So, Which UK uni to go to?

Charling · #1 04-02-2007, 09:59 PM

Hi, I've been wondering for a while which uni's to apply for (in the UK), I know that I stand an ok chance of getting into Trinity as the guys who audition have been enthusiastic of me applying there.

I'm definitely going to try as I have friends who have been there and had a great time, not to mention come out as great players! I like the area of London and allot of experienced cats I talk to have said that its worth it just because Simon Purcell is the head of the course.

but that said, i don't want to do the whole eggs/basket thing, I have heard that guildhall is good, but they require you to study classical as well for the first two years which has put me off slightly. not the notion of learning it (which I would love to) but the notion of being able to get in without having ever played in an orchestra or even with a bow outside my bedroom.

friends of mine have said that if you are studying jazz at guildhall the classical is more of a teaching method they expect you to take, and that they aren't hoping you will blossom into a classical master, is this true?

the other would be the Royal College of music, now judging by the reputation I am uncertain as to whether I would get in to this, did anyone here go to the RC? Is it as 'high high end' as the reputation suggests?

Are there any others worth thinking of? I know Leeds does a good course but I am really looking for something in or near London...

any UK heads with experience? any help would be great;y received!

Owen

oliebrice · #2 04-03-2007, 04:48 AM

I'd apply for all of them, get the audition experience and also visit them and get a feel for the places.
Also, you might want to look at Middlesex Uni. It doesn't have the reputation of the 'big three', not being a conservetoire, but the jazz degree is run by Chris Batchelor and Nikki Isles, and several people have told me its a great course. I think Dave Whitford went there, and hes one of the best bassists around now...
But that said, Trinity would be my first choice if I were looking at undergraduate courses, mainly because of Simon Purcell, and because they seem so open minded, with courses in indian classical music, free improv etc...

oliebrice · #3 04-03-2007, 04:49 AM

also, I know you said you want to go to London, but the Birmingham course is highly regarded as well. Arnie Somogyi is the double bass teacher, and hes great.

Bruce Lindfield · #4 04-03-2007, 05:44 AM

I've had lots of classes with Simon Purcell over the years at Jazz Summerschool and did a day's course with him locally.

He won an award recently as Jazz Educator of the year! (2006 Parliamentary Jazz Awards)

Great teacher and very nice bloke! I also like the music he has written - saw him leading his own Jazz quintet a few times !

I was a bit confused at the original post though, as Simon Purcell teaches on the Guildhall Jazz course as well

http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/music/people/p...z_studies.html

I've actually seen him going in there - "bumped into" him when I was working in London round the corner!!

But I suppose there is a difference between being on the staff and being "Head of the course"....?

Charling · #5 04-03-2007, 06:33 PM

^^ Thanks Bruce I didn't realize Simon Purcell was at guildhall as well! Yes I have met him and he did seem a very Intelligent, friendly guy which was one of the reasons I would like to study with him, or near him etc. I have never heard him play however, but my good friend who went there vouches for his musicality!

I am going to go down for consultations with each of the big three when I get the money together, and I may well check out middlesex too while there! so do you feel that my lack of any real classical skills will not be detrimental to getting onto the guildhall course? I would gladly pick up the bow as well during my time there but if they want me to do a recital to get on the course then im up a certain creek with no boating paraphernalia.

thank you very much for you're replies. I am a little older than most to be considering uni (22) and if I get on to a course then I will potentially not be leaving until I am 28 (which seems a little scary..) so i want to make absolutely sure that I make the right decision!

Thanks

owen

oliebrice · #6 04-04-2007, 11:28 AM

Hello again. I'm in a fairly similar situation education wise, I'm 25 and in the process of applying for music colleges. I thought I'd do a degree, but for various reasons including having a non-musical degree, I've applied for the post-grad course at the guildhall (audition in a couple of weeks).
When I was considering the guildhall under-graduate course, I spoke to them about the classical part of the audition. They said that you could play a classical piece pizz, or on bass guitar (they wrongly assumed that as I was worried about my arcop playing I must play bass guitar...), so I think if you impress them with your ear and jazz playing a lack of arco chops won't matter too much. They're looking for musicality and potential as much as anything.
strangely, you don't need to play any classical pieces for the Guildhall's post-grad audition.
Also, the pool of jazz double bass tutors seems to be similar at all the unis (Steve Watts, Jeff Clyne). I think the biggest difference comes down to where you feel most comfortable, which you'll only find out by visiting!
The Royal Academy is probably the hardest to get into (I think its the smallest course), but they seem to bring in the most 'big name' touring musicians for masterclasses.

**Freddels** · #7 04-04-2007, 11:50 AM

One of the guys I used to know (and party with) at Berklee is the head of the jazz and pop performance studies at Univ of Southampton (at least that's what the uni website has him listed as). But he's a guitar player

Bruce Lindfield · #8 04-05-2007, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oliebrice

Also, the pool of jazz double bass tutors seems to be similar at all the unis (Steve Watts, Jeff Clyne). I think the biggest difference comes down to where you feel most comfortable, which you'll only find out by visiting!

The other thing might the "cost of living" - so central London is about the most expensive you could imagine - train/tube fares, accommodation, living expenses etc.

Whereas somewhere like Leeds or Cardiff wil be much cheaper all round.

What has been mentioned around here many times is that a lot of people go to college to make connections - get to play with people - I suppose London is the place for that and where the most venues are as well?

All the best anyway Olie - sounds like it will be a great experience and you will have to keep us appraised of your progress!

Bruce Lindfield · #9 04-05-2007, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oliebrice

I've applied for the post-grad course at the guildhall (audition in a couple of weeks).
.

PS - good luck on this !

nickbass · #10 04-05-2007, 05:03 AM

I teach (jazz piano) or have examined at most of the colleges mentioned. I've recently gone mad for double bass, which is why I'm reading these posts!
Ollie's advice to audition all round in order to get a feel for each place is very good. All these colleges are centres of excellence, and great places to learn, but you have to go along in person to find out which is most suitable for you.
By the way, Simon has now moved to Trinity (where I do most of my teaching) and is doing a great job as our new Head of Jazz.
Good luck with your auditions, everyone!
nick weldon

Bruce Lindfield · #11 04-05-2007, 05:07 AM

I'm probably out of date on Simon's movements - I usually see him at Summerschool in Glamorgan - last 8 or 9 summers!

I have a feeling he's not doing it this time - he will be very much missed!

littlekatie · #12 04-05-2007, 06:03 AM

I'm at the RCM and it's a choice I have never regretted, it's brilliant. The way I decided where to go for music coll was twofold - firstly I went to the college (not on an open day when they are putting on the ritz, get in contact and ask to sit in on a rehearsal or a masterclass or something) and got a general feel for the place, then have some consultation lessons with profs from the various colleges. To an extent you will find that it's not where you go, it's who you go to, although obviously where you go matters a lot. The consultations are good because not only will they help your playing (hopefully!), the profs can give you honest advice on your prospects or anything about the music colleges that you need to know. One thing I would say is that London is really expensive accommodation wise - I would advise that halls are really expensive so looking for your own place might be best, then you have a place to teach or whatever. TCM is definitely on the up, I had a hard choice between the RCM and Trinity and they are good for bass players (ie. they give you massive scholarships!!). I have heard really, really good things about their jazz course, and I know for a fact that there is loads of jazz work down there for a bass player because people keep asking me to do it (and I am not a jazzer at all!!). I think your best bet if you are considering the RCM is to call up the head of strings and tell him you're a jazz bassist and what is there for you at the RCM, or something along those lines. Regarding being in London, it is a very good thing to decide to be in London as a bass player. There's always a gig going...
Hope this helps you in some way...!! K x

Divalicious · #13 01-13-2010, 10:15 AM

I would recommend the ICMP in Kilburn, its a private music school so has the feel of being small but its validated by UEL. They have world class teachers inc Janek Gwizdala as visiting faculty, great facilities and a great atmosphere. I would have a look see what you think. Scholarships are available too which is always helpful lol.