Now in her first year at the University of Birmingham, we caught up with Amelie D, one of No Nonsense’s first ever students, who received tuition for A-Level Music during 2023. Several months on, we’ve now had the chance to catch up with her and find out what she’s up to in the West Midlands…

What are you up to at the moment?

I’m currently in my first year at the University of Birmingham studying a bachelor’s in international relations and development. This degree looks at how politics, economics and law are interconnected throughout the world, and it aims to explore the challenges facing developing and developed countries in the fight against human poverty and injustice. I’m absolutely loving this degree especially because all the topics we discuss are so relevant and applicable to the outside world and I’m hoping it will lead me into a career that has a real impact on fighting these issues.

How did No Nonsense help you and what things did you learn from the agency’s approach regarding your learning?

No Nonsense really helped me to achieve my target grade in A-level music that then meant I was able to go to my top choice university. When I came to No Nonsense my A-level compositions were at a D grade. I had low motivation to make them any better and I had just accepted that this would drag down my overall grade. No Nonsense however, turned this around. They explained the theory behind more complex harmonies and the ways I could incorporate these into my pieces. They also helped me to develop a real structure and sense of story that was told through the melody line. All their help completely transformed my compositions and I now actually enjoy writing music, which I have continued to do alongside my degree.

What are your current goals and future ambitions?

I’m currently working on some big deadlines for the end of the university year and I’m hoping to come out of this year with a 2:1. I’m also about to apply for the social sec of my university cricket team which involves making a big speech to the club, which is very nerve-wracking. I’m very uncertain about what my future ambitions are as entering the world of work seems like a long time away so for now I’m just focusing on living independently at university and not having beans on toast for every dinner!

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone growing up, before an exam, or maybe before an interview or other pressurised situation?

Breathe! Before all the music exams, GCSEs, A levels and presentations I have had to do the best thing I have found you can do is to slow your breathing and try to relax yourself. Sometimes it’s even helpful to have a chat with friends to take your mind off it.

And to round off…what’s one interesting fact about you that no one might guess?

I wrote a letter to the queen when I was 6 and she wrote back. We were basically pen pals!