Music
Music at Cambridge encourages you to explore how music works and why it matters, drawing on a wide range of styles and traditions. You’ll encounter new ways of thinking about what you hear, while building the skills to question, interpret and create.
Whether you’re performing, composing or writing critically, the course supports you to develop your own approach with confidence and curiosity.
- UCAS Code: W300
- Campus Code: 4
- Duration: 3 years
- Places per year: 1-3
Entry requirements
Minimum offer level
A-Level:Â A*AA
IB Diploma: 42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Please also read our Entry Requirements page.
Subject requirements
You will need:
- A Level/IB Higher Level (or the equivalent) in Music; or
- ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit or above
We also recommend any of these subjects for a strong application:
- English (literature or language)
- History
- Mathematics
- Languages (ancient or modern)
General requirements
Candidates should also be acquainted with the standard musical repertory and have experience of writing about music in clear English. You should have a good musical ear, a reasonable facility at the keyboard (roughly equivalent to Grade 5 ABRSM or above) and some basic knowledge of harmony and counterpoint.
Why Trinity Hall?
At Trinity Hall, you’ll find that Music is shaped by excellent facilities and an active performance culture. You’ll have access to dedicated spaces including the award-winning WongAvery Music Gallery for concerts, as well as rehearsal rooms such as the Music Room and the David Shepperd Room.
You’ll be part of a visible and vibrant music culture at Trinity Hall. The Chapel Choir and Organ Scholars perform in the medieval Chapel, home to our magnificent Carsten Lund organ, while a wide range of instruments are available for student use, including a Steinway Model B grand piano, a Schimmel K195 grand, and a double-manual harpsichord by renowned English craftsman Andrew Garlick.
Alongside your studies, the dynamic student-led Music Society offers opportunities across different genres, from an annual musical theatre productions to live performances at College events throughout the year.
Our academics
Directors of Studies
Music at Cambridge
Admissions process
Written work
Applicants will need to submit two school essays in Music plus two harmony exercises. You do not have to send this work before applying; we will write to you after you have applied and let you know exactly what you need to send and when.
Admissions assessment
If shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to take an admissions assessment. The assessment is one hour in duration and includes written exercises in music such as harmonisation of a chorale melody, recognition of musical forms and/or styles and some chord analysis. The College will register you automatically for this assessment.
Interviews
Two interviews of around 25 minutes each.
