Hello everyone,

I'm currently working on a research project as part of my degree regarding the use of ABRSM graded exams in Music degree entry requirements, and I was wondering if any of you would like to lend me a hand!

Firstly what I would like to know is:
If you are currently in the process of applying/studying for a degree at college/university what were the stated entry requirements of the establishment? (I'm interested in both the musical and non-musical educational requirements here so please provide as much information as you can)

Secondly:
Did you have those requirements? If not, were you still able to apply and did you get your place?

Thirdly:
How old were you when you started your course? Or for those in process of applying how old will you be when the course begins?

And finally...
What grades had you taken prior to you obtaining/applying for a place? (If you've taken graded exams in more than one instrument these are welcome information too as are theory grades!)


All responses are greatly appreciated and all information will be used anonymously for your peace of mind!
Thank you and good luck in your music!

Jo

I plan to apply for a few music colleges this year. Taking Royal College of Music as an example, they require an A/B in A Level Music, plus another A Level at grade E, or 2 AS Levels at Grade C. You also need to be at least Grade 8 distinction standard to get in.

I will be finishing A Level Music and am predicted an A. I am predicted As in my 2 AS Levels (though I will probably continue them to A2). I also have Grade 8 distinction.

I will 18 (nearly 19) if I start a course in Sept 2007.

Before applying I will have Grade 8/diploma piano, Grade 8 viola and Grade 8 theory.

Armed with Grade 8 clarinet, Grade 5 piano, Grade 5 theory and four rubbish A-level grades, I got a place through clearing on a music degree course. I was 18 at the start of the course.

Hiya,

I have a conditional offer from Leeds Uni, A in music, BC in my other two (maths and biology). Fingers crossed!

I will have just gone 18 when my course starts

I passed my grade 8 on bass about a year ago and I have distiction grade 5 theory (who doesnt! ) and I put in on my UCAS that I'm doing my ATCL piano asap (slight exaggeration but it will be hopfeully done by xmas )

Hope that helps

Jen
xXx

Me?

Seriously, I don't.

Me, I have never done a theory exam.

I most certainly didn't get a distinction for grade 5 theory. I believe in energy conservation....
I take it you only want recent degree application data? Mine go back some 23 years.

Not at all! All data is of use to me, the broader the better!

OK then:
I was asked for ABB at "A"level by my first choice to study medicine. The lower choices asked for BBB and BBC if I remember correctly. I didn't manage that - got ABC, but had also taken an "S" level in chemistry (the subject for which I got a B at "A" level), and somehow got a distinction for that.
My first choice, Edinburgh, accepted me, probably as a barrel-scraping. Or so I was told at the Freshers' bunfight.
On my UCCA form, filled in aeons ago...grade 5 oboe pass, grade 6 piano with merit, grade 5 theory pass. I'm pretty sure I won't have mentioned the grade 7 piano fail!
If I'd had to do an interview for Edinburgh, I'd not have got an offer, I know. Luckily for me, my raw youth remained hidden from them, and I got the chance to do what I'd dreamed of doing since the age of 11.
I started my studies at 18.

I'm applying this year and this is the information I got from one of the students at Trinity University:

To take an instrument you need grade 8. To take composition you don't really need any - apparently grade 5 keyboard helps.

Getting in depends on entirely your musical abilities and the guy was offered to Es. This is not the same at University only conservatoires.

Hope this helps a little.