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The Hampshire Specialist Music Course is designed for gifted young people who are thinking seriously about pursuing a career in music performance, and who want to combine A level Music with extra training in performance skills. The course further develops their skills, confidence, and musical maturity for competitive conservatoire or university admission. Our exciting new Music School, with state-of-the-art facilities and specially-designed performance spaces, will be an amazing place to study.
This course includes extra performance opportunities as well as A level Music
Paired with A Level Music study, additional sessions in chamber music are an important part of the HSMC course – performing in small groups like string quartets, vocal ensembles and jazz groups, with one player or singer on each part. HSMC students also perform in all our larger ensembles like Orchestra and Chamber Choir.
The college pays for two 30-minute weekly instrumental or vocal 1-2-1 lessons, including a piano lesson with our Head of Keyboard. Progression to competitive universities and conservatoires is outstanding.
In 2021 we joined the Steinway Initiative, and the department now has three Steinway grand pianos, including the recent addition of a new Steinway model B grand, and four new Steinway upright pianos.
You are warmly invited to our HSMC Open Evening on Monday 30th September 2024, from 6pm to 8pm. Music staff will introduce the course, and you can hear our current students perform. There will be plenty of time for you to speak to staff and students over refreshments.
HSMC auditions will be held on 10th, 11th and 12th February 2025. Up to twelve places are offered each year. For full details come to the Open Evening or email us at music@psc.ac.uk
Course Content
Please note that students take the HSMC course in addition to a full academic timetable, which must include A level Music as one of your three subject options. Please take a look at the A level Music course leaflet for full details.
We have a highly-regarded team of professional teachers covering A level and instrumental/vocal lessons
HSMC students receive free tuition in two instruments (or voice), including piano lessons with our Head of Keyboard
Weekly chamber music coaching is included in your timetable
Preparation for ABRSM exams and the ARSM (diploma) on your main instrument or voice is included
There are many opportunities to perform in ensembles and as a soloist in recitals
HSMC students also perform in our bands, choirs and orchestras in the Enrichment programme, which all perform to a brilliant standard
We have one of the busiest music diaries in the country – come to one of our concerts and hear for yourself!
Masterclasses and workshops are given by professional performers
Detailed advice is given in preparation for auditions and choice of repertoire, and guidance on applying for all music-related higher education courses
Class teaching for set work analysis, listening, harmony and composition, with individual 1-2-1 support in regular workshops. 1-2-1 instrumental/vocal lessons and recital preparation. Coaching in chamber music sessions from a member of music staff.
Methods & Patterns of Assessment
A level Music is a two-year course. At the end of the first year students take assessments in performance and composition, plus a written paper, which are all marked internally. At the end of the second year students perform a solo, recorded recital and complete two compositions, both components assessed by the board, and take a two-hour written exam in June.
Where Could It Take Me?
Going on to study music at university or at a conservatoire can lead to a career in performing, composing, conducting or teaching. Music can also lead to careers in the recording industry, publishing, arts management and the media.
Students wanting to study music beyond Peter Symonds receive specialist higher education guidance, and progression to competitive institutions is outstanding. This guidance includes preparation for conservatoire auditions and workshops for Oxbridge/Russell Group entry requirements.
Financial Implications
Students need to buy one textbook – the Edexcel A level Anthology of Music – either new from the department at a subsidised price of £40 or second hand. Students pay a £10 contribution towards photocopying and approximately £15 for a concert trip in the Autumn Term (other music trips are optional). The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs. Students can also apply for annual awards to help with costs such as ABRSM exams, instruments and courses.
Entry Requirements
Please take a look at the entry requirements for A level Music: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English, plus at least Grade 5 in performance, or the equivalent standard if you have not taken exams, and the ability to read scores confidently.
HSMC auditions will be held on 10th, 11th and 12th February 2025. Candidates perform two pieces on their first study instrument or voice (this should be high grade 7 or grade 8 standard for HSMC) and one piece on their second instrument or voice (if they have one). Please note that piano lessons are included in the HSMC course, but piano beginners may still apply. The audition also includes sight-reading tests and a short interview.
The HSMC Information Evening on 30th September 2024 is the ideal place for audition queries, or you can email music@psc.ac.uk
Most Recent Results
Below is a summary of the most recent set of results for this subject: