Applying for Music Performance Courses at Perth College
When - How - The Audition - The Interview - Qualifications - Non-Advanced Courses
We usually interview from January to June - the earlier you apply the better, though we always try to keep places for late applicants.
There is a form in the back of the prospectus - available from:
Admissions@perth.uhi.ac.uk
or: perthmusic@contactbox.co.uk
or: Admissions, Perth College, Crieff Road, Perth, PH1 2NX
or telephone: 01738 877000
All applicants for Music courses will be asked for audition/interview
What will you be asked to do at audition?
1. Play a piece of music.
Choose one which shows your playing to its best advantage - something you can play in time, in tune, and with feeling. Don't try to impress by playing something which is really too difficult for you, play something you can play well and musically.
Have another piece of contrasting character ready in case the interviewer wants to hear more.
You may also be asked to play snippets of other material, such as chords, or examples of other styles.
2. Undertake a Music theory assessment.
This is to help the interviewer ascertain the correct starting level for you. At Perth, we insist on a basic knowledge of music theory as an entry requirement to advanced level courses (HNC/D and BA). If you have no theoretical knowledge whatsoever, we may offer you a place on the NQ course, to help you fill in this gap in your knowledge.
3. Undertake a sight-reading assessment
To gain entry to an advanced level course at perth, you must be able to read music to a standard approximately equal to Trinity College Rockschool grade 5. This will be in the form of standard notation - not guitar tab.
There is no music reading requirement for NQ courses.
This is your chance to tell us why we need you as a student - an opportunity to show your character and give us clues to your potential as a musician. We try to make the interview process as painless as possible, but there may be a wait involved, as we try to give everyone ample chance to shine.
Please bear in mind that the decision of the interviewer is based on many factors, such as ability, musicality, potential, character suitability and course personality profile, is the product of experience and intimate knowledge of the music industry and is therefore final.
There are no formal entry qualifications for NQ, HNC or HND music. However, if you do not have a qualification in English or Communications you will study Communications as part of the course.
Higher Music is not a requirement for entry to HNC or HND - This is because we have found that candidates with passes at Higher, SYS and 'A' level music do not necessarily have the skills and attributes we expect in potential professional musicians.
This does not mean that Higher or SYS Music is a disadvantage, but neither does it guarantee a place on an advanced level course.
For entry to BA Music performance you will need three Higher passes at grade C or above, including English.
6. Entry to non-advanced courses
NQ Music and Sound engineering are useful foundation courses, allowing you to fill gaps in your musical, theoretical or technical abilities before embarking on an advanced course. The kind of practical experience and knowledge you gain on these courses is rarely available at school, and will give you an opportunity to make sure that music or audio is right for you before committing to an HND or degree.
Non advanced courses also include a full Core Skills Profile