Just wondering what to include in my personal statement when applying to conservatories such as the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban?

I'm no expert, but mine included what experience I'd had, why I was applying, what I wanted to gain from the course(s), how I thought going to a conservatoire could influence that... those sorts of things.

ok thanks, just out of curiosity, which conservatory did you get into?

Ah... I didn't apply in the end. No doubt that will make my advice seem totally rubbish. I used a similar idea to go on to get places in various universities though. Hopefully someone qualified will answer your question soon. Good luck.

I had to fill out something like that for my university application. I straight exactly why I wanted to study music (because I love it), what I wanted to do with myself as a musician and that I was willing to work hard for what I wanted.

I had a big long think about my personal statement. It came down to these categories (I'm substituting "you" for "I" here):

a) What you've done in music (solo, ensemble, whatever) and what you got out of it. Obviously your exam results will be in the application already, so this is a chance to rave about what you've enjoyed most, which kind of music floats your boat, what you're working on at the moment, what you'd like to work on.

b) What you hope to get out of studying at the conservatoire. It's worth researching exactly what is distinctive about (in your case) RCM and Trinity and mentioning this - it's good to let them know that you've looked into this and thought about it. Go to open days if you can and talk to the people there.

c) What you hope to do with music in the future. This doesn't have to be "realistic" or make sense! Like me, you'll be starting as a student, not finishing, so they don't expect a finished product ready to win a Grand Prix du Disque with your next recording. (But then again, I don't know you - maybe you have done this already!) Studying is your chance to figure out and work on your ambitions, whether they're insane or not. (This part of my statement was quite bonkers, but I'm glad I was bonkers and enthusiastic rather than sensible and boring).

What I found helpful was just writing down the first thing that came to mind, over a period of a month or two, and slowly hammering it into shape.

Good luck - and I hope you end up where I did: struggling to cut down my statement enough to fit the CUKAS 4000-letters limit!

First talk about which aspects of studying the subject at uni/a conservatoire particularly appeal to you. They want to know why they taking you would be a good move.

Then you can talk about aspects of your subject that really enthuse you: stuff you've been looking at recently, any independent study you've done....

Then go on to talk about hobbies/activities and things... we were told it's best if you can explain how these hobbies and activities have proved beneficial (for example, doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award has improved your ability to commit yourself to difficult tasks.....)

Don't forget any relevant work experience etc. that might count - say how it helped...

Basically just make it clear why you'd be a good student for studying the subject at uni (and that you're a nice person too!)


Don't make it pompous or cheesy... It's really tough writing to promote yourself (especially in so few words) but don't be too modest! Don't lie, obviously, and don't misspell any of it... (someone not going for Music) once said that they were Grade 6-8 at the cello, and got interviewed by an enthusastic cellist...

This probably applies more to general unis rather than conservatoires...Hope it's useful.


2 yrs ago, about 300 people all wrote that their first knew that chemistry was the subject for them when they burnt a hole in their pyjamas with a chemistry set that they received for their seventh birthday.

I'm not joking!


I wrote mine for History, and was told it was a very strong PS... (got offers from Durham, Warwick, York and Birmingham). If anyone wants to look at it as an example, PM me


Mine took 7 drafts - most don't take that long... but just keep at it and you'll find something that suits you eventually. Good luck!

For conservatoires you should be sure to include some repertoire which you have studied so they can get a better idea of your level. Also any relevant work, ensembles, concerts etc.

Don't go overboard on the "I love music because"/"I want to go to music college because" bits because if you get past the first round the conservatoires usually interview so they'll get to hear this from you anyway. Besides they doubtlessly get the same old stuff from everyone who writes about it in their PS.

Also keep this in proportion - although they will look at your PS, your references and audition are probably more important. Universities will value a PS more than conservatoires. Judging by the standard of spoken English of some of the people who I know got in, conservatoires can't be all that concerned by them.