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| Conservatoires - FAQ |
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What are the entry requirements?
Applicants to all undergraduate courses would normally be expected to have passes in two subjects at A Level, or equivalent qualifications eg. GNVQ (Advanced), BTEC International Baccalaureate etc.
For BMus applicants, these should include Music. Standard minimum entrance criteria for musicians also include ABRSM Grade V theory. Applicants attending audition would be expected to perform to a standard equivalent of ABRSM Grade VIII Distinction. Applicants to all postgraduate courses should have a degree or diploma. However, some conservatoires do accept non-standard qualifications. These can vary enormously and may include maturity and life experience as well as non-conventional certificates and diplomas. Selection will invariably be based on your performance at the audition.
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Will I need to attend an interview or audition?
Auditions and/or interviews are an important part of the selection process for conservatoires. Applicants will be required to attend an audition and interviews form the final stages of the entry process for all other courses.
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How do I get an audition?
You will need to make a application to study at any music college. The application fees vary but are usually between £35 - £50
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How do I apply?
All undergraduate applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, UCAS. You can obtain a UCAS form and Handbook from your school or College or by contacting UCAS directly. In addition to this applicants for a BMus course will also need to complete the conservatoire\\\'s own application form. Applications to all postgraduate courses should be made direct to the conservatoire.
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Will I get feedback on my performance at the auditions?
Unfortunately, due to the number of candidates usually attending auditions music colleges are usually unable to provide individual feedback.
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What happens at a music college audition?
The audition process varys for each individual music college so it is important that you check any specific audition requirements. However, as a general rule the audition process is usually as follows:
You are given about 20-30 minutes to warm up before your audition. BMus candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces on their principal study lasting 10 - 15 minutes in total. The chosen pieces should be of ABRSM Grade VIII standard and should demonstrate the extent of your technical ability. Professional accompanists are usually provided for candidates on request. The audition process might last between 20-30 minutes and may also include sight reading and technical tests (scales to ABRSM Grade VIII standard). An assessment of your aural skills may also take place involving exercises in sight-singing, rhythm recognition and aural awareness. Interviews with a member of the academic staff normally take the form of a discussion about your musical interests, activities and career aspirations.
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What do I need to bring with me to the Music audition?
You should take your own instrument and, if possible your own accompanist who knows your playing well. All the pieces you are performing should be very well rehearsed. If this can not be arranged accompanists can usually be provided by the college where requested.
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What are my chances of being accepted?
The number of places at conservatoires are limited in order to to provide each student with a high degree of individual support as well as maximum performance opportunity. The competition for places on all courses is therefore very intense. You should endeavour to demonstrate a genuine commitment to your chosen course as well as considerable ability. Always apply to several colleges as different colleges have slightly different preferences and different methods of evaluating individual potential. Many students who are not accepted at one particular music college go on to gain a place elsewhere!
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How much are the tuition fees?
The conservatoires share the same fee arrangements common to all UK universities. Tuition fees for all undergraduate courses is currently around £3,000 per annum for UK and EU students. All undergraduate courses at the music colleges are eligible for a Local Education Authority means-tested award.
Fees for full-time postgraduate courses are generally around £6,000. Fees for international students on full-time courses are around £12,000 - £14,000 per annum.
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What accommodation is available at the College?
The accommodation situation is different for each conservatoire but there will be a Student Welfare Manager whose job is to offer support and advice on housing. Most students live in shared, rented accommodation and there are also schemes in place to help new students find housemates, often from the same course, before the start of term. The average rent for a room in a shared house in London can be £100 per week and outside London from about £70 per week.
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Can I visit a music college?
Music colleges hold a number of Open Days for each subject area every year. These provide a opportunity for you to view the facilities, talk to the teaching staff and see the work of current students. Details of Open Days should be available on the website of the individual college.
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