Music Academy
Cultivate Your Musical Talent: Enrich Your Skills at the Exeter College Music Academy
Music Academy is an exciting and unique opportunity, additional and complementary to the core curriculum, for a bespoke group of musicians across a variety of disciplines (performance, composition and production). They work individually and collaboratively with expert practitioners to enhance existing skills, try new things, and produce original work. At the heart of the experience is a desire and willingness to explore what it is to be a musician in the twenty-first century. Applications are open to any student at the College and the focus of the activities is on experiencing new opportunities, challenges, and professional encounters. It is therefore a perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to take their music studies further after College.
What opportunities will I have?
The Music Academy offers our students excellent enrichment opportunities. Every year we have talks and workshops delivered by internationally-renowned musicians as well as alumni of Exeter College.
In recent years we have taken students to see the iconic rock group Queen, violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy, prog rock metal giants Dream Theater, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall (featuring ex-student James Keefe).
In the last two years we have undertaken substantial composition and production projects with internationally-recognised practitioner, Sophy Purnell (also an ex-student), and our Music Academy members have taken part in workshops and performances with musicians of the calibre of Alan Barnes (twice BBC Jazz Musician of the Year and member of the Wynton Marsalis Sextet) and Joel Munday (recipient of the London Symphony Orchestra Conservatoire Scholarship and another ex-student).
How to apply
The Music Academy is open to all College students, both first and second years, but places are limited, and admission is selective.
Auditions and interviews are held in October at the Centre for Music and Performance on Queen Street (details TBC via the Student Portal once the new academic year has started). This is your chance to show off your skills, whether it is through a live performance, sharing your compositions, or both. You will also get to chat with us during an interview.
Please email Dr David Golby, Music Academy Coordinator (davidgolby@exe-coll.ac.uk) if you have any questions.
What time are the sessions?
Sessions will run mainly on Wednesday afternoons in the EXtra slot (12:00-13:45) from after October Half Term until the Easter break. Some activities will take place outside of these times as required, such as evening performances and trips.
How much does it cost?
There is a one-off fee (£150 in 23-24) which covers everything for the year (including a branded Music Academy hoodie). Bursary discounts apply.
Raphael
“The Music Academy gives you full access to all the music tech for recordings etc, practice rooms and instrumental lessons too. As part of the Academy I take part in the orchestra, the Big Band and the Jazz Project.”
Music, Drama and Theatre A Level and Music Subsidiary Diploma
Kai
“I recommend Exeter College to anybody with an aspiration to get somewhere.”
Studying Music Technology, Creative Media Technology and A Level Music
Beth
“My favourite part of college was definitely my music classes.”
Exeter College Music Academy Alumni
Music Academy Playlist
Apply for 2025/2026
Once you have completed your College course application, you can apply for an Academy.
Click below to apply.
The Academy team will then review your application and shortlist candidates for audition.