<p>I compose a lot of pieces on my computer, using AnvilStudio. I am constantly on there, whether I'm writing new pieces or doing remixes of songs by ear, and I would REALLY like to major in music when I go to college.</p>
<p>The thing is, my skills at playing an actual instrument are mediocre at best. I'm a sophomore in high school, so I have some time to improve, but I will definitely not be as good at playing as other people. I played piano when I was 6 up until I was about 9 or 10, but I never received actual lessons (my parents couldn't afford it, and I was pretty well self-taught). My keyboard broke, so I haven't played in AGES. I'm getting a new one in a few days, but I'm afraid I might not be very good. I also recently got a violin, but of course, those take quite some time to be able to play well, too.</p>
<p>I plan on working really hard to improve my skills, but I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get into any schools if my instrument playing is not fantastic. I absolutely love composing and can't think of anything else I'd want to go to school for, but the fact that I can't perform many of my own pieces is making me really nervous and stressed. Will colleges even look at me if I can't play?</p>
<p>I don’t want to be a pessimist, but your chances of being able to learn to play and compare to the level of others who are attending college for music are really unlikely. Many have been playing since even before they learned to read.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, this doesn’t mean that you can’t go to school for music. You could always go. You don’t necessarily need to be able to play an instrument although knowing how to will help you 1000%. I played clarinet for 5 years and piano for 7 years, so I do know a bit about this.</p>
<p>Well yes, I expect that I won’t be able to play anywhere near the level of the other people applying.</p>
<p>Another question I had (which you may or may not be able to answer, but maybe someone will): A lot of the schools for composition ask for performances of some of your pieces on a CD, and I’m wondering (since I mostly do electronic composition), if having the files played on the computer counts as a “performance”?</p>
<p>Ooh, that’s a tough question. I don’t know how that would work. It’s because when they are asking for a performance, they are referring to a live instrument, like a cello or a bassoon. I’m not sure.</p>
<p>Depends on the music school. Check with the music school beforehand.</p>
<p>There are music schools where composition applicants are held to lower instrumental standards than performance applicants while still having to audition (McGill Schulich is one; for that particular school it is recommended to get 3.5+ UW, 1900+/28+ as well), while for UVA you can always wait a year or two to major in music (not sure what other schools of that sort are there, but, for UVA, better have 4.0+ weighted, 31+/2100+) and audition once you declare your major.</p>
<p>Your music portfolio is very important in this case. Be sure to show versatility, creativity, and a strong understanding of the technical qualities of the instruments.</p>