Conservatoire standard / Univ ensemble opps

[AlwaysaLittleBitTired]

DD is in Y12 and considering Conservatoire vs University for music. 3 As at A level (including music) is attainable for her in theory. Unfortunately, covid years delayed her formal practical assessments and she is only now about to take her G7 practical (ABRSM). At the point of application she won't be near to taking her G8, although could push to get ready for that by next spring (meaning it's then also out of the way before A level exams next summer).

Any experience out there for conservatoire applications with only G7 done? (She has G6 ABRSM Distinction, and is trying hard to do the same for G7 but is having the usual pre-exam wobble about the likelihood of that).

She's convinced herself that most of the Cons are out of reach, as she isn't at the right standard and plays a very popular wind instrument, so is looking at Universities that have strong performance opportunities in ensembles (that don't also require 'at least' G8/Diploma level qualifications). Her heart really lies with playing in ensembles.

I guess the questions are whether conservatoires are really out of reach at undergraduate stage if she shows potential, but isn't quite up to the technical standard; and does anybody have knowledge of universities that have really great ensemble opportunities for wind players? We've read the blurb on the websites, but what is it really like?

Thanks

Some great observations and opinions there, thank you.

We have been visiting college open days, and she has her heart set on Conservatoire study rather than University. She thrives playing in ensembles, and wants performance to be the majority of her studies. We have a better feel for what they want to see, and slow and steady/not flashy is definitely DD. She is told that she has good technique and makes a really good sound, but is now thinking of a year out for structured practice and tuition if she doesn't gain a place for next year. Alternatively, as her academics will be good she might go to University (if she can find a good performance based course that will accept her) and keep in mind the option to transfer to college later on.

Good luck for those starting in Autumn, and those applying in this round.

Thanks all.

That sounds like a great plan@AlwaysaLittleBitTired . Good technique, good sound, good in ensembles is the recipe for success. Best of luck to her!

@AlwaysaLittleBitTired sounds sensible. She could look at Manchester which offers a joint course between the university and Royal Northern. I think some of the London uni colleges offer tuition at RAM for their music undergrads but I don't know if they get anything beyond lessons. I also know a couple of Oxford undergrads who get their tuition at RCM. If nothing else it would give her a feel for tutors if she decided to go to uni and then do a conservatoire masters.

Has she considered the military bands? If the conservatoires are a step too far for her ( and I suspect they are if she's playing a popular instrument), then she might be successful for a military band. I have lots of friends who are or have been military musicians and it's an amazing life they have! I think they can do their training alongside a degree course, so no student debt. The Guards bands, RAF Central or Royal Marines bands are the ones to aim for

@cavernclub makes a really good point. I chatted to the Director of Music at the Royal Marines a couple of years ago. Musicians do a light version of basic training, then go on to their music college for 3.5 years. It's all paid for so they don't incur any fees or loans. Then they get the opportunity to play all over the world.

I live close to a RM training centre and am lucky to play in ensembles with lots of retired RM musicians. They are, without exception, fantastic musicians and the stories they tell are amazing.

Is there any merit in a gap year? Takes the pressure off and allows her to develop other skills too. Not travelling, obviously, as she’d want to be working on music but she could perhaps play with an orchestra or something else that would build her portfolio for conservatoire?

@AlwaysaLittleBitTired don’t be put off by grades etc; the conservatoires are openly keen to find talent that isn’t solely from specialists schools, JDs etc. Of course they want the players already making their mark but they also want balance, to nurture talent etc. If you are thinking of a gap year, you might look at the RAM gap year programme (they also do a yr14 programme at the JD). But it is worth having a couple of consultation lessons if they are not in a JD or specialist school. They do cost but are a good investment if you are unsure, and if you don’t have access to conservatoire level teaching already. Or do one of the summer courses or ensembles these teachers are often part of - although prob too late for this year.