Hi can anyone tell me what happens at music college open days as i am planning on going to RCM this month and would like to know a little more on what happens.

In 2 weeks time? I'm going there - I went to Trinity last week and they really don't tell you what's going on beforehand! What I did last week was went round the college, went round the halls of residence, talked to head of undergrad studies about the course and principal study stuff etc...

yes thats the one im going to, ive been to some uni open days and really just wondered how different it was for music colleges. They say you should be there for 11 but im not going to make it till nearer 12 which is a bit annoying as i will miss the welcome. did you like trinity?

I've not been to any unis yet, but I hope to visit RAM in September as well as York, Manchester and Nottingham Unis, and I think Birmingham Conservatoire. (That's so far, that list will probably grow, I'm one of those people who likes to get an idea of many different things before making a decision - ie I'm indecisive!! )I've already been to RNCM and I like it there. Definitely a plus as the Halls of residence are so close and the rooms are big enough to practise in and the rent is nowhere near as high as in London.
Trinity is a really lovely place cos it's in the old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. They have the most practise rooms out of all the Conservatoires in the UK, but they don't have a concert hall, just a couple of recital rooms, meaning that all of their big concerts are done in either the Chapel, or at Blackheath Halls, which of course is a more public venue. Course is also very realistic, they're not expecting everyone to be an international soloist, so they don't just focus your coaching on this eventuality - I would expect it to be like this at most conservatiores now anyway, they definitely have the same idea at RNCM. Thing is, Student accomodation is about a 15-20 minute walk, which is fine when the sun is shining and you have your piccolo in your bag, but if it's raining, your jeans have water soaked up to your knees and you have a trombone... not a good start to the day . Rooms are smaller and the rent is higher... because it's London.

Still not sure about anywhere yet, I have high hopes for RCM in a fortnight because I like what it says in the prospectus, and I can carry on my piano as second study, whereas at Trinity it's not that easy. But as we all know prospectuses tend to be like holiday brochures....

I will be going with a friend to RCM in 2 weeks also. Woodwind players can bring their instruments for hte day, I think. Have also been to RNCM, RAM and Guildhall. Will probably apply to only these ones, RAM is my top choice so far.

Kate, I asked about second study at RCM and if you want to do second study they take time off your principal study lessons... What grades are you on your instruments and how long have you been playing?

Trinity sounds nice. Im really going cos ive got to decide if i really want to go to music college then i will have to take a year off i think to get to the level as ive been playing 3 and half years its really frustrating tho! Im going to RNCM in may def a plus that its outside london financially.

Really? That's what they do at Trinity as well!

I started piano when I was 5 or 6, and have just done my Grade 8. Did Grades 1,2 with a lovely teacher then I moved house. Started with a new teacher age 8. I didn't do Grades etc from age 12 when I did Grade 5 until age 14 when I did Grade 6. Theory wasnt the issue, I had just started clarinet age 10 and did Grade 5 (age 12) and 6 (age 13). It was my piano teacher! Every time I mentioned Grade 6 there was a swift evasion - instead of saying "Kate I can't teach you any further" he carrried on messing me around and I paid him £10 every week for the next 2 years! I eventually bought the book and chose my pieces at home and did the exam at the end of year 9. I know its not all about Grades and I really believe in that (Im not saying it to keep people happy! ) but it was a wasted couple of years as I don't think I got much better at all!

Started at RNCM Junior school Year 10 on clarinet 1st Study. For the first time clarinet was my first instrument, because in all honesty I found it easier to progress quickly on than piano. My piano playing got absolutely pulled apart. My technique was shocking, and scales fingerings - i'd forgotten what those were! I worked so hard on the piano and got a high distinction at Grade 7 in Year 11. (yet to get Grade 8 results! )

I did Grade 8 on Clarinet 2 years ago, and I would like to think that I have improved since then.

The reason I don't want to give up piano is because it seems such a waste of all the work I have put into It for the past 10 years (thats why I wrote the essay and my life story!! Sorry!). The fact is, I play the piano just as much as I do clarinet. I know they do Joint principal at RCM, and although I'm pretty sure I could get into the BMus course (or, at least, have a good chance) on clarinet, I just don't think my piano's up to it. I'm at that stage where I think, why didn't I work harder? On both instruments!!

Hey-ho! sorry for the essay! I'm just so stuck - I think deep down school wishes I were thinking of something else too..... they would rather I did "a proper subject".

I've not been to RAM yet - the open day won't be till after I've made my application which seems pointless!
I'm liking RNCM, but being part of the JD I think makes me biased and might be driving me away at the same time!

I also went to Trinity last week - and loved every minute of it.

The location is beautiful, facilities fantastic, and halls of residense very very nice with ensuite in every room - but yes expensive, and as its a conservatoire its a 44 week term.

My specialism is composition so it isn't quite as overapplied as other instuments. Trinity said that to take joint study they substadise some of the fee so you have to prove yourself exceptional on both instruments.

I think Trinity will be the pone I like most but I'm really lookng forward to seeing RCM aswwell because its right in London too - right in the centre of the action! I quite fancy living in London actually!

Hope to see you all at future open days.

Becky

x x x

Did anyone go to RCM yesterday?

I think I like it better than Trinity... It seemed to have something that TCM didn't...can't put my finger on it though. Definitely applying there. I was also very impressed with the percussion in the foyer

Any thoughts?

OH NO! HAS THE TRINITY OPEN DAY BEEN AND GONE?!?!!?

Yeah almost a month ago! You;re interested in RNCM though right? It's next Wednesday! Wouldn't want you to miss another! Otherwise you can still arrange tours through Trinity... you just won't have the staff as on hand as at an open day.

WAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Already booked RNCM, booking Birmingham Conservatoire soon, maybe even LCM


Oh my that is frustrating I hope they have another open day! Really like the look of Trinity too!

Yes I was at the open day too. The percussion were great! Especially the solo snare drum in the lunchtime concert. The BMus talk was also very interesting, seems a very flexible course.

I went to the RCM open day last year. I though it looked really good. My problem is that I dont do Alevel music (not offered) so gettign in would be diffiuclt. I asked people there, one man said I wouldnt get in, the other was more optimistic. Oh well. We'l see when I apply in september! I thought it looked really nice