Oxford for music?

I'm currently year 11 and am working at and predicted to get 999998887 in gcses (which includes a 9 in music) and am thinking of applying for oxford for music as my aspirational option (i know its a long time off but hear me out)

I have a friend who's currently at oxford studying music and from chatting with him and from reading stuff online I really like the course.
I am grade 8 standard at piano and am working on my diploma level repertoire as well as being grade 6 at bass and playing a few other instruments that I've taught myself, but my real passion is for musicology and music appreciation and i do a lot of extra reading around the subject, and I enjoy composition but am not outstanding at it.

Here's the question: do you think its worth applying for oxford and if so is there any preparation i could start doing early to give myself a head start in it?
I've tried finding resources on here but there's not a lot of people talking about applying to music unless I'm missing something so I just thought I'd ask!!
thanks :smile:

)))

Reply 1

Debs25

19

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm currently year 11 and am working at and predicted to get 999998887 in gcses (which includes a 9 in music) and am thinking of applying for oxford for music as my aspirational option (i know its a long time off but hear me out)

I have a friend who's currently at oxford studying music and from chatting with him and from reading stuff online I really like the course.
I am grade 8 standard at piano and am working on my diploma level repertoire as well as being grade 6 at bass and playing a few other instruments that I've taught myself, but my real passion is for musicology and music appreciation and i do a lot of extra reading around the subject, and I enjoy composition but am not outstanding at it.

Here's the question: do you think its worth applying for oxford and if so is there any preparation i could start doing early to give myself a head start in it?
I've tried finding resources on here but there's not a lot of people talking about applying to music unless I'm missing something so I just thought I'd ask!!
thanks :smile:

))

Music is one of the least competitive courses at Oxford and you'd have almost a 50/50 chance of getting in. It sounds as though you have done your research about the course and it would suit and develop your interests, so I'd say you should definitely apply.

You're already reading around your music interests, so I'd say continue to do that as super- curriculars are more important than any extra- curricular activities. Having said that, it is expected that music students participate in choirs, orchestras and/ or ensembles, so I'd join in musical groups in your school/ college. Good luck!

Reply 2

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

Ooooh hello :biggrin:

I'm the resident Oxford muso alumna on TSR, with @OxMus being a current student (though they're on here less than me, because they have a life and are diligent with their studies :biggrin:

)

Those are really excellent predicted grades for GCSEs. Do you have any inkling about what subjects you might like to take forward to A Level when the time comes (other than music, I presume/hope?!)? What subjects do you enjoy studying atm? Oxford doesn't have recommended/preferred subjects/subject combinations for its music applicants, so people do all sorts of subjects. If you are good at and enjoy essay-based subjects, I'd recommend taking one of those if it suits your overall plans for Sixth Form. I'm suggesting this because there is a huge gulf between music A Level, and first year music course at Oxford and Cambridge. It's not insurmountable at all and the Oxford tutors will help with that leap, but it might be easier if you're already used to writing essays at A Level :smile:

There is a book I do recommend people read but (and I hope this doesn't come across as insulting), I think Year 11 is too early to have a bash at reading it. (I only managed to understand this book vaguely on the third try, which was during my second year at Ox :eek:

) So I won't mention the book's name at this present time. So for now, just keep reading around your interests and do any free summer schools that you're eligible for or things that interest you! :awesome:

Reply 3

username5305394

16

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm currently year 11 and am working at and predicted to get 999998887 in gcses (which includes a 9 in music) and am thinking of applying for oxford for music as my aspirational option (i know its a long time off but hear me out)
I have a friend who's currently at oxford studying music and from chatting with him and from reading stuff online I really like the course.
I am grade 8 standard at piano and am working on my diploma level repertoire as well as being grade 6 at bass and playing a few other instruments that I've taught myself, but my real passion is for musicology and music appreciation and i do a lot of extra reading around the subject, and I enjoy composition but am not outstanding at it.
Here's the question: do you think its worth applying for oxford and if so is there any preparation i could start doing early to give myself a head start in it?
I've tried finding resources on here but there's not a lot of people talking about applying to music unless I'm missing something so I just thought I'd ask!!
thanks :smile:

)))

Yes sounds right up your street, go for it (if you're still thinking that way)

Thanks for the tag, @The_Lonely_Goatherd! Graduated now, so might have to change my @…

Reply 4

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

Original post

by OxMus

Yes sounds right up your street, go for it (if you're still thinking that way)

Thanks for the tag, @The_Lonely_Goatherd! Graduated now, so might have to change my @…