Hi All

I'm a 'mature' student in my forties (crumbs!) and wanting to study A Level Music in the Manchester area but I can't seem to find anything much. After quite extensive web searching the only place I could find was Loreto College (http://www.loreto.ac.uk/) but that's not for adult learners. I do at least have job flexibility so I can do a course during the daytime as well as evening. Also wondering if maybe a diploma or some other qualification would be more appropriate for me - I'm really not up to speed on how the education system works these days. I'm considering go on to do a degree in music (jazz) at Salford Uni or Leeds College of Music. I've got plenty of informal professional music experience and A levels in other subjects but have always been stumped by exam requirements of music courses.

Any advices welcome.

Cheers, Adrian

Hi Adrian

I have read on this board before about other adults wanting to do GCSE or A level music but have been unable to find courses. I think the general consensus is that there does not appear to be any at adult evening classes. Certainly I think there might only be one place in London, which I think is the London College of Media, which I know is no good to you as you are in London. All the best in your search. Which instrument do you play and at what level, because there are diplomas you can do. Those more experienced than me on these boards will be able to advise you I am sure.

Perhaps you could do grade 8 Theory instead?

Ashton 6th form also do A level music and do advertise courses for Adults.

I have five A Levels, a degree and a post graduate diploma, none of them in Music. For a while I thought I might like to make good the deficit and I found a music course at Goldsmiths. I was too ill to complete it and have since moved out of London. I don't know that I still feel the need to prove myself which is just as well as I can't afford the only option available to me now - the Open University. I decided in the end that I would concentrate on playing but good luck to any one who wants to continue their studies in other directions and I guess they may need it as adult education courses in music are few and far between.

Hi,

I can't help you specifically with courses in the Manchester area, but if a degree is your long term goal, remember that mature students do not necessarily need the same entrance qualifications as 18 year olds coming fresh from school. Look at any Uni website and you'll find a special page dedicated to Mature student applications. Check them out.

An A -level is as good a way to go as any of course, if that's what you feel most comfortable with (and usually a grade 7/8 in your instrument). However if you can find a Uni that does a Foundation course ...then that's another route to consider. (Which is what I did in London).

Don't be afraid to approach any Uni that appeals to you...More specifically ask about their Open Days and go along and chat to people.......You might find that ABRSM (or other) theory & practical grades , and some practical experience might do you just as well. It depends on the Uni. Also take a look at the Open Uni music courses. I know someone who started with an Open Uni Foundation in Music module, went on to another Uni Foundation course and then continued through a full time degree and a PGCE in music. There are many ways to skin a cat.......more so if you are slightly longer in the tooth.

Good Luck.
Iona

Hi All

Thanks for the useful replies. I think it's making a bit more sense now. I was looking at the audition requirements for Leeds College of Music BA Jazz at (http://www.lcm.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate...zz-studies.htm) and it doesn't look to onerous so maybe as iona suggests I should discuss things with a University/College and skip the A Level idea all together maybe. The Ashton College link looks useful as well so I'll consider that one albeit given the idea of going to degree direct.

Cheers, Adrian