University versus music college. Aaaargh.

I'm currently an AS student, planning on going on to study music, and beginning to think about where I'm going to apply. I just don't know whether music college or university is a better option for me.

I want to specialise in performance, I know that much. Eventually I'd ideally like to do a year-long post-PGCE opera course and then start trying to make a living out of performance. I'm also very interested in building on my knowledge of vocal physiology (and possibly teaching privately if Plan A doesn't work out) and I wonder if a college might be the best place to learn both of these things. However, will I be un-employable if both of these things fall through and I don't have a university degree?

I'm also a singer, and I heard that this means I'd be unlikely to be accepted first time into a music college since I won't be vocally experienced enough to cope with the course. But I've suffered vocal damage in the last year and consequently I'm going to be taking a year out anyway before I apply anywhere - I want to have an absolutely solid technique back before I audition for colleges OR universities. I'm not sure how much difference a year will make to whether they'll take me, though - any experiences?

The best-of-both-worlds option is of course to do a degree at one place and a PGCE at another, but I don't know if it's harder to get on to a PGCE in a college from a university, or the other way around. I don't really know who to ask for information about this since my school know nothing, and my singing teacher went through the system twenty years ago when you could come fresh out of an undergrad and go straight into performance (which I gather would be laughed at now) . Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

I have a suggestion for you.
I am currently studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford; www.acm.ac.uk

They do courses for Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals. I can assure you from personal experience that the tutors there are good.
They do three levels of courses - Diploma, Higher Diploma and Degree. The info is on the site, but when you apply they put you where they think would be best for you. Certainly the Diploma and Higher Diploma courses (both 1 year long) and very focused on performance and the industry. The vocalists also learn about the Biology of the voice.
Many people progress from the Higher Diploma onto the 2 year Degree course. And some do all three courses. Check it out anyway, might be useful for you.

Good luck,
Chris

oh, there is time to practise at a uni music course! it's just that it is more up to the individual to focus on it if they want to. you have to look carefully at each uni course components also. music is an arts course meaning that the contact time each week can be little compared to other degrees. it is up to the individual what they choose to do with their time. if they want to waste it and then claim that they didn't have time to practise, then they can do that. but many professional performers have gone through uni first and then onto a post-grad performance course at a music college.
i'm at junior guildhall and have spoken to many professional musicians there, and as far as i can remember, only one has specifically told me that music college is the only option. others have all said that if you have the opportunity and ability to do a uni course, do to so.

oh, and sorry to seem pedantic, but it's meyrick alexander. i know his son.

Depends where you are. My course is about 55-60 hours a week of work. If you want to put in another 10-20 hours practice, then you'll never go out.

MB

If you genuinely sat down and worked solidly, would you still have to work that long? And please tell me Oxford music is slightly less intense! Not that I want to practise like I was at music college...

Depends where you are. My course is about 55-60 hours a week of work. If you want to put in another 10-20 hours practice, then you'll never go out.

MB

yes, but there are people who would do this. and beneficial practise does not have to be 10-20 hours per week. it would not be possible for me to do that at the moment, yet my practise is still good and productive because i've adapted the way i practise and the methods that i use.
also, if you choose a performance-type module within the course, there won't be the additional work that you would have had you chosen a more academic module. this time can be spent on practise.

oh, and sorry to seem pedantic, but it's meyrick alexander. i know his son.

All my teachers have said that colleges are much stronger than unis on performance in general.

In response to the original question, it all depends on what you want out of a degree. I know plenty of excellent practical musicians who would rather die than have to do the sort of academia associated with, say, the Cambridge degree. However, I have a friend at Cambridge and apparently the person next door to her practises non-stop, but I somehow I doubt this has a good effect on his grades and I don't see why if you're that dedicated to your instrument, you wouldn't just go to music college. At uni generally speaking I don't think there would be enough time for really hardcore practice; I know people in the RSAMD who practise for 3-6 hours a day and I don't think that would be possible alongside a uni degree course. There are some places that offer some balance, like Manchester, Glasgow and KCL. Uni degrees offer more stability on the jobs front, but in the case of the majority of unis are not advisable unless you have an interest in musicology,compositon etc.