Auditions--- Are they ridiculous or am I just crazy?

Applying to College
1

<p>So I'm planning on going to college to major in music (you know, as in <em>study music</em> and all that stuff). </p>

<p>Yet, when I look at audition requirements to my programs of choice (like, for example Jacobs SOM at IU), it feels like I already should have graduated from the program. </p>

<p>In the composition major, I need to submit 2-4 original compositions, a portfolio with a comprehensive list of completed compositions, and recordings of performances 'if possible.'</p>

<p>How many high school students do you know of having concerts of their professionally composed music. Call me crazy, but I thought I was going to college to learn to do that stuff... :(</p>

2

<p>wow i understand your pain...
i bet most applicants just create those compositions when they decide to apply though. Only a few people probably have really good pieces just lying around the house :P. Good luck!</p>

<p>p.s. this is how I feel about taking too many AP's.</p>

3

<p>You would be well served to repost this in CC's music major forum. There are experienced composition posters and there be more than one way to skin a cat. There are a number who could provide insight based on having been through the process.</p>

<p>
[quote]
How many high school students do you know of having concerts of their professionally composed music. Call me crazy, but I thought I was going to college to learn to do that stuff...

[/quote]
</p>

<p>And please be aware of the incredible level of talent that you will be competing against in the audition pool. At the highest level, much of the applicant pool has had years of professional training, intense summer immersion programs, and live and breathe music 24/7. </p>

<p>My "expertise" is rooted in performance programs. My son is a conservatory graduate, playing professionally, so my knowledge of specific composition admit/audition parameters is minimal. </p>

<p>I think some of your question can be answered by looking at the scope of your current musical immersion and experience. Of course, this is a function of your level of training, potentially your locale, finances, and access to quality peers of like mind. I do know from our situation that we had access to high quality high school and youth symphony musicians, as well as former and current professional musicians. A good bit of the auditon/prescreening process often involved working with peers/peer parents and utilizing networking resources normally on a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" basis.</p>

<p>Without knowing a bit more of your musical background (and current grade level), I'd say begin with your high school department head or ensemble director, your private instructor, or your youth symphony music director or executive director. Faith-based music directors can also be a source of info and advice. The music world is small and tightly knit and I've found that someone always knows someone else willing to advise or help a strong candidate to succeed. The broader your base of expertise and support, the more knowledge you have to draw from.</p>

<p>I do know that many high schools and community colleges have state of the art recording equipment available for student/community use at minimal fees. Larger university/college programs if available also provide these as well. There are also a number of fairly low cost alternatives personal recording devices that can provide audition quality digital recordings. (The technology is ever evolving, and there are a number of specific threads on the music major forum detailing specific equipment.)</p>

<p>Without knowing in depth the comp audition requirements for Jacobs (or your other schools of interest) you don't have to present recordings of full orchestral works. Chamber works for small orchestras, small ensemble pieces, even instrumental duos may serve, but of course this is a function of the scope of your work to date. </p>

<p>It does pay to assemble the best group of musicians you can find to present yourself. "It's the network"... use the best from your experiences (high school, youth orchestra, if available, as well as those they know. Local college programs, community orchestras may also have musicians to help. Most of the time this is gratis work or on a quid pro quo basis, it may cost you dinner in the form of a horde of pizzas).</p>

<p>As far as venues to practice or record, again utilize your network. Someone always has access to a school, small venue or church, particularly if you are in an arts supporting area.</p>

<p>Again, much of the above is contingent upon your particular situation, and may or may not serve. Good luck to you.</p>

4

<p>Schools like Jacob SOM don't take on eager students that want to "learn" how to compose. They take students and "enhance" their developed talent and ear. Composing takes extensive theory knowledge and lots of practice. If you're thinking of composing and you haven't composed 2-4 works, then the more serious schools won't look at you. (of course, I'm writing this as if you are a senior in high school, enrolling for class of 2013) As for recordings, have in-home recitals and record them. Who said they had to be at Carnegie Hall in front of a massive audience? Just record them!</p>

5

<p>When it comes to applying to music, theater, and film schools, there are far more highly qualified applicants for such schools than there are spaces. The highly qualified applicants have been composing, performing at a prodigy level etc. for years. </p>

<p>Those schools aren't for students who are thinking about pursuing such careers. Those schools are for students who are so passionate about such careers and are so talented that they have been pursuing such things at a relatively high level for years.</p>

<p>I went to a high school in Upstate NY. The one student from my school who got into a music school had already scored at least one composition that our high school orchestra had played at a concert.</p>

<p>Others who applied to music schools had composed music that various music groups at the school -- including groups that the students themselves created -- had performed.</p>

6

<p>Check out Bachelor of Arts music programs. Most of them offer a composition track and there are no specific admission requirements such as auditions or supplemental applications apart from the general college application. There are many fine programs - as in the Ivys and comparable universities, as was suggested in a separate post on the Music Forum, or liberal arts colleges like Williams, Bard, Swarthmore, etc. There will be a wide range of composition students, from those who could be studying in a conservatory, to beginners.</p>