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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Conservatoire applicants

122 replies

Siriusmuggle · 11/11/2021 13:11

Probably not many of us here. Just wondering who's heard from where. Mine has had an online interview for RWCMD and has one arranged for RBC. Hasn't heard from RNCM or any Londons yet. From Instagram it looks as if RNCM are doing some auditions today so does that mean it's a no? Reckons none of his mates have heard either.

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Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 09/12/2021 15:08

Another offer- Trinity. Interview with RCM tomorrow. So now at 3 offers and 3 waiting to hear.

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londonmummy1966 · 09/12/2021 15:34

@Siriusmuggle - that's amazing - fingers crossed. DO let me know if there are questions about RCM.

Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 09/12/2021 15:40

Will do. He’s got a internet interview with them tomorrow. My concern about all the londons is the cost and proximity of accommodation.

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PaddingtonPaddington · 09/12/2021 20:54

@Siriusmuggle wow lots to chose from!

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 09/12/2021 21:05

Hi OP. Many congratulations to your son for his offers, it's great having a choice.
DS1 is in his last year at RWCMD, (although actually is in Royal Antwerp at present on a delayed Erasmus scheme place). He auditioned last week at RCM for a two year postgrad course and was offered a place on the spot. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 09/12/2021 21:05

He applied to 6 to hopefully get 2 or 3 offers. 3 Offers so far and 3 yet to offer or reject. Going to be a tough decision.

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Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 09/12/2021 21:06

@Grumpyoldpersonwithcats how has he enjoyed RWCMD? I think it’s a contender at the moment. They certainly seem keen and good at communication.

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Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 09/12/2021 21:22

DS1 has found Royal Welsh very friendly & very supportive. He has also made some exceptional contacts while there. It has really helped that he is very self driven musically and therefore has taken every possible opportunity he could there.

ninavd · 09/12/2021 21:53

Great to find a thread on auditions for conservatoires. My DS has applied to Trinity, RAM and Guildhall to study BMus for Jazz Saxophone. All in person auditions. RAM and Trinity done and tomorrow is Guildhall. He loved Trinity and the head of jazz there. Not so keen on RAM. Let's see how tomorrow goes at Guildhall. Then the long wait! Good luck to everyone who is applying.

ninavd · 09/12/2021 22:04

@Siriusmuggle

He applied to 6 to hopefully get 2 or 3 offers. 3 Offers so far and 3 yet to offer or reject. Going to be a tough decision.
Great position to be in though! We've only got 3 on the list.... :-)
ninavd · 09/12/2021 22:09

Can I ask how offers were received? Was this through the UCAS portal or via email or other? Many thanks!

Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 09/12/2021 22:13

One just popped up on the portal, one was initially email and I think one was during an online interview.

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Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 10/12/2021 14:44

And now an RCM offer to add to the mix.

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PaddingtonPaddington · 10/12/2021 14:55

@Grumpyoldpersonwithcats

DS1 has found Royal Welsh very friendly & very supportive. He has also made some exceptional contacts while there. It has really helped that he is very self driven musically and therefore has taken every possible opportunity he could there.
That’s good to know as it’s DDs favourite and it’s the offer holder day next week then will make a decision but I think it’s already made.
PaddingtonPaddington · 10/12/2021 14:56

@Siriusmuggle

And now an RCM offer to add to the mix.
Congrats, lots of offers to consider for your DS!
Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 10/12/2021 14:57

In your son's shoes I'd be tempted to take RCM offer over the others. Congratulations to him once again.
Out of interest what instrument is it?

CMeredithC · 10/12/2021 15:23

Congratulations to your son @Siriusmuggle, so many great offers!

Feel free to message me with any questions about the London colleges, especially Trinity. Or about accommodation!

Keep in mind that scholarships may still be offered next week when all the auditions are done. If he has so many offers and the conservatoires know about it, it’s always worth negotiating the amount at a preferred option, if that would make the difference between accepting the place or not - in London with the higher costs for example.

It sounds like he has a very high standard so maybe you’ll be offered something, although I’m also not sure how much the scholarship pots have shrunk this year, with Covid and Brexit in the mix…

londonmummy1966 · 10/12/2021 15:59

Many congratulations to your son @Siriusmuggle. Did he get the offer in the interview? That happened to my DD last year but they then deliberate for a while on the scholarships. RCM can be quite generous which might make the eyewatering accomodation costs less painful. If he does want to go for RCM he should book his accomodation asap as the second years have already been allowed to start booking.

Alsoplayspiccolo · 10/12/2021 16:02

Congratulations to your son, sirius.
In his position, I would definitely opt for one of the London colleges, but would pick RWCMD over Trinity - just a personal preference, based on my own knowledge and experience.

Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 10/12/2021 16:40

Not much love for RNCM on this thread and that’s always been his top choice.

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catnidge · 10/12/2021 16:45

@Siriusmuggle, I have a child in first year at RNCM, they love it.
Gained so much confidence there, well looked after, great social life and loving the course.
Do PM me if you want to ask anything more.

Original poster
Siriusmuggle · 10/12/2021 16:56

I will do, thank you

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CMeredithC · 10/12/2021 16:59

@Siriusmuggle RNCM and TLCMD would be my top 2 recommendations if someone asked me. It depends a bit on the instrument, of course, but both are such nurturing institutions with a very high level of teaching, despite the 'worse' reputation. Trinity was/is #1 in the UK for my instrument and a few other courses, but due to historical bad reputation people still brush it off automatically, against other colleges.

They are a lot more relaxed and there is a tendency to push students towards playing or doing what they enjoy the most, and develop their own unique portfolio career, instead of the majority all learning X piece in first year and YZ excerpts and concerto in second year, etc. It's a bit more informal and free or flexible. This observation comes from my personal experience, both on the student and the teaching side, at many of the UK conservatoires.

Going to RCM/RAM brings some extra 'prestige' with it, but it very much depends on the personality of the student, and most importantly, the class and department they will be a part of.

Don't feel like it would be a bad move to reject offers from the more prestigious conservatoires. He should go with his preferred option and I'm guessing there are good reasons why RNCM is his top choice!

OhGingleBells · 10/12/2021 17:18

Has anyone or their DC heard anything back from RAM for the MA in musical theatre? Bit of a long shot asking here but just wondering if anybody has any idea when we are likely to hear about recalls?

Alsoplayspiccolo · 10/12/2021 17:21

sirius, the RNCM is excellent, particularly for brass; London would always be my first choice (I went to the Guildhall and RAM) because of all the other opportunities it offers (teaching, playing, concerts etc), but that’s not to say RNCM isn’t equally as good as the London colleges.
I think you mentioned he could continue with his current teacher there, which is a huge positive if it’s a great relationship.