<p>Hello, I've recently been accepted into SUNY Fredonia but I've yet to audition for their music school yet. I'm applying for their Sound Recording Technology program, where I read on their website that they give preference to student who do well in math and science courses (dedication to work ethic taken into consideration). My question is how much do you think those grades would factor into a decision such as this? I, unfortunately, failed my Pre-Calculus class but I'm retaking the course online and doing well with it so I'll have 4 years of math soon. I have 3 years of Science, with the most recent being Chemistry (haven't taken Physics in High School). I got about a 92-93 average in this class.</p>
<p>My SAT scores were pretty average: Critical Reading-530 Math-590 Writing-610 but I'm retaking them and I'm pretty sure that they'll improve.</p>
<p>As far as the audition is concerned, I'm pretty confident in my music theory and my repertoire (classical guitar). If I nailed my audition and music theory test/interview would that compensate for the low math grade(s)? My work ethic has changed dramatically from the time that I took pre-calc to now.</p>
<p>I appreciate anyone who took the time to read this and would like advice. Thanks to all.</p>
<p>Congratulations on getting in to the university! For those reading your post, here is the text from the website, about the music program mentioned:</p>
<p>"The Bachelor of Science in Sound Recording Technology is one of few such degree programs anywhere in the Northeast United States. The curriculum is based upon the belief that the audio engineer must be a musician with a broad range of scientific and engineering skills. SRT at Fredonia is a highly selective program that selects applicants on the basis of high academic and musical achievement. The program itself begins in the sophomore year. Graduates have a working knowledge of industry hardware; training and experience in monaural, stereo, and multitrack recording, as well as in live sound for different media; and experience in operations, maintenance, and management. Training is provided in analog and digital recording and editing, sound reinforcement, automation, and signal processing. Juniors assist senior production projects, and seniors produce the equivalent of half an album. Facilities include 8- and 24-track studios and ancillary work rooms. SRT students provide recording services for the School of Music, the community, and the region. Graduates are employed as audio engineers in many of the nation’s most important recording studios. "</p>
<p>It says that the program begins in sophomore year. I wonder if you can attend SUNY Fredonia and apply while there as a freshman, as well as before entering-? If so, you would have a chance to do well this year and also next year, to increase your chances. Looks like a great program!</p>
<p>Do you have any experience with recording? I assume so, and this would definitely add to your application. And if you’re already accepted academically, and you’re a decent musician, then I think you have a good shot! I have a friend who’s double degreeing at Ann Arbor in sound engineering, and although she didn’t have the best grades of the century she has a lot of experience and is a good musician so she was accepted. Best of luck!</p>
<p>I have no experience recording other peoples music but I do have experience in recording my own. I’ve been recording my own stuff for about 2-3years now. I guess if, worse comes to worse, I’m not accepted into the program I’ll still do well my first year in college and try again. But thanks for the replies!</p>
<p>You really should take physics since that is a basic for Sound Engineering/ Recording. Science and math are very important in that field and your grades and courses will be looked at for admission consideration.</p>
<p>I wanted to change my schedule so that I had Physics this year but the way my school does scheduling wouldn’t fit it in. It sucks because the class I wanted to replace is really unimportant (Basic Foods) but there were only 2 periods that I could’ve changed it to and those were English and Band. English wouldn’t have worked because it’s a core class and I was against replacing my Band since that’s where most of my musical activities stem from. I’m also in other Honors band programs like District Orchestra and such that I wouldn’t have been able to do if I switched. Regardless, even if it doesn’t help my admissions chance, I may try to self teach through either some sort of summer or online course to prepare myself for the college class if nothing else.</p>
<p>Hey nivramrelyt! I actually just transferred into the music ed. program for classical guitar at fredonia, so i think i can be of some help. Not too many people audition on classical guitar in fredonia, so i don’t think it’s very selective, so you have that going for you haha… not to talk the program down or anything; there just aren’t a whole lot of guitar majors there. The guitar professors are amazing, though. As long as you’re solid on your audition pieces and scales and your technique is good and relaxed, you should be able to pass the audition with flying colors. for the SRT program, on top of your audition, I think you have to talk to the department head, and if he sees that you’re actually passionate about sound recording on top of your being solid on your audition, you’ll definitely get into the program. That stuff should matter a lot more than the grades you got in math and science classes. I wish you the best of luck on your audtion and music theory test!</p>
<p>My son is in his senior year of this type of program and my feeling is that you will want to really focus on your SAT Math (think 700) and if possible, find a way, eg. summer dual enrollment at a local university, to take physics prior. The calc comes in with the engineering pre-reqs usually found in this type of course, that will include C+ and Matlab proficiency and enough calc to solve the problems for which you have to program solutions.</p>
<p>In psycho-acoustics (usually a base course prereq) and upper systems courses, and EECS you will never regret a solid grounding in physics (no pun intended.)</p>
<p>This is one area where audition alone does not always trump academics - they will want to be certain you can be successful in the technical courses.</p>
<p>In terms of advice, then, I would suggest that you be sure to add some kind of “note” to your admission file that you’re over the pre-calc hump and intend to take measures to ensure you have the required math/sci background to succeed. </p>
<p>I don’t know if this particular program requires portfolio submissions or not the way UMich does, but if it doesn’t and you’re a good mixer/masterer, by all means submit samples as a supplement or be sure during an interview portion to discuss your comfort level with sound reinforcement, capture, sequencing and mixing Best wishes!</p>
<p>Segovito-I can’t describe how happy this comment makes me haha. Like I said before, I’m feeling pretty confident in my audition, I’m basically just working out the kinks in my performance before the 23rd. I spoke to Prof. Piorkowski a while back and he was really kind and helpful in giving audition advice.</p>
<p>kmcmom13-I actually just took my SATs today. I feel like I did better this time for sure but I’m not positive that I got a 700. I probably left about 10-13ish blank but I’m pretty sure I got all the ones I did answer correct. I also might actually try dual-enrollment this summer depending on if I end up going to PAI (summer music program). If I can’t, I do plan on buying books and self-studying Calc I and Physics I as best as I can.</p>
Best wishes!</p>