London, a vibrant hub of cultural diversity and artistic innovation, boasts many renowned music colleges, each offering unique programs and opportunities to budding musicians. However, amidst the huge range of options, selecting the perfect college that aligns with your aspirations can seem like a daunting task.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate through the intricate landscape of music education in London, helping you unravel the key factors to consider when choosing the best music college.
1. Consider your location
When looking for a music college, it’s important to consider your location. Even if you live in London, it can still take time to travel from one corner of the capital to the other. ACC London is in Whitechapel, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city via the Elizabeth Line, the Overground, tube and train to Liverpool Street and Aldgate / Aldgate East. There are also a whole range of buses that stop right outside the college. London has a reputation as the music capital of the country, with many major record labels having their headquarters in the city. This makes it an obvious location to study music.
2. Research costs
Sadly, any education comes with an associated cost. In London you should research how much it would cost you to travel to college. Don’t forget if you are a young person there are incentives such as a 16+ Zip Oyster Card to help get you around on public transport. There are also essential pieces of equipment you may need. For example, if you are studying Music Production, you will want your own headphones. If you are a guitarist studying Music Performance, you will need your guitar. Access Creative also offers discounted course starter packs with sponsorship from established music brands; make sure you check these out as these are heavily discounted and are great value for money!
3. Research the college’s faculty
Getting an idea of who is going to be teaching you will help you gain a feel for the college that you are studying at. ACC London proudly only employs teaching staff that are active in the industry. This means that our students get relevant, up-to-date information about what’s going on in the creative industries. Even better, because most student places are government-funded, our staff are rigorously trained to be good teachers who will meet OFSTED’s high standards. Our teachers have weekly training, ensuring they are kept up to date with the latest in educational trends.
4. Look at the course modules
By checking out the course modules, you will gain a feel for the areas that you will study during your time at music college. We are proud that at ACC London we focus not just on the obvious areas of music performance and music technology, but on the wider areas of the music industry. Why? Because it’s really important to us that when students leave us they are employable! For example, being a good guitarist is one thing, but wouldn’t it give you the edge over the competition if you could also help your band record their songs into Logic Pro? Our experience has shown us that you could be the best producer in the country, but if you don’t know how to promote yourself to the right people, your tracks may never leave your bedroom!
5. Read about course alumni
You may have heard that Ed Sheeran studied with us at ACC London. That’s true, however there are many other success stories too. There is a myth around the music industry that says that unless you’ve had a number 1 single you’re not a success – that simply isn’t true. The music industry is a meaningful employer of all types of musicians and their wider supporting network. Aside from the obvious performing opportunities, our students also go on to a wide range of Higher Education courses and many even go into the very noble profession of teaching others!
6. Find out if there’s performance opportunities
If you are enrolling on to a music performance course, you would rightfully expect there to be performance opportunities. At ACC London, all students perform at least once a term. There are also performances that are assessed, making them an essential part of the course. We have a dedicated events space with a full lighting rig and large projection screen. This year has already seen numerous performances; some of these have even been sound engineered by our very own Music Technology students! Some of our second years are now already putting on their own nights in and around the capital, making opportunities for students outside as well as within the college. Every year we send some of our best students to Latitude Festival to perform on stage.
7. Consider what music equipment the college has
If you hire rehearsal facilities privately, they’re expensive. Like, really expensive! Access to these is free as part of being a student at ACC London. We also have a full recording studio, live room, vocal booth and secondary desk to allow our Music Technology students to get their hands on the faders. Additionally, all our students are able to book out one of our many production pods for individual practice. This all happens in a brand-new building with four fully-equipped rehearsal rooms. Check out some of these pictures to see what these look like, but there’s no substitute for seeing them in person so make sure you book a campus tour if you haven’t already.
8. Attend an open day
As we just mentioned, sometimes it can be difficult to get a feel for somewhere from a web page or prospectus. By attending an open day, you get to see the building and the wonderful staff. There are talks not only from the management team (all of whom are musicians!) but also from the staff that would be teaching you. We also have performances from current students so you can see what they are up to. There are always a host of student ambassadors on hand – we recommend you speak to them about the courses too as they are the ones doing it!
9. Ask the college questions
When you go to any college open day, it’s important to come armed with some questions that are important to you. You may want to know about what a typical week looks like, how maths and English are taught or what extra support you may require if you have additional learning needs. Whatever your questions, ACC London’s warm and welcoming staff will be able to help you. And even if you think of something after the open day, you can always call our friendly admissions team on 0800 281848 and they’ll be able to help you out. Remember – you’ll be the one studying at college, so make sure you get the answers you need.
10. Apply for your chosen music course
Applying for a course at ACC London couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is click on the link here and fill in your details.
We have online chat help during working hours, and our admissions advisors can help you over the phone if you prefer that. If you come to an open day or taster day, we also have members of staff on hand to help you every step of the journey or if you have any questions during your application. You’ll be contacted soon afterwards for details of what you’ll need for your interview so that you can be fully prepared. We hope to see you at ACC London!