Hello, music enthusiasts and parents! 👋 I'm Debbie Leigh Driver, founder of Fretboard Warriors, and I'm excited to share insights on preparing for music schools like Access Creative at the age of 16.
🚫 The Void in Music Education 🚫
It's no secret that music education is fading from schools. Unlike subjects with structured environments, music is often neglected. Let's bridge that gap!
🎼 The Significance of Preparation 🎸
Imagine applying for any college without prior exposure to the subject. Terrifying, right? Music schools echo this sentiment. Preparation is the key to turning dreams into reality.
🎓 Fretboard Warriors Approach 🎸
At Fretboard Warriors, we've been shaping musicians for nearly two decades. My personalised one-on-one training not only yields results but paves the way for students to secure unconditional places in top music colleges like Access Creative.
🎵 Key Components of Preparation 🎤
What does it take to stand out? Grade 3 practical, Grade 3 theory, a killer set list of 10 contrasting songs, and a touch of originality if you want to showcase your creative side. This isn't just a guide; it's the standard for applying to music colleges such as Access Creative.
⏰ The Ideal Timeline: Start Early! ⏰
In an ideal world, start your youngster around age 6. By age 9, they should be a Grade 1 pupil. At 11, Grade 2, and by 13, Grade 3. These skills lay the foundation for playing anything in the pop-rock arena, ideal for our modern cultural landscape.
🎓 Serious Commitment: One-Hour Lessons & Theory Grades 📚
For those committed to music school, consider transitioning to one-hour lessons. Delve into theory grades, with Grade 3 being the sweet spot. RGT Grade 3 for practical and RGT Grade 3 for theory—continue building that killer set list. Being this prepared is a music school's dream when pupils turn up this ready.
🚀 The Sweet Spot: Grade 3 and Beyond 🚀
You don't need to be a Grade 8 or even Grade 5. Grade 3 is the sweet spot for our modern-day cultural needs. Gain experience at music colleges before delving into higher grades. If your kid excels, progress to Grade 4. Grade 5 introduces jazz chords, which are valuable for jazz enthusiasts but not mandatory for everyone. Crucial is obtaining Grade 3 RGT practical and RGT Grade 3 theory, showcasing your skills through videos, performances, and even on platforms like YouTube. This will undoubtedly catch the attention of any good music school!
⌛ The Timeline Crunch at 14 ⌛
Thinking about college around age 14 leaves you with two years. If you've had minimal music experience, you can achieve a lot in this time. However, it's likely they might suggest continuing studies for another year and trying again. At age 14, being Grade 3 practical is ideal. Increase your lessons to one hour and start diving into theory. If you've been playing for a while, you'd already have your favourite songs down. Adding theory, a few performances, and videos would be the icing on the cake, showing the school your commitment when applying to music colleges.
🎓 The Importance of Grades 📜
Are grades important? They're a road-map when starting out in music. After some time, you won't need that map, but the journey is simpler when you work towards a grade. You get feedback, contrast, and insights into your strengths and areas to improve. Grades should never be scary; sadly, some teachers and schools have misconstrued this. They were check-in moments to see how you are doing and offer feedback for improvement. I wish someone had explained that to me at school!
✨ Conclusion: Let's Prepare for Success! ✨
Music opens doors, and preparation ensures you confidently walk through them. Parents, if music education is scarce in schools, alternative paths exist. Let's equip future rockstars with the tools for success, whether or not they pursue college. As the saying goes, it's better to be prepared for an opportunity that doesn't happen than an opportunity that does happen and you're unprepared. Together, let's ensure all children are on the path to musical success! 🌟🎵
Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments below. Together, let's foster a musical future! 🤘🎸