<p>Hello all! I have a bit of a problem when it comes to the audition for universities. I play piano, drums, violin, xylophone, ukulele, etc. I consider myself a multi instrumentalist. The problem is, I've only been reading music for about two years. I'm self taught except for percussion/rhythm mainly due to paying in jazz band and concert band in middle school. So I wouldn't exactly know which instrument to audition with because of this flaw. I fear sight reading for piano and for lack of experience. Violin I've only been playing for about two years and am barely experiencing 3rd position. But drums I feel would be awkward because of my music composition focus. I also don't get to practice drums too much because of where I live. I'm nervous because of the large pool of talented musicians. Any advice?</p>
<p>Well, I met a composer from Curtis - an amazing music school, and perhaps the best in the country - who is a drummer. If you want to apply to composition, then your actual compositions are much more important than how well you play instruments, but if you feel that drums is your strongest point then perhaps go with that?</p>
<p>We need to know a lot more about which programs you’re applying to, and in what discipline, before we can give useful advice. You mention composition - are you applying to programs for popular music, jazz, or classical? What level of programs are you applying to - how competitive? Since you mention auditions, can we assume you’re not applying for a BA in Music? You may wish to rethink that, as it is often a great choice for someone deeply interested in studying music, but without a lot of previous formal training.</p>
<p>If you’re applying as a composer, your portfolio of scores and recordings will be what’s most important. Some schools don’t even require an audition on an instrument, nor even provide lessons. Others do - but the performance standards for composers are different than for performance majors. However, it sounds like you may not have enough experience on any of your instruments for an auditioned program and that you’d be better off applying to a composition program that does not require an instrument.</p>
<p>As for Curtis, which the previous poster mentioned, it is one of the most selective programs for classical composition - but they don’t ask the composers to audition on an instrument.</p>
<p>More information would be valuable. Based on what you wrote, if you are self taught I think you would have trouble getting through an audition based program for performance ( I am talking classical music here, I don’t know enough about jazz or contemporary programs). Performance degree programs are very, very competitive and I suspect given your background that you would not make it into most programs, and to be honest, Jazz is pretty darn competitive from what I have heard, too. </p>
<p>With composition, it mostly is going to be based on your portfolio of work, scores, recordings, and while I don’t want to put a damper on your dreams, I would be very surprised if you got into a composition program at any kind of level if what you say is true, that you only learned to read music a couple of years ago. To have the kind of background to get into a composition program, you generally need a solid background in music theory, which for someone who only learned to read music a couple of years ago sounds like something you might be lacking. There are parents on here of composition students, but I know enough about that world to know some of the requirements, and I suspect given your background it would be tough to find a program that would accept you based on potential. </p>
<p>There could be programs where you could get in, but at the major music schools I don’t think you would have much chance. There could be programs where you could get a bachelors in composition that are relatively easy on admissions and get the background you need, then possibly go on to a grad program, I am sure some of the composition people could help with that.</p>
<p>I have been studying theory for two years now in college. With theory I have been been studying piano skills and musicianship. I am very thankful that I have learned so quickly. I wrote both scores for film and pop music with bands and collaborations with other musicians. I understand that people and even children have been classically trained for years but I don’t think I’m remedial. In middle school I competed with professional drummers, and made a name for myself during numerous jazz festivals. It’s the repertoire that auditions are asking for (in my other instruments) that I am intimidated by. </p>
<p>I will be applying next fall as a transfer student to several cal states and several UCs. I have a 3.8 GPA and have been getting straight A’s in all my theory classes. I’ve been writing since I was 12 with no theory knowledge. </p>
<p>I understand how difficult it is so compete with people who have had the privilege of studying for years. As a multi instrumentalist, I just need advice as to which instrument to audition on because the composition major (BA in music) calls for such.</p>
<p>Also, this is will be classical composition.</p>
<p>It sounds like percussion will be your best bet. If you’re not working with a percussion teacher right now, it could be worth it over the break if you have time before the audition (s).</p>