Director of Studies
Sub-Director of Studies
A-level/IB Higher Level Music. ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above may be accepted as a substitute, along with three other A Levels or equivalent. Applicants offering A-levels are not usually required to obtain an A* specifically in Music, although this is nevertheless encouraged.
No grades or other piano qualifications are required, although it is helpful to have some keyboard proficiency, given that Music students are required to take a course in General Musicianship during the first year of the Tripos in which practical tests at the keyboard are conducted. Many Music students are exceptionally good in other areas of music, however, and if you do not have advanced keyboard skills that should not deter you from applying.
Admissions Assessment: Two written tests of approximately 45 minutes each. For the first, you will be given a short musicological essay to read, and you will then be invited to answer a number of questions about it. For the second, you will be asked to analyse a piece of music or an excerpt thereof. Your tests may be discussed with you during your interview with the Music team.
Submitted work: Candidates are required to send samples of recent work. Ideally, we would like to see one or more representative essays or other written work (for example, a marked assignment) ideally on a topic related to music, along with harmony/counterpoint exercises and/or original compositions. We understand, however, that some students receive little technical training so may not be able to submit materials in the latter category; in such cases we evaluate candidates on their other skills as well as their general potential.
Our Fellowship has several academics in Music, giving our students unrivalled support across the Tripos, both academically and musically.
Music at St John's is lively, friendly, and intellectually and artistically rewarding, with over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate students forming a strong and cohesive community in the College.
An exciting programme of practical music is an invaluable part of the education in Music that St John’s offers its students. These include opportunities for regular contact with Mr Christopher Gray (Director of Music) and Professor Margaret Faultless (Musician-in-residence).
Many Music students are keen composers, instrumentalists or jazz players who participate in one of our many ensembles, as well as those across the University. Several Music students secure choral scholarships to join our internationally renowned College Choir, while others often participate in the choirs of other colleges.
A termly calendar of musical events ranges from lunchtime recitals to the Master’s Concert Series, the Reinstein Prize concert and our annual May Week Concert showcasing the musical excellence achieved by our students.
Watch this video to find out more about studying Music at St John's College.
Music is so varied that it attracts applicants with a very wide range of skills and interests. The course at Cambridge is most suited to those who enjoy studying independently, are academically very able and ambitious, and are keen to expand existing interests.
You will need excellent examination grades. Maintaining your commitment to study at your school/college will help your teachers to identify you as one of their highest achieving pupils when writing to support your application.
The admissions process for Music is designed to form a wide-ranging impression of your skills, capabilities and potential, and it is understood that you will not excel equally across all areas.
Successful candidates usually stand out because they have extended their interests and experience in Music beyond coursework and school ensembles.
If you are more drawn to performance, we are looking for evidence that – under your own volition – you’ve spent time analysing the works you most enjoy. Learn about their historical context and performance history to better understand their structure, content or interpretative approaches.
Applicants whose musical interest is mainly academic should gain some basic composition skills in traditional areas, and although particular ability on an instrument isn’t essential when applying to read Music, keyboard skill at roughly Grade 5 piano level or above will be very helpful for certain parts of the course. Similarly, some experience in harmony and counterpoint will be useful in preparing you for the course.
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