Hi all!
I have been looking at universities, as I have just done my first year of A level and received my results. I have so many prospectus' and have become so very confused, I can't even decide which open days to go to, I have at least 8 on my calendar and have already been to 2 and I fear if I go to them all I will become even more confused! I got A in music, A in music technology and C in french for AS so they are the grades I will be applying with. I was wondering if anyone could comment on their experience of music at their university; the type of course, typical timetable, tuition and musical involvement such as orchestras, also the university and surrounding area. Hopefully this will be of use to others also in the same situation.
Thanks!

I'm sure some people will turn up presently with some specific uni information, but, what sort of course are you looking for, performance, academic, technology?

More academic than performance, but also incorporates some music technology modules.

I'm starting my course in september, and I know what you mean about getting confused about where to go, I was lucky I wanted to stay in Wales so that narrowed it straight down to 2. With grades like that you shouldn't have much trouble with getting offers. Why don't you first just look atround on the internet for unis you like the look of, and have heard good things about, and then look at the modules they will allow you to take, they are usually on their website somewhere. Do you want to stay close to home or get away? Is there any part of the country you like, and know you wouln't mind spending the next 3 years of your life at? I'm going to Bangor which offers music tech modules, as does Cardiff. Can't really tell you about many others sorry.

I would really recommend looking at Cardiff. From everything I've read it seems really good. There's a huge choice of modules. I'm applying to start next year.

Thanks for the replies so far, I really don't mind anywhere in the country to be honest. I will take a look at Cardiff and Bangor is already down on my list as a possible open day to visit.

I liked both, but felt more at home in Bangor. Good luck chosing.

Looking at Bangor (and on hearing good things from a friend who went there) it also looks good. I hadn't really considered it because of its distance from where I am, and it would make me have to really change my plans for the next few years, but I may (after discussions with various people) apply there as well.

I like the people on this forum. It's given me two good ideas within the space of a week!

I'd definitely recommend Bangor. I went there and although I didn't study music, some of my friends did and they always spoke well of the department and seemed to enjoy the course.

In terms of the location, it's really beautiful and has everything you really need in terms of shops, social life etc. That said, it's not a big city and doesn't have the choice of night clubs/cinemas etc. you'd get in say, London. That never bothered me (you're not that far from Chester, Liverpool and Manchester, but it might make a difference to some people.

Also, Bangor is definitely a Welsh university. I didn't really get that before I went, but everything (road signs, university correspondence/information etc) is in both English and Welsh, and some modules are available in Welsh and English language versions. A lot of locals and many also have Welsh as a first language. Don't let this put you off however, personally I felt it added to the uni experience.

Thanks so far everyone, I think I will definitely be going to Bangor open day.

I was at Bangor (a long time ago) and had a great time! And being a long way from home wasn't a great problem....

Wow!! Bangor sound pretty popular!!

Maybe i'll see you at the open day if you go.

Woo!! Open day buddy! hehe

Lol, i'll see an open day from a different perspective this time.

I'd say go to as many open days as possible if you can Gradually, you'll work out what you're looking for in a course/university. Good luck

I went to the last open day at bangor...lovely place I thought, but music, although the staff were very helpful and friendly, the department actually smells really weird...petty as it is I don't know if I could spend 3 years in there! Then again, I don't know if I'm doing music, I'm definately doing history I think, but dunno whether to do joint or not...

Bit of a pedestrian answer, perhaps, but I guess you've checked the entry requirements, and chosen according to what you reckon you can achieve at A2? (Be realistic, but be prepared to stretch yourself a bit!)

If you want a more performance based course then I recommend going to a music college. I'm at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama dpoing the BMus, and I'm really enjoying it! Really I strongly recommend that you audition for music colleges as well as universities. Who knows, you might even get in!

I went to the Cardiff visit day on Friday. It's a lovely uni and although I couldn't have a look round the actual music department, from what was said in the talk it sounds great. I definitely want to go there!

Deffinately go and look around the actualy department though. And one thing, never use definately about which uni you are going to, I was definately going to Cardiff to do music, since I was in year 9, I am now going to start my degree in Music this month, but not in Cardiff. So do make you sure you have a good luck round, you will be surprised at how your choice might change.

Take a guess where I went?

You got it... Bangor .

Fantastic place, has everything you need and the scenery is awesome, even if I didn't make the most of it when I was there.

I spent 3 years in the music department and never recalled a smell, but it may have acquired one in the past year! As you say though, the staff and immensly helpful and friendly and there are ample opportunities for performance as well as setting up your own ensembles if you so wish.

Going to an open day is paramount though, I went to around 3 or 4 and even though Bangor was my first one, I knew instantly that that was where I was going so I felt no need to dawdle round many more. Most people don't get that feeling though so do look around as many as you can, you are going to spend 3 years of your life there after all.

What sort of smell was it? I mean, maybe they'd overdone the floor cleaning fluid while smartening it up for the open day.

It just smelt sort of musky/damp...may just have been old building in wales- itis...