Alumni Profiles

Alumni Profile: Alexander Russell

Name: Alexander Russell

Class of: 2018

A Level choices: Music, Maths, Physics, Theatre Technology

Current pathway: I’m taking a BSc at the University of Surrey on the prestigious Tonmeister Course, which educates students in the Technical and Creative aspects of Music and Sound Recording. As part of my course I underwent an industrial placement year with BBC Radio, where I worked as a Live Broadcast Engineer and Studio Recording Assistant on a wide variety of projects; including the BBC Proms and Reading festival as well as sessions in Maida Vale. Having completed my professional training year, I am currently completing my degree alongside making my own recordings, playing as a session musician for other recordings and gigs in Guildford & London, and experimenting with my own music.

How studying A Level and/or GCSE Music helped me to achieve this: Music A Level set me up with a great base knowledge of the fundamentals of music theory as well as developing my playing skills and techniques for recording myself. It was through undertaking my A Level Composition that I developed a real interest in recording music and learning how I could improve on my mistakes. I was offered the environment to record some school concerts which inspired me to find the course I currently study. Alongside the skills taught to me, I was instilled with a strong work ethic and an outgoing mentality that have helped me immensely when working within the fast-paced environment of the recording industry.

Alumni Profile: Ollie Davie

Name: Ollie Davie

Class of: 2016

A Level choices: Music, English Literature, Psychology, Maths (AS Level)

Current pathway: After graduating from the Jazz Course at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2020, I am now a professional Electric Bass and Double Bass player, performing at gigs up and down the country. I play for a few different jazz groups, rock bands, function bands, and pop singers, whilst also writing and performing original music.

How studying A Level and/or GCSE Music helped me to achieve this: The practical work and performance exam undertaken in Music A Level was incredibly useful, as it helped me get used to preparing for important performances in the real world. Also, the theoretical understanding of Music I developed during the course prepared me for a lot of what we studied on the Jazz course at Trinity Laban.

Alumni Profile: Manami Baba

Name: Manami Baba

Class of: 2015

A Level choices: Music, Psychology, Biology

Current pathway: I took a BSc Psychology at Bristol University for 3 years, then Level 3 Music Production course at dBs for 1 year. I started DJ'ing at university and was performing and networking as much as I could during my 4 years of study. By the time I finished my music production course, I began working on my own music, and got signed to an agency.

I'm now a freelance DJ, producer, tutor and events promoter. I DJ most weekends across the UK and abroad. I also teach private clients beginner piano, DJ'ing and Radio Broadcasting in the week, I run my own music events in Bristol, and produce my own music in between all of the above.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/manami-b

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YY7kS1ZzdHKY7DcQ7KEoB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamii.b/

How studying A Level and/or GCSE Music helped me to achieve this: The A Level Music curriculum at the time I was at Borlase, covered a broad range of different musical styles. This led to an appreciation for different genres of music, whilst having an understanding of what's going on in them musically. As a DJ this helped me to have a wide spanning record collection appealing to a large audience. As a producer, I've been able to draw on a wider range of influences when writing music.

Having knowledge in music theory and classical music practice quickly set me apart from other DJs and producers. Whilst I'm still developing my skills as a producer, as a composer I've been able to apply knowledge of harmony, rhythm, melodic development, structure etc. into the context of electronic music. This meant I could lay down coherent tracks from early on in the process.

My proficiency in piano playing from studying A Level music has meant I've been able to keep the skills and knowledge to teach others piano. I have therefore been able to develop a small teaching business as a side hustle from my work in electronic music.

Alumni Profile: Jordan Stockdale

Name: Jordan Stockdale

Class of: 2011

A Level choices: Music, Music Technology, Psychology, Theatre Technology

Current pathway: Freelance composer in London, working towards a scholarship to the Film Scoring Academy of Europe and/or USC Thornton School of Music (USA).

How studying A Level and/or GCSE Music helped me to achieve this: So I went the Conservatoire route. My entrance grades were an A or above in Music and a fairly low grade in any other subject. The challenge lay in the auditions; a large part of which was presenting compositions and having them critiqued and challenged, to varying degrees. At Juilliard and the Royal Academy of Music there were also written exams. I didn’t get in anywhere my first time around. If you find yourself in that same boat (and there are tones of us there with you), learn what you can and apply again. I worked like mad and ended up a Scholar at the Royal College of Music before moving to the Royal Academy of Music.

Music A-level initially taught me Bach Chorales and an understanding of lots of styles. Appreciating lots of styles was creatively broadening and kept me open to possibilities and different perspectives. With this understanding came analytical skills which were built upon later, in increasingly abstract ways, throughout my personal and Conservatoire studies. Musical discussion about set works - as well as pieces lying outside that remit - was also encouraged, which greatly improved my confidence when talking about music. Holding your own and being open to the opinions of others, especially when the subject matter is something so personal, is an invaluable asset to carry forwards, and was largely new to me at the time.

On the surface, Music A-level has taught me analytical skills I’ve carried forward and developed; I’m under no illusion I wouldn’t be where I am without them. On a deeper level, the guidance I received gave me confidence, encouraged my voice, and celebrated a culture of differences. I’m indebted to Borlase’s Music Department for those formative experiences.