least.

If anything RADA seems to want the untrained; so they can train 'em.

DD emailed yesterday to say she's thinking of putting in a last minute application to LAMDA and possibly The Vic.

This is a complete U turn as until now it's been RADA or university!

Sounds like she's really got the acting bug.

DS was a (slightly) late application.

I am having kittens over DS' funding. He got a verbal offer of a scholarship from the head of dept. Didn't realise he nevertheless had to apply to the department and missed the deadline. The administrator I spoke to was, 'He got a verbal offer? Erm, we usually send a letter. Hmmm. But try not to worry - get his application in asap and I'm sure Mr X will honour his word'. Kicking myself I didn't get him to chase this up sooner.

Places in halls are not confirmed until July. The thought of him trying to find a flat in London before he starts is terrifying. He should get into halls, but it's not guaranteed....

I realise most English students don't have plans finalised until august. I'm very thankful for the Scottish system where many students have unconditional offers by January/February. It's the fact of DS going to London - which we can barely afford that's stressful. Also if he doesn't like being in London I don't think he will be able to get a place at the Scottish conservatoire as they only offer one place for a jazz bass player each year. It all feels very risky. I know I'd be very stressed if we let him accept the London offer and sure enough I'm stressing about it.

I do applaud his sense of adventure though. even if we're crazy to support him in this madness

Any word Purple?

Hi rogueantimatter

It was a no from RCS but DD pretty much knew that she wouldn't be offered this year. She also found out that two others who were older and in her words "incredible" were also not offered a place but that's the way it goes. They were told at the third round audition that they would not be there if they weren't considered exceptional and I think she is very happy with the fact that she has had recalls on her first year of auditions.

Still waiting to hear from Trinity (two weeks is up on Monday) and then of course she has the Mountview second recall in April.

Good luck to your DS whatever he decides.

Update! Still waiting for Mountview recall but DD has been offered an unconditional place on the MT foundation course at Trinity so she has somewhere for September. She is a bit pleased ( but unfortunately no funding so will cost an arm and a leg!)

Congratulations to your DD Purple.

I sympathise with the financial side of things though. DS heard from that the head of department that he will definitely get a scholarship. Whew. But it's still going to be horrendously expensive.

Do you live in London? It's so very expensive...

Congratulations to your dd Purple.
We are a few years off yet, so can't really support anyone, but have you looked to see if there are any private sponsors, i found a list a while back 2 sides of A4 paper of industry recognised names, contacts and individuals who offer financial assistance.
It was usually for music though, i looked recently and couldn't find it.
However, I'm sure it was from one of the conservatoire websites.
I'll post link if i find it.

Lost the thread congrats to your Dd purple my dd had her audition moved from last month to today at RCS she has a call back this afternoon eeeeek !!

How did she do Mrs Jay? DD got
Through to a second recall stage
For the MT BA at RCS but didn't get through.

She wasn't successful for the recall BA at Mountview but was offered the Foundation which she is delighted
with. She has decided to take the place there rather than the Trinity one as she much prefers Mountview.
So now it's all decided what she is doing next year and now she is throwing herself into her A level revision.