Do you need music a level to do a music degree at a good university / conservatoire?

Do you need music a level to study music as a degree at for example a decent uni / conservatoire. I've noticed that many of the courses say that a level music OR grade 7 music theory is required, however a couple of uni websites that I have looked at (i need to find which ones I can't remember) I have scrolled down a bit and they have said at the bottom of the page that grade 7 theory is only accepted instead of a level music if a level music is not offered at your school.

That is not the case for me so I was just a bit worried as I was thinkng about maybe doing a music degree, A -level music was offered but I chose not to take it. The A-levels I take are chemistry, english lit and maths. However I have grade 8 singing, grade 7 piano and music theory at a grade 7 standard. Additionally I take part in orchestra and choirs at school and perform regularly. Does anyone have any information on this or knows anyone on a music course who hasn't taken a level music etc. I'd really appreciate anyones insight / experience on this thank you!! :smile:

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

username6828106

Most places require a course of some type in music, though your instrument and theory grades absolutely do help, especially if you've been examined since they can count as UCAS points. You could look at doing a short level 3 course in music, but I would suggest emailing universities and asking about your circumstance first.

I've just finished a UAL level 3 diploma in music performance and production and received offers from all of my chosen unis due to getting distinctions both years, with my second year totalling to 168 UCAS points. I hadn't written about my instrument grades, as they're assessed in auditions (LCOM) , recordings (Hull) or simply not required (Huddersfield), so there's a variety of ways you may be asked to back yourself up.

It sounds like you would have a lot to write about for your personal statement, too. If a university says you don't need a music a-level / level 3 qualification, you'll have plenty to work with.

Reply 2

yep:)

Original post

by catherinec08

Do you need music a level to study music as a degree at for example a decent uni / conservatoire. I've noticed that many of the courses say that a level music OR grade 7 music theory is required, however a couple of uni websites that I have looked at (i need to find which ones I can't remember) I have scrolled down a bit and they have said at the bottom of the page that grade 7 theory is only accepted instead of a level music if a level music is not offered at your school.
That is not the case for me so I was just a bit worried as I was thinkng about maybe doing a music degree, A -level music was offered but I chose not to take it. The A-levels I take are chemistry, english lit and maths. However I have grade 8 singing, grade 7 piano and music theory at a grade 7 standard. Additionally I take part in orchestra and choirs at school and perform regularly. Does anyone have any information on this or knows anyone on a music course who hasn't taken a level music etc. I'd really appreciate anyones insight / experience on this thank you!! :smile:

Hey!

Thought I would share a little bit of my experience here as I have just graduated a good conservatoire on a music course. I think most of the time at conservatoire, people are offered places based on their audition and additional skills. Most places ask you to be a minimum of grade 8 in your chosen instrument (aside from composition as there is no formal examination for this) and will also require you to have grade 5 theory. The reasons behind the grade 5 theory is generally because you will likely have to attend harmony/counterpoint/aural classes where a good understanding of theory will be necessary to pass the first couple years.

I didn't take A-Level (Advanced Higher for me!!) music. I only did a National 5 (GCSE equivalent). I studied composition and the fact I didn't have an Advanced Higher in it never really seemed to matter much at my conservatoire. I think conservatoires value talent a lot more than they do grades which I think can be a really lovely thing to experience!

I think it would be worth you just asking places outright about that part of the admissions process - I suppose you don't know unless you ask! :smile: