Hi everyone, So I’m starting to get acceptances (and rejections :(( ), as well as still waiting on a several decisions, for composition. I’m starting to weigh out pros and cons - and its so hard to choose because they’re all such good schools!
I’ve done research on the schools and have an idea of the faculty, the course listings etc. but what I’m having a tough time finding information about is the number and scale of opportunities to get student composer works performed. Any recommendations on how I can deepen my research here? If you have specific information on the following schools that would great as well! Berklee, BoCo, CalArts, SUNY Purchase, USC, BU, DePaul and NYU.
I also want to find information on recent alumni for composition - any good places to get information on this? I’ve been searching LinkedIn.
I don’t have any specific knowledge about the opportunities in these programs. However after years of being a composer in academia I can tell you that the amount of opportunities that you have to get your music played rests almost completely on you. While some programs may offer specific opportunities to get your music performed by guest ensembles, or internal reading programs, most of the time it’s up to you to rustle up the players, rehearse them, and create opportunities for yourself. Keep that in mind from the first day you walk in the door, and try and cultivate positive relationships with performers you might want to work with in the future.
To find recent alumni you can look at the graduate programs for composition departments of interest - they often have brief bios of their grad students which list their undergrad degree(s). You can also email the head of the composition department and ask them specifically about where their grads go on for advanced degrees, as well as performance opportunities - whether they’re guaranteed, how often, what kind of instrumentation etc. Sometimes for orchestral performances it’s a program wide competition, as opposed to guaranteed - and you might be competing with grad students. Find out if the performers will be fellow students, or professional groups - and how much rehearsal time they’ll have for your piece. And if professional groups - find out if they change all the time, or it’s the same group and instrumentation year after year. Find out if there are student run concerts where you can get your work performed - that is often the very best venue - everyone is invested and dedicated.
Spirit Manager has a lot of great questions, and I also agree with mmmarimba about creating your own opportunities. That said, I would assume most of these schools offer concerts for undergrad level composers. Have you checked the websites? Find the schedule of concerts, for instance. Also, as Spirit Manager said, ask the departments where you have been accepted.
Don’t limit your idea of performance possibilities, though, to those officially offered by the department or even to student-run concerts. There are many ways to get pieces played, including competitions and summer programs, and you can also gain some experience in finding funding and connecting to musicians both on and off campus. Students sometimes create their own concert series, as well.
From what I have observed, admission to quality grad programs doesn’t always correlate with undergrad school reputation. It really is about the music. I understand the impulse to check where grads end up, but if you continue to work hard and develop as an individual composer (“voice”!), you will end up where you should be. If you really want this info, Spirit Manager has good suggestions: ask the department, and check grad sites at schools where you might want to end up (though that can change considerably in the next 4 years!)
I am, overall, not a fan of overplanning or even resume building at this level. I think the most important things to look for are diversity of style in an undergrad program , which is a sign of acceptance of what students want to do rather than the imposition of style or dogma, and the best possible teachers- for you as an individual composer. Other factors like location, size, “vibe” (and price) are important of course and I am sure those are part of your picture too.
Do you like to work independently or do you like close work with a directive teacher? Do you tend toward experimental work or more traditional classical? Are you geared to orchestral work or small ensembles? Are you interested in electroacoustic work at all? These are relevant as well.
Websites are really very helpful. I hope you have had a chance to visit and tour, and you can go back again to really make sure of your choice. Now is the time to ask questions: they want you so are selling to you rather than the other way around 
Attend concerts if you can, listen to faculty works.
Sounds like you are doing great. It may be that performance opportunities are relatively equal among these schools, so there may be other criteria you rely on
Thanks everyone for the advice! I’ll continue talking in the PMs!
I agree with everyone here that the chances of getting your music heard will mostly depend on you! In case you didn’t already know Berklee and BoCo are merging and they are working on that now for Fall classes. Not sure what this will mean or look like yet but will hopefully open up more opportunities for students at both schools. Berklee has tons of opportunities if you look for them. Also, Boston music scene is very welcoming to musicians and there are tons of opportunities if you get yourself out there. I would agree that this should not be your determining factor. You need to find the school that has the right feel for you. Good luck! You have a lot of great schools to choose from!
I might also add that at Berklee, most declare their major 2nd or 3rd semester. You will have to apply to the Composition Major once you have at least one semester under your belt (depending on your placement exams and grades) this may be longer or even possible first semester. Even though you applied as a Composition Major, this does not guarantee your spot in the program. You may also find that you may be interested in something completely different.
Oh okay I see, thanks rockinmomab!