Music practice rooms, etc

I was just wondering how good the music scene is at Warwick, in terms of orchestras, ensembles, activities, etc? Also, what about practice rooms? Are there many and how often is it possible to use them?
I was also thinking of applying for a music scholarship but does anyone know how hard it is to get these and how difficult the auditions are? I play around grade 7 standard violin.
Any help much appreciated!

Reply 1

Hardyhardnut

Cambyses

I was just wondering how good the music scene is at Warwick, in terms of orchestras, ensembles, activities, etc? Also, what about practice rooms? Are there many and how often is it possible to use them?
I was also thinking of applying for a music scholarship but does anyone know how hard it is to get these and how difficult the auditions are? I play around grade 7 standard violin.
Any help much appreciated!

Yeah that's a really good question.

I believe that there is a block of music practice rooms - according to the Warwick website, but I do fear that these might be in extremely high demand, and you cannot book in advance.

There are visiting music teachers which is a big plus for me - I play the trumpet and definitely want lessons to continue throughout uni.

I think that for a music scholarship you need to arrange for an audition in February or March of the year of entry, which doesn't leave us much time :s-smilie:

- but I'm still waiting to see if I've been accepted or not!

The thing that attracted me to Warwick was the fact that there is no benefied Music Department, and consequently, the ensembles in the uni I'm guessing will be less competitive, and will have a more enjoyable atmosphere.

From what I gather from the website, there are numerous orchestras and bands, some of which you are required to audition for.

Hope this helps :smile:

Chris.

Reply 2

Cambyses

OP

Thanks Hardyhardnut, yeah I know, there's hardly any time to apply for the scholarship! I haven't heard from them either but it says on the website that you should apply anyway even if you don't have an offer, so I think I will do this as soon as possible. The fact Warwick doesn't have a music degree means that it might be more accessible, which is definitely a plus for me. And hopefully I'd be able to get lessons from visiting teachers.
Yeah, I had a feeling there might not be many practice rooms available and they'd obviously be in high demand, which would be very annoying if I go there! :frown:

Does anyone know if any accomodation has extra practice rooms?

Reply 3

happydinosaur

15

There are no dedicated music practice rooms in accomodation itself. There are facilities for music practice at the Westwood part of the campus though, where there is another music centre. I guess it isn't in as much demand as the music facilities on main campus as I have been able to book these for drama use on occasions.

Reply 4

aza484

9

yes we at westwood have a whole building for 'arts' use. There are loads of practice rooms in there. Also, on main campus BandSoc has 2 practice rooms just outside the Graduate bar which I believe you can book & use for a fiver, and they come already equipped with a couple of amps and suchlike (they just dont provide mics). there are also rooms in the arts centre, but im not sure what their policy is.

Reply 5

castroneves

1

Theyv turned Whitefields 11 into a music practice room, kinda madness considering there are still people in Westwood sharing, but thats a side issue.

Reply 6

aza484

9

not many. i know of only 1 person still sharing, and that was through choice.

Reply 7

tomh_83

1

I was quite involved in music during my time at Warwick, and I can definitely recommend the facilities and ensembles which are provided through the Music Centre and the Music Societies of the SU. With no music degree, everyone who gets involved in the music societies does so purely for enjoyment. I found all the ensembles to be really relaxed and a lot of fun. There is a huge choice, you're bound to find something you like. Here's their website, and the Music Centre administrator (his name's Owen) will be able to answer all your questions!
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/musiccentre/

There are practice rooms in the Music Centre on main campus (the centre itself is tucked away in a corner of the Arts Centre), but they are quite heavily oversubscribed as they are used by the visiting tutors for tuition as well as by anyone to practice. You can't book them for yourself, you just have to turn up and see if one is available.
Not sure how competitive the scholarships are, but you have to apply by 10th February. There are also bursaries available - anyway, all the info is on that website.
Hardyhardnut - it says you do not have to have been accepted to Warwick in order to apply for a scholarship. If you are applying to Warwick, you can apply for a music scholarship. Good luck! :smile:

Any other questions, please ask me but it's been a couple of years since I've been at Warwick so you might be better off asking Owen for technical stuff.

Reply 8

Hardyhardnut

I e-mailed Owen a bit earlier today, and he was really really helpful.

Individual lessons cost £29.50 per hour (at least for the trumpet) which isn't bad when you consider that you're learning from a professional.

I followed links from the website to find the downloadable scholarship application form, and you need a reference froma music teacher or something but apart from that it looks relatively simple, so I'll be sending that off soon!

Owen said that they usually look for people who are grade 7 and above so you should definitely give it a go Cambyses!

Chris.

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