Junior conservatoires, How to choose? Options

[FullofWind]

My child will be auditioning for three JD's but other than location being a deciding factor I am confused as to which one would be best. Which JD's are known to be better for wind, composition, theory, aural, performance, ensembles?

I'm looking at Guidhall, RCM and RAM. Trinity is too difficult to get to.

[A.U.K]

My child will be auditioning for three JD's but other than location being a deciding factor I am confused as to which one would be best. Which JD's are known to be better for wind, composition, theory, aural, performance, ensembles?

I'm looking at Guidhall, RCM and RAM. Trinity is too difficult to get to.

I agree Trinity is so way off the beaten track these days I have no idea what possessed them to move out to the South East.. I have fond memories of its days just off Manchester square..

What is your childs intrument? I would think that would be a starting off point. Depending on the instrument and which professors are teaching that particular instrument at whichever college or junior dept would be my guide. Also have you asked your childs current teacher who they reccomend?

[Chris H]

Whoops - I read that as Trinity was more difficult to get into rather than get to - I was wondering why!

[A.U.K]

I didn't know that Trinity Juniors was harder to get into than the others! Why is that?

Not harder to get into but harder to get to since it up sticks and moved to Greenwich.

[Chris H]

I didn't know that Trinity Juniors was harder to get into than the others! Why is that?

Not harder to get into but harder to get to since it up sticks and moved to Greenwich.

You quoted me after I'd realised what the OP had said and I'd already edited my post (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[FullofWind]

He plays oboe and bassoon but is thinking about giving up oboe as he gets more opportunities with the bassoon.

[A.U.K]

Well I know that Junior Guildhall has a good wind dept, can't comment on the others, they are all good. Talk to your sons teachers and get their thoughts and have a chat with Howarths they will know who is where and maybe able to suggest something.

Ultimately it comes down to who best suits your son and his personality. Not every teacher will suit every player.

Aren't you a nice mum to make such an effort on your sons behalf. Mine didn't bother one bit so I think your son is very fortunate.

I didn't know that Trinity Juniors was harder to get into than the others! Why is that?

Not harder to get into but harder to get to since it up sticks and moved to Greenwich.

You quoted me after I'd realised what the OP had said and I'd already edited my post (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

OOOOOPS... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Claudia's Mum]

I didn't know that Trinity Juniors was harder to get into than the others! Why is that?

Not harder to get into but harder to get to since it up sticks and moved to Greenwich.

Unless you are based in South or East London, Essex, Kent or Sussex in which case it is the easiest one to get to!

[FullofWind]

Well I know that Junior Guildhall has a good wind dept, can't comment on the others, they are all good. Talk to your sons teachers and get their thoughts and have a chat with Howarths they will know who is where and maybe able to suggest something.

Ultimately it comes down to who best suits your son and his personality. Not every teacher will suit every player.

Aren't you a nice mum to make such an effort on your sons behalf. Mine didn't bother one bit so I think your son is very fortunate.

I didn't know that Trinity Juniors was harder to get into than the others! Why is that?

Not harder to get into but harder to get to since it up sticks and moved to Greenwich.

You quoted me after I'd realised what the OP had said and I'd already edited my post (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

OOOOOPS... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Thank you, it hadn't crossed my mind to ask Howarths, that is a great suggestion. Not being a good mum. All these ideas have arisen since lurking for a while reading the forums. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Listener]

I don't know how common this is, or how easy to arrange, but someone we knew arranged consultation lessons for their cild. Some audition for more than one of the London JDs, and the audition/results can be a way of deciding.

[Minstrel]

All good advice, especially about teachers. However, don't assume that if you only audition for one you will be offered that one place. Go to open days, talk to as many people as you can, audition for all those that you would consider (ALL audition practice is good experience for a potential life-time musician!) and if you are lucky enough to get a choice and are still undecided, ask if you can visit on a normal Saturday to get the feeling for which JD your child would be happiest and most at home in.

[Ayshah]

My eldest daughter, a flute player and singer, was at Trinity when it was based in central London. She auditioned for all the London JDs, but we chose Trinity because it was within walking distance and it gave a very generous bursary. We never looked any specific teachers. However she had consultations with all the JDs prior to applying. she didnt like RCM - too frosty, nor the Guildhall - too austere, didnt get an offer from RAM. She liked the teacher she had the consultation with at Trinity and asked for her when she started there.

My third daughter, a sax player, went to RAM JD for the same reason, a short walk though Regents Park. We didnt bother to audition elsewhere and didnt have an consultation. It all worked out very well as she had previously done masterclasses with the teacher she was assigned to, and knew a fair sprinkling of students and other teaching staff previously.

The staff change over the years and I would hesitate to recommend any of the current staff at any of those two establishments. As others have said you may have a very well known teacher that your particular child may or may not gel with. I think you sometimes have to take your chances and if a particular teacher doesnt work, ask to move to another one. I would say that all have high standards for composition, theory aural etc. However ensembles tend to be competitive, but everyone gets a chance eventually.

I think it was a good thing that Trinity moved to Greenwich, not only were they in very cramped conditions in central London, but the south east now has access and can I say the best way to get there is by boat on the Thames, literally docks at the gate!

[sunil]

A very informative thread here, though later stages it focus more on Purcell / Chethams

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/education/1141...es/AllOnOnePage

If OP knows MNW / MusicalNitWit, s/he should be able to give some excellent advise

[A.U.K]

I think it was a good thing that Trinity moved to Greenwich, not only were they in very cramped conditions in central London, but the south east now has access and can I say the best way to get there is by boat on the Thames, literally docks at the gate!

I agree Trinity was very cramped in it's old address and I will be interested to see the New Trinity College at Greenwich..talking of which where do I get the boat from to get to Trinity and does it drop me literally outside or at least with easy access. The reason I ask is that I will be going there regularly very soon and will hop a train to Waterloo then need to get across to Trinity College.

Thanks

[notmusimum]

The first thing you could do is ask all three if they will allow your son to shadow one of their Juniors. That way he should get an insight into what actually goes on at each.

I don't know how old your son is but composition may be age based so only for those GCSE years and above. FOr us it is loosely based on academic school year though people do get shoved up.

At this stage I would keep the option of both instruments open. My daughter was taken on sax and oboe with oboe as her first instrument. At the time of application she had a lot of oboe playing opportunities which suddenly declined and she enjoys sax much more these days.

You may also find they have soloist concerts that are free to the general public so it may be worth having a look at those and that would give you the chance to chat to other parents to get a better insight.

Good luck with your choice.