Hi
I'm doin my A Levels at the moment and am tryin to make decisions for Higher education which I'm finding hard. My gut feeling is I want to do music but I am totally unsure as to whether I'd be able to get on to any courses.
I have been playin the flute for about 6 years on and off, and got to grade 6. I took up the Alto Sax 4 years ago and am about to do my grade 8 in April. I've had distinctions for all my exams, with my best mark being 141 for my grade 6. But I know there are loads of great musicians out there who would put me to shame lol and I'm aware that the competition is tough for saxophinists at the moment (because, clearly it is the best instrument ever).
I live near Manchester and went to the RNCM a few months ago for a Saxophone day, it was great and left me truly inspired to improve my playing... to go there (or somewhere similar) would be fantatsic.
Is it easier to get onto music courses at universities then colleges like the RNCM? What would you say are the major differences? any general advice would be greatly welcomed.
thanks
sarah xxx

just shows the imcompetence of some of the examiners
seriously, if u want to go (which i do but that is never realisticly gonna happen) PRACTICE!!!
antoher point, find a piano teacher!

You're right bolsasax30, competition for places at the major music colleges (and , increasingly, at UK universities) is fierce. Unfortunately, you play an instrument that is very popular. You must be able to demonstrate grade 8 distinction standard for entry to music colleges (not necessarily have the certificate, but certainly you need to be playing at that standard). At universities too, you ought to be approaching that standard. Playing a couple of instruments, as you do, also will help. I would add that you ought to be competent at piano for most courses (depending on the institution, grade 3-5 standard), you'll find some aspects of your course difficult otherwise.

If you feel that you are of that standard though, go for it! You'll never know if you don't apply.

The very best of luck to you for your grade 8 and in the future.

More like DipABRSM standard these days. Not impossible to achieve if you have enough time to achieve it between now and your application to music college. A standard equivalent to grade 5 on the piano would also be required, so that you are able to partake in the harmony and keyboard musicianship classes. Most music colleges require you to sit a written exam as well - usually centred around choral type harmony, general theory and some music history. They don't normally have specimen papers available, so it would be wise to find out in advance what each college requires of you.

If you applied to a university for a place on a music degree that wasn't centred around performance, then depending on what your main area of interest was (music technology, composition, musicology, or a cross-centre joint honours course perhaps) a pass at grade 8 is likely to be sufficient. They will probably still expect some sort of keyboard skills though; however basic.

Wherever you apply, any course that is remotely linked to performance will require you to audition. Some places specify what you need to play, while others give you a free choice. However, pieces for the latter need to be chosen wisely in order to demonstrate your current skills to the full. For a performance course at any institution you would need to demonstrate the potential to develop your playing skills to a professional level - and that means a lot of practice while on the course.

Good luck for whatever decision you make.

Ultimately, the difficulty with getting in to the main music colleges is the competition. Amanda, on balance, is right, increasingly you'll need to be diploma standard. You are competing with candidates not just from the UK, but from around the world. I think between you and your teacher, you'll know whether you're good enough or not. I also think that, if anything, the competition will only get fiercer, and thus the standard you'll need to be to get in will increase steadily. There are plenty of other options though, don't think that just because you don't get into the RNCM or wherever that you've failed. There are a lot of excellent courses in other universities. Another possibility, as you're a wind player, is to train for entry into one of the armed forces bands. Think carefully about what you want to do, and be sure that you'll enjoy it.

Go with your gut on this... if what you want to do is music, then do music.

The requirements for entry for universities varies hugely! Some require 3 As, plus grade8, others - 2Ds, and preferably grade 5 standard. Just check out details for individual universities... and latr if you want you can always try for a postgraduate place at a music college if you decide that performane is the path you want to follow.

Just one thing - I decided quite late on that i wanted to go to music college, so ended up having to take a year out. This year I've beem bored to tears, BUT i dont regret it for a second.. follow your dreams, otherwise in years to come you'll just end up truly regretting never taking the chance.

s xx

Thanks for all your great advice
I am stayin on an extra year at college to do an ALevel in Music (as stupidly I didnt choose it, opting for english lit instead - ridiculous!) which gives me a bit more time to decide and, of course, practiseeee!!! Ah who knows what will happen, but at least I'll have no regrets coz I'm gonna give it a try.
sarah xxx

Oh and Nathan (or eugene as charlotte insists we call you now haha)
If I stand a chance then so do you! You've got 2 years to get to grade 8+ standard...which should be a doddle for you!

Eugene!! damn her!! how is the clari coming along mayu i ask hehe!