Hiya,
I'm 16, currently studying for my AS levels. I play piano (grade 7), sing (grade 8), clarinet (about grade 4) and oboe (taking diploma in the summer). I play in Southampton Youth Orchestra, sing in Southampton Youth Choir and also play in an Army Cadet Band. I regularly play in Southampton Music Festival.
I really want to make it to music college (preferably the RAM, but any that'll have me!!) and would appreciate anyone's advice on what I can do to increase my chances of getting in?
Thanks

I think it depends on what you want to major in at a music college. If what you want is a compostion degree, then you have to work on building up a good repetoire of your own compositions, and be good in music theory, harmonies. Good keyboard techniques would be very helpful and might also be quite important for composition majors.

If you want to do instrumental performance degree, then you have to decide which instrument you want to major in and start working hard at it NOW. You would probably need to reach a DipABRSM standard in performance of that instrument, before you can be able to pass an audition to major that instrument.

There are probably other types of music majors which i'm not too familiar with. All the best in your pursuits.

Bear in mind that the word standard is very important in that paragraph, someone on the forum has just got into the RSAMD to study flute having recently done grade 7 (of course that doesn't necessarily mean they're only grade 7 standard at all). Music colleges are really looking for potential not absolute technical mastery, musicality is very important.

Assuming oboe is you main instrument you have a good chance. There are not a lot of oboists around and you are well advanced here, assuming you are good enough to pass your diploma.

The average age at which pianists and clarinettists at music college took grade 8 is about 14.

Music college singers are often post-graduates, having studied elsewhere for a first degree.

Hope this helps

Steve

Definitely.
However, anyone who has reached DipABRSM standard in performance must surely not only have technical mastery, but a certain degree of musicality too.

Yes, but the point I was trying to make is that one doesn't necessary have to have the technical skills to do a DipABRSM before going to music college, merely demonstrate the artistic potential necessary.

Hiya,

I'm 17 and have just applied for music college myself to do Vocal Studies and Opera! As far as I'm aware for most of them you only need to be grade 8 standard to get in. obviously the fact that you're taking your diploma will stand you in great advantage as it obviously shows great talent, but I think you would have a fantastic choice whataver. Looks like you could pick and choose what you study anyway, you're obviously very musical. I would wait until your AS levels are over as you may want to do a different type of degree. I am now studying A2 at college and have just applied. you have plenty of time to consider... all I can say is take your time, look at all the different music colleges you could go to and check them all out. Go to open days and see what they're like. I'm sure you'll find the right one for you.... GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. The colleges may look for a certain "standard" but they don't just want that, they look for potential, passion and personality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!