Musical theatre, please help?!?!?

Question

I am 15 and have started singing lessons about 3 months ago. I am going to do an exam in november (London college of musical theatre or something) and am starting at grade 1, I am a strong dancer and actress but need to improve my singing. However, my friend from the same teacher is starting at grade 3 because she plays an instrument. But I want to start at grade 3 so I get higher grades as I am likely to have this as my career. In 3 years I will audition for stage schools like artsEd and if I start at grade 1 will only be on like grade 4. Can I start at a later grade? Or is it if you play an instrument. Also does anyone know if there are any places that do part time musical theatre training at 16 in the midlands (derby, birmingham etc) so I could do 6th form at my school a few days a week then train somewhere the rest of the week doing high level musical theatre training. Thank you.

Answer 1

If your teacher is starting you at grade 1, there is a reason for it.  Probably the reason your friend is starting at a higher grade is because she already reads music and has good aural skills, which are the skills that transfer over from playing an instrument.  Higher grades are not necessarily going to help you get into drama school anyway - they're looking for potential and if you have it, they'll see that.  Talk to your teacher, but if they're starting you at grade 1 there is undoubtedly a good reason - they do know best.