Interviewing in: Music
Background on subject
At Oxford and Cambridge, music is studied through reading, listening, performing and composing. This will involve analysing and performing music from several ages and genres.
A-level Music is a subject requirement, although if this is not offered at the candidates school then ABRSM Grade 7 (Oxford) or 8 (Cambridge) may be accepted as a substitute.
For Cambridge, interview format varies by college but applicants to certain colleges must submit written work before interview.
At Oxford, students have to submit written work prior to interview, and those invited to interview will be asked to perform a prepared piece.
Can I interview in this subject?
You do not have to have studied Music at university to give a robust and rigorous practice interview in this subject.
Volunteers from the following subjects, or similar, will also be able to deliver Music interviews:
Interview types
There are two different types of practice interviews in Music, which you may be asked to deliver.
Interview on 'application material' - asking the students' questions about their personal statement, or an essay they will submit as part of their application
Interview on 'unseen material' - asking the students' questions on an article, study, or research paper they have not seen before, testing how they handle new material
SAMPLE Resources
Below you can access a folder of resources for conducting Music interviews:
Interview on application material - you can see a sample personal statement, highlighted with examples of questions which could be asked
Interview on unseen material - you can see examples of articles which have previously been given to students, along with questions
These resources are intended for inspiration - to give you an idea of the level, length and themes of the material we use in our practice interviews. However, should you wish to use this material in the practice interviews you deliver, just let us know so we can make sure returning students haven't seen it before!
Meet one of our VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS: Shanika
I graduated in Music from Worcester College, Oxford in 2010. I went on to do a Masters at Goldsmith's, and am now a PhD student at Royal Holloway University.
I've volunteered with OxFizz as a mock interviewer for over 3 years.
I think it's a great way to dispel myths about Oxbridge, and give others similar opportunities for interview practice to the ones I had when applying.
