<p>i'm a high school sophomore, and i play bassoon
i'm looking forward to several unis:
U michigan
U illinois
Boston U
U indiana
U california(LA&Irvine)</p>
<p>just wondering, what should i prepare right now?
only practice, practice and practice?
aren't bassoon players are rare and has a more higher acception rate?
is my current high school GPA is only 3.8, is it too low for UCLA or U michigan?
is the SAT scores should be like over 2000 in order to get into some schools?</p>
<p>thanks!!</p>
<p>i would like to hear some bassoonists' experience in auditioning for any schools!!</p>
<p>Bassoon players are not rare...my d encountered lots of them on her audition rounds. Since there are not many spots for bassoonists at top music schools, it is just as competitive as any other instrument. Get as much experience as you can playing in orchestras and chamber ensembles, and learn to make good reeds.</p>
<p>I would agree with Pam - bassoonists are not rare. You are also correct that, in general, acceptance rates are higher than for the more common instruments such as violin, flute and piano. For a couple of conservatory auditions, my D competed with 30 or so bassoons with about 1/3 receiving offers. The acceptance rates for the major instruments were probably about 10-20%. My D did not audition at any of the public universities which you listed. She did audition at BU last year. Be advised BU has a small music program. We never heard the complete details but I think BU only took 1 or 2 bassoons that year.</p>
<p>At this point, I don't believe there is anything special you need to do to prepare for auditions. Hopefully you have a good teacher and playing experience. You might want to consider summer music camps. I also recommend learning to make reeds and also taking general training in ear, theory and keyboard. There seems to be a concern that admissions are determined largely by the results of a few minutes of playing at an audition. That is only partially true. Auditions are rarely flawless. The faculty is skilled at accessing a student's level of skill and is also interested in personality, aptitude, and long term ability.</p>