Basically.. i'm on a gap year, and have been trying out for music colleges this year.

I tried for the rcm, and the rncm, and got a reserve place for the rncm in manchester, which i accepted.

However i've just heard tonight that they won't be calling me up, so basically, if i want to go to col, i'm going to have to take another gap year (without the support and social life of having another friend also at home) and re-apply!

Probem is that i havn't had a single lesson since december, and my teacher doesnt seem all that keen on having me back, as he's not so used to teaching (as he puts it) 'more advanced students'.. but there's not really another oboe specialist in the area.. i'd have to start with someone who lives around 2hours (minimum) away.

I don't know how to deal with this situation.. how to improve my playing in the meantime, keep focused, disciplined and above all motivated during the next year!

Has anyone got any ideas or advice?? I'd really appreciate any input right now, as everything i'd hoped for is suddenly seeming less and less achievable! Maybe i should be re-considering my path.. i don't know!
Please let me know your thoughts!
s xx

I noticed that you are based in wales....where in wales?? I am at uni in Bangor (N Wales) and I know of a teacher who is willing (I think) to take oboists to a higher level....if you are worried about that??????

This is a very difficult situation for you and without hearing you play and without knowing your financial situation, your career ambitions etc quite hard to offer any thoughts.

The only thing that does cross my mind is that if you are determined to try again for music college and follow a career in music based on that, maybe you should use the next year to get a job and from what you earn, fund yourself some really good quality lessons with a college professor (or similar), even if that means travelling.

It's very hard when your peer group move on and you don't. However, if you plan further education, you're going to have a year to kill now anyway, so making the best of it seems the right way forward. If you decide FE is not for you, then assessing your potential in the workplace (and what you'd do) now seems the right way forward.

I suggest you talk this through with people who know you well. Ask yourself also where you want to be in, say, 5 years time? How are you going to get there? Make plans for several different routes to achieving that.

You got a reserve place this year at RNCM - maybe if you put your all into top-class lessons over this year you'll get in next. Music colleges (like all FE establishments) do have a wide age range amongst their students, so that isn't a barrier to you going. Also, a college professor would be able to give you a realistic assessment of your real potential for such a competitive world. Maybe a consultation lesson is the way forward short-term?

Best of luck anyway.