Does anybody know of any A Level Music Courses for adults around Essex?

Does anywhere do A level music for adults? I thought it was one of those things you had to do at school or sixth form college.

One of our local colleges does A-levels via evening classes, but I've only seen History, Maths, English, etc.

Are you looking for full time, part time or part time evening only? And what area of Essex (broadly)? I'm on the border with Herts, so for me potential places are Harlow College, maybe Herts Regional College, Anglia Uni (at Chelmsford), etc...

You can also try Google for 'distance learning a level', there are a few places that do distance a-levels but I don't know if music is offered by any (I looked at one that offered archaeology but didn't do it in the end!)

It's a matter of finding a course - age doesn't matter as far as I'm aware.

Yes, ditto what people have said. I know there is an adult education college in Leicester, so there might be something like around too.

What are your circumstances, violinist? Does it have to be an evening class? I ask because one of the sixth form colleges in my corner of beautiful Surrey is apparently happy to take on adults as mature students (a former pupil did a couple of A-levels there as an adult).

It's tempting to register so I can do A-level blowing things up chemistry, but my parents weren't much help with A-level homework last time round.

I think the London College of Media and Music do A level music for adults but that is in Ealing. Generally speaking, unlike other curriculum subjects, in London there isn't a GSCE or A level music course outside school

The trouble with an adult class is that they generally need a minimum nunber to run it.
I enrolled in a theory class for grade 6-8 once but they didn't have enough takers to run the class and it was withdrawn.

That's what I thought , and nationally too - & I can't imagine a school sixth form taking adults - maybe a sixth form college would, though there are alternatives for adults such as an OU course and/or higher theory grades.

Can anyone name a FE college which offers A level music?

I know that my local 6th form has been known to take on more mature students: don't know about over 25s, but a friend of mine did her A Levels there when she was in her early 20s. I have known people do A Level as an adult - I don't think anywhere round here (apart from possibly that school) that offers it at the moment.

We also used to have a local Saturday school which offered A level music to anyone as far as I know - don't know if they still do.

My local FE college offers music related BTECs and diplomas, doesn't seem to offer it at A Level.

Probably not widely available, but I'm sure it's there if one is willing to dig enough and travel widely enough *shrugs*

Ask the council?

http://www.meacc.ac.uk/courses/

http://www.colchesteracc.essexcc.gov.uk/course_outlines.htm

Doesn't appear to do A Level music, but do do some Music courses

Some more:
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebs...l&oid=17282

Where abouts are you/where would you be willing to travel to?

LEARN DIRECT:
http://www10.learndirect-advice-search.co....p;submit=submit
I put you were near Chelmsford as that is apparently the county town. Lots of courses but none part time. does this matter?

Did a search for part time Music courses - http://www10.learndirect-advice-search.co....mp;submit=click

Nicki's Mum says - the best thing to do would be to ring Learn Direct --> http://www.learndirect.co.uk/, 0800 100 900

Hi,
I was in your situation a few years back, and wanted to do A level music. No problem I thought, and started looking at local Adult education classes. No luck. They just didn't exist.

Your best bet would probably be to see if your nearest Uni runs a Music degree. If they do, you'll probably find that they also run a foundation programme. Enrol on that. They usually last a year or two years and tend to run in the evenings. That's how I eventually managed to carry on with my music. Just an idea. One that worked for me

Good Luck
Iona

Thanks for everyone's replies. I am near Chelmsford. None of the local adult colleges do A Level Music. It doesn't have to be A Level but just thought it'd be a good thing do do. Have looked at the OU's Diploma in Music and that looks interesting so am considering that.

Has to be a part time course preferably evenings as i work full time (although i would like to cut down a couple of days maybe next year).

I've heard of some schools allowing adults in to take both A levels & GCSEs & some local colleges do it. It's a case of asking around at local schools & colleges. You could also do it privately with a local teacher. I hope you're successful in finding something suitable.

I did A level music, as a mature student, a while ago and I did it with a local college. The way I found about it was to email my local council office. You might want to do the same. I must say, if you can get on the A level course, it is great fun!

I did music A-level in a local VI Form college because there were no evening classes available. For this to work you naturally have to be available during the day (which I was at the time).
It couldn't have been more awkward because it was on the other side of the city and meant I had to travel in 4 days per week for a 1-1/2 hr lesson + choir practice which was not necessarily immediately before or after a lesson, requiring more hanging around.

The second year I found a college closer to my home that did a weeks' worth in one day and was prepared to take me on as a 2nd year working alongside the 1st years. (A paying student is always welcome!)

In both cases I was nearly 20 years older than most others in the classes (there were another couple of adults at the first one) and didn't necessarily find myself mixing too well with the youngsters (what massive egos some 'arty' kids have!) so made friends with the tutors instead.

Most of the students were nice, the coursework was a joy and the gigs were tremendous fun. I thoroughly enjoyed (nearly) every minute. I would recommend this if no other option is open. A mixed age class can calm some high spirits, but be prepared to hold back a bit if you find you know most of the answers; give the others a chance!

Mel.

Just wondered if you found one in the end? I am looking now but having trouble!! x

Depends where you are in Essex... Hills Road Sixth Form College (Cambridge) do run a course, - in the evenings.
Hope this helps.

Southgate College in London is an FE college with strong music- I did my A level music there many years ago and am sure it's still offered. It was a daytime course when I was there for full time A level students, I can't remember if they offered it within the evening courses.
City Lit college in London have a large range of adult music courses- worth checking if you're in London, not sure if they do A Level but I had an adult student taking a Musical Theatre diploma course who was thinking about joining their Aural classes.