<p>(sigh, this stupid forum just deleted my message because I spent too much time writing it, and I got logged out. I get so furious when this happens).</p>
<p>Well there’s been a lot of important advice, and I’m surprised to see all the responses.</p>
<p>I am a good enough pianist that I could have applied as a piano performance major, had I prepared some pieces. I think I would have been at least as good to apply to UBC’s piano department. UBC is my local university, right next to my hometown of Vancouver, BC. </p>
<p>My piano concerto is only about 7 minutes long so I am not worried about its length or the effort required to complete it. Most of my other pieces will be in the 3-4 minute range. One is a four-part SATB chorale, another is a harp solo, and one is a piano solo piece. I am always about quality, not quantity or duration.</p>
<p>I won’t bother to try to get real performers to perform my works for recording purposes. Instead I’ll use virtual symphony plugins in my DAW so I can synthesize recordings instead. The quality and realism of these plugins is good enough, to my ears, to be sufficient for evaluating a score.</p>
<p>Because my dad makes between $65k-70k a year I am doubtful that I will qualify for sufficient financial aid, without his help. I used to live with my mom, who made about $19k a year. But I had to move in with my dad because my mom couldn’t keep up with her rent, and had to move to a new place which isn’t big enough for me to live with her. </p>
<p>I understand the complexity of the US immigration system and the competitive disadvantage I would face as a new immigrant and potential employee. My dream of working in hollywood is a long-term one. I think it might be best for me to develop my contacts and career in Canada. As a seasoned professional I would have a better chance of breaking in with a track record and demonstrated ability. It makes no sense for me to work a dead-end job as a 20-something while harboring a $50k plus loan. There’s a proper time and place for everything.</p>
<p>I have to stop writing now, I will update this post later with some more clarifications.</p>