<p>I am still not completely sure what i want to do in the field of music yet; but the possible majors are the following: contemporary performance, contemporary songwriting, studio production/technology. What will be the common process of application/audition and what will i need to have prepared for the years applications? Thanks for your answers.</p>
<p>Unfortunately there isn’t necessarily a “common process” for auditions or applications. Requirements vary from school to school (especially with commercial music), so you will need to check with each school. Some applications require one or more essays, most require letters of reference (but some require academic ones, some don’t, many require one or more music reference letters), some require a resume, some require a rep list. For studio production/technology, some may require examples of your previous work.</p>
<p>Best bet: read the admission requirement websites of several schools that you are interested in.</p>
<p>nyc - also be aware that music application deadlines are generally December 1, not the later date that many other kinds of schools have.</p>
<p>@Stradmom - good point about the early application deadline; OP is a hs junior, I think, doing early research</p>
<p>The one common caveat is to get a handle on each school’s requirements, repertoire, timing, deadlines and sequence as early as possible. Requirements can and do vary significantly by program and discipline within the same school. If you are contemplating songwriting/composition or production/tech, you may well be looking at a portfolio submission in lieu of or in addition to an instrumental/vocal audition. In a number of cases, there may well be prescreening requirements.</p>
<p>It is important not to make generalizations, and to map or flowchart your requirements, timing and dates. There may be both an academic and music application, some want the apps first before the audition request, some do not.</p>
<p>Do not assume this year’s procedures will hold for future years at ANY program.</p>
<p>My S (jazz) is your age and just did what violadad suggested. He made a spreadsheet with all the info regarding each school he is interested in. As a side note: He just informed me that he found that he has to do an additional spreadsheet for the auditions alone as the space he allotted on his general sheet wasn’t near enough for the diversity of what is required at each school.</p>
<p>It is quite complex and actually is much more work than non-music majors - all I can say is start now. Really the best way to do that is just start. Since you are still exploring schools, you could just create a word document for each school you are interested in and then go to their websites to get admission/audition material. If you save all to one computer folder, you will be in business. When it comes to narrowing the field, you can put the info into spreadsheet form.</p>
<p>Another good point by violadad. Double check the due dates late next summer as they can change.</p>
<p>also, although this isn’t directly related to college i figured i could use the vast knowledge on this website to my advantage… what are some tips on songwriting. I am able to think of sections of songs easily but end up either going in a different direction completely or am not able to connect the lyrics together. Any suggestions?</p>