Discover the Symphony Within You

Fostering Musical Excellence for Everyone

About Our College

West Midlands College of Music is a new, innovative institution committed to making high-quality music education accessible to everyone.

Founded in 2024, WMCM offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where aspiring young musicians can develop their skills, explore their creativity, and learn from expert educators.

Whether you want to study GCSE Music or learn to play the Cor Anglais, WMCM provides the resources and guidance to help you thrive in your musical journey.

Our Mission

Statistics published by the Joint Council for Qualifications in 2023 show there has been a dramatic 36% decline in GCSE Music entries over the last 10 years. The decline in students taking A Level Music has been much greater.

At West Midlands College of Music, we believe that everyone -young or old- deserves the opportunity to explore their passion for music, regardless of background or experience. That's why we established WMCM in 2024.

Our online GCSE and A Level Music taught classes are accessible and affordable for most families, with courses starting from as little as £27.50 a week, ensuring that financial constraints never stand in the way of talent and ambition.

Whether you dream of being a soloist in a concert with a big orchestra, composing your own music, or diving deep into musical theory and history, WMCM can provide the support, inspiration and expertise to help you thrive.

Music is for everyone - Let's make it happen together!

Learn, Create, Inspire

GCSE Music Support (All Boards Covered)

With our GCSE Music Support course, students can expect expert online guidance and resources to enhance their understanding of music theory, composition, and performance. We have course study materials for the AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC/Eduqas examinations.

A Level Music - AQA

The AQA A Level Music course is designed to inspire creativity and deepen students' understanding of music across various genres. It combines appraising, performance, and composition, allowing students to explore their musical interests while developing technical skills. The course supports progression to higher education and careers in music, offering flexibility for students to focus on areas of personal interest. Whether studying classical, jazz, or contemporary music, students gain valuable insights into musical heritage and practical application.

WMCM Symphony Orchestra

Join the West Midlands College of Music Symphony Orchestra. We are always looking for talented (minimum Grade 6) musicians to join the our Symphony Orchestra. Join a supportive community of fellow musicians and participate in making some of the greatest music ever written.

ABRMS Music Theory Courses

Explore our comprehensive online ABRMS Music Theory courses designed to help students grasp fundamental concepts and develop a strong foundation in music theory. Our courses are perfect for both beginners and advanced learners seeking to expand their musical knowledge.

Instrument Tuition Classes

Enhance your musical skills with our instrument tuition classes, covering a wide range of musical instruments. Our instrument tutors provide detailed online guidance on techniques, practice routines, and performance tips, catering to learners of all skill levels. Start your musical journey with us!

GCSE Music Revision Classes 2025

Individualised online GCSE Music revision classes, designed to complement the music syllabuses of AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and Eduqas. Gain valuable examination insight and practice into melody, harmony, arrangement, and songwriting techniques from experienced music tutors and get that Grade 9 you want!

About the Course

This course has been designed to support students with every aspect of their GCSE Music course and will be tailored to the specific requirements of whichever examination board a student is studying, i.e, AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC/Eduqas.

What Can I Expect?

By the end of the course, you will have developed an appreciation and understanding of the diverse heritage of music necessary to score high marks in the listening and appraising paper, You will also have gained technical insight and improved your skills in the performance modules and written a composition worthy of Grades 7-9 for the GCSE Music exam.

Course Outline

TERM ONE: Develop key appraisal skills for the GCSE Music listening paper and refine compositions using rhythm, metre, texture, melody, structure, and form to achieve top grades. TERM TWO: Strengthen listening exam confidence while receiving expert guidance on recording your performance, including delivery, preparation, piece selection, and managing nerves. TERM THREE: Apply your musical knowledge through practice exam questions and tutor feedback to excel in the Listening and Appraising Paper.

Step Up To GCSE Music

Get up to speed with stave notation, major and minor keys, modes, intervals, chords, cadences, chord progression, modulation, tonality, set Study Pieces, Areas of Study and other core requirements in our intensive, 9-day (20 hours) Half-Term course. This year, our GCSE Music Revision classes will run from 24th May to the 1st June.

All GCSE Boards Covered

Our intensive online GCSE Music classes will get you up to speed with the musical understanding necessary to get top grades in your GCSE exam, whichever board you are studying. Each course is specifically designed to prepare students for the listening and contextual understanding exam of a particular board and will also cover the analysis of set Study Pieces, Areas of Study and include plenty of listening practice exam questions. Day 9 is devoted to a complete (1 hour 30 minutes) hard copy practice exam undertaken at home.

Half-Term Holiday - Daily Classes - Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, 2025

Morning Classes: AQA (08:30 - 10:45) Edexcel (11: 00 -13:15) Afternoon Classes: OCR (13:45 - 16:00) WJEC/Eduqas (16:15 - 18:30)

A Level Music - AQA Specification

Our two-year A-Level Music course explores musical heritage and enhances your confidence in both composing and performing various styles. With our twice weekly online classes and individualised tutor support with composing and performing, you can explore your passion for music and understand it in greater detail. Learn from some of the greatest composers and find inspiration to create and share.

Our A Level Music Classes

During your weekly online classes (Monday and Wednesday 18:30-19:30) you will develop key skills in performing, composing, and appraising music from across various genres and broaden your understanding of individual musical styles. You will also hone critical reflection skills, delving into the diverse heritage of music and use this knowledge in your own musical style and performance.

Composing and Performing for your A Level Examination

Guided by expert tutors, you will gain confidence in composing and performing either as a solo artist or as part of a group or ensemble, With our unique online course, you can go on to study Music at university or progress into other career areas.

ABRMS Music Theory Grades 1-5

All you need to know to fast track to success with the ABRSM Music Theory examinations grades 1 - 5.
What you'll learn:

Adding missing bar lines
Cadences
Chords
Chromatic scales
Demi semiquavers
Double dotted notes
Double sharps & flats
Duplets
Enharmonic equivalents
Grouping of notes
Intervals
Key signatures
Ledger lines
Major & minor scales
Modulation
Notes & note values
Orchestra
Ornaments
Questions on a melody
Rests & dotted rests
Rewriting rhythms
SATB
Simple & compound time signatures
Single dotted notes & rests
Technical names
Terms & signs
The Alto & Tenor clef
The Ic - V progression
The stave
Transposition
Tonic triads
Treble & bass clef
Triplets

Strings

Violin- Viola- Cello - Double Bass

Keyboard

Piano- Organ- Harpsichord- Clavichord

Woodwind

Flute/Piccolo- Oboe/Cor Anglais Clarinet- Saxophone- Recorder- Bassoon

Brass

Trumpet- Cornet- Trombone- Tenor Horn- French Horn- Tuba

Other Strings

Classical Guitar- Ukulele- Mandolin- Banjo

Other Instruments

Drums-Percussion-Piano Accordion

Fees

WMCM tuition fees vary dependent on the length of the lesson and ability level. Fees range from £22.50 to £57.50 per lesson. Please contact the College for more details regarding your lesson requirements.

Bursaries

The College is able to offer a small number of bursaries each year. The bursaries are designed for students who are unable to financially support their musical tuition. Unfortunately, these bursaries are limited and the College will be unable to support all those who need financial help. However, students requiring financial support should contact the College and request a Bursary Application Form (BAF).

WMCM Symphony Orchestra

Term Dates
2024-2026

Autumn Term 2024
Term starts: Monday 2nd September 2024
Half-term: Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November 2024
Term ends: Friday 20th December 2024

Spring Term 2025
Term starts: Monday 6th January 2025
Half-term: Monday 17th February to Friday 21st February 2025
Term ends: Friday 11th April 2025

Summer Term 2025
Term starts: Monday 28th April
Half-term: Monday 26th May to Friday 30th May 2025
Term ends: Friday 18th July 2025

Autmn Term 2025
Term starts: Monday 1st September 2025
Half-term: Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October 2025
Term ends: Friday 19th December

Spring Term 2026
Term starts: Mobay 13th April 2026
Half-term: Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February 2026
Term ends: Friday 27th March 2026

Summer Term 2026
Term starts: Monday 13th April 2026
Half-term: Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May 2026
Term ends: Friday 17th July

Intensive GCSE Music Revision Course - 24th May to 1st June 2025 - Half-Term Holiday

A Level Music (AQA)-Online Taught Course

£1401/Year

£467.00 per Term
or 12 monthly payments of £118.00
NEXT ENROLLMENT: 20th August 2025
IMPORTANT: Please note that class size is limited to only 10 students
Our next A Level Music Course begins on Monday 1st September 2025
Students are expected to have passed GCSE Music or to have attained at least Grade 4 standard in musical performance and theory. Interested students should contact the College and ask for an A Level Music Application Form (2025) in the first instance.

GCSE Music Support-Online Taught Course

£100/Month

Weekly individualised classes can be arranged at any time convenient for the student. All classes will be tailored to the specific requirement of whichever examination board a student is following.
Students interested in arranging GCSE Support classes should contact the College, stating which exam board they are following.
NEXT ENROLLMENT: 15th August 2025

ABRSM Music Theory Grades 1-5

£30/Week

Individualised ABRSM Grade 1-5 classes are held throughout the academic year.
Weekly online classes can be arranged at any time convenient to the student.
We offer a 10% discount for students booking a block of 10 online lessons.
Students should contact the College to discuss their requirements

Instrument Tuition

£42/Hour

Instrument Tuition takes place at WMCM throughout the year.
Our Instrument Tuition fees vary depending on the length of the lesson, the ability of the learner and the instrument. In general, fees range from £27.50 to £57.50 per hour with £42 being the average hourly rate.
We offer a 10% discount for students booking a block of 10 online lessons.
Students should contact the College to discus their requirements.

As an A Level Music student I am thrilled with my online classes. They have enhanced my understanding of music in ways I never imagined.
Emily R.
GCE A Level Music student

The flexibility of the program allowed me to learn at my own pace, and the feedback from instructors was invaluable.
James T.
A Level Music student