Composition for an undecided college freshman?

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hello forum!</p>

<p>So currently I am a UC Davis freshman with an undeclared major. Ever since the beginning of high school, I have been fighting with the idea of what I want to do, especially since most of my childhood I was pushed and dragged along a math and science path. Even til today, my idea is that my future would be so stable and certain if I choose a career path of medicine, law, buisness, etc. Don't get me wrong, I would love to help people and somehow change the world in that way, but I am not outstanding in any of these subjects. </p>

<p>Honestly, I came to Davis trying to force myself to become an environmentalist and an Aggie, but that quickly died. Every time I force myself to be passionate about anything other than music, I hate it even more. Over these 2 months at Davis, I have become an insomniac due to stress over this issue, and am really unable to grow accustomed to this place.</p>

<p>To get to the point, I want to become a film score composer. I have no experience composing. I do have 13 years of classical training in piano under my belt. And have spent 9 years playing the oboe and clarinet with large band ensembles. I spend everyday at Davis going to the practice rooms to play the piano, but have learned that Davis really really lacks the resources as a music department. I have found and am learning with a brilliant piano teacher, but that is all I can say about the department.</p>

<p>I am feeling so lost and fearful. I haven't been able to talk to my mom about this struggle, because I don't even know if I have a future with this dream. To be honest, I haven't even had a dream in a long long while. And this one might be really unrealistic and I don't want to drag my parents into this struggle if I can't even be sure of it yet. </p>

<p>From reading many threads on music schools and composition majors on this forum, I know there are a lot of very experienced people on here. So I am here to ask for advice. If I start now, do I have a chance? Do I even have the chance to transfer out of Davis to a school with a better music program?</p>

<p>Sorry for such a long post, but I just really need to sort out my thoughts as well. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Have you considered taking some time off from school, or seeing a counselor about what your path might be, and also to help with the insomnia? Do you have a good advisor?</p>

<p>Many students come on here to ask about film scoring. There are some programs at the undergrad level for film scoring, but most of the time the advice is to begin composing, study music for a few years, then consider film scoring. USC has a grad program for film scoring that is open to any undergrad composer, automatically. Berklee has some courses in film scoring. There are other schools (NYU? Cal Arts?) and many music majors include at least a course or two. There is, of course, technology involved so the study of film scoring.</p>

<p>You will need a portfolio of 3 or 4 pieces already written and, preferably played (at least one or two of them) for application to most BM composition programs, though if you are at or apply to a college or university for a BA in music, a portfolio is not required. </p>

<p>Why not take a theory class, and/or a composition class, and try your hand?</p>

<p>I will say that if you are thinking about composition because you are trying to figure out a career path, there may be many other possibilities for you to think about, besides film scoring, law, medicine, business, or environmental studies. Maybe you can try a few different subjects and see if anything interests you along the way. As a freshman, it is very appropriate to do some exploring without worrying yet about a job.</p>

<p>Remember that career and major don’t need to match. It’s old-fashioned these days, but still true in many cases, that college is not necessarily about career training. Also, interning and volunteering can be really helpful in clarifying goals.</p>

<p>If you do compose, maybe start out for the love of it without feeling pressured by the need to earn money with it. Employers have a lot of respect for music majors :)</p>