Hello there,
I'm currently a second year science undergraduate but have realised the error of my ways and want to do music as an academic degree. I have a small problem: no music A level. Despite this, and it's difficult not to sound arrogant here, but I know I have the ability to do music as an academic subject without any performance (though I do have Grade 8 in two instruments). I'd be looking to do it as a degree at somewhere like Oxbridge once I've finished my present degree. However everywhere stipulates Music A level as a requirement for the course. I think practically I have two options.
1) Apply later this year, so that I start the October after my degree finishes, without music A level, but get myself up to Grade 8 Theory and read a couple of critical books on analysis, techniques of counterpoint etc over the summer.
2) Finish my degree, take a year out in which I apply and actually do Music A level.
Obviously the first option appeals to me more as it means I wont be quite as ancient when I come out of it all, and also that if I don't get into anywhere I deem worthwhile I can sort out opening up a coffee shop or something equally intellectually demanding.
So basically I just thought I'd throw these ideas to people here and see what they think. Do you think that getting good at just ABRSM theory is an acceptable substitute for A level?
Looking forward to some responses!
Thanks
Alicia

Most universities consider your application if you have grade 8 practical and theory.So as you have grade8 on 2 insruments you might as well do theory and apply. If the university you want to go to tells you thre can't accept you without Alevel music then you have no choice!!!

Nat

I completely understand your problem, as I'm going through the same sort of thing, although I'm not as far down the line as you! I am in lower sixth, and studying 4 AS level subjects which I will take this June. In June I'm also doing Grade Eight Theory and Dip.ABRSM (performance) on French Horn. I have recently realised that I would like to do music at university, probably at Oxford. I have emailed the admissions tutor and the music faculty there, and they say that although Grade Eight theory will be a very big help to me in the music degree, they would prefer it if I had A Level music as well. This means that next year I'm going to have to squeeze both AS and A2 Music into the one year. I don't know how I'm going to do it! My other problem is that I'm not really good enough at the piano. They say that the minimum requirement is Grade Five, and while I am doing Grade Six (also in June), I'm afraid I will be competing against people who have Grade Eight piano. I really want to go to Oxford though. Oh, it's all terribly confusing! I don't think I'm really being much help here..... I would suggest you email/phone/write to the universities you're considering applying to and find out what their position on A Level Music is. Good luck!!!

Just to warn you both, that the Music Course at Oxford isn't actually all that amazing - it's also very very theoretical and not that much fun.

I just thought you were better off knowing that!

I do realise what the music course at Oxford is like- I certainly wouldn't be considering applying there if I hadn't already found out! I know it's very academic, but I enjoy theory and music history, and I think a more academic degree would stand me in better stead should I want to take up a career outside music. Thanks anyway!

You know there is always an alternitive, if you are medically fit and have 5 GCSEs at C Grade and above and a couple of A-Levels as well as your grade 8.

Not for everyone I know but why not look at becoming a musician within the RAF or Army?? I know certinally the RAF will train you and pay for you to study for a music degree while you are serving and putting in constant performance practice, and if you go in as an officer (with the qualifications above) you only need to serve a minimum of 4 years. Makes sense in many ways because you'll be earning money, getting to see a bit of the world and getting performance practice all while doing your degree.

Just another possible option for you to consider.

In the meantime I would say complete your current degree, it will be useful regardless, and if you don't want to take up the forces option of getting a music degree you can always take a second degree this time in music.