<p>“I have to say…musicians need to be good writers also. They have to have the ability to write (things like their resumes, program notes, bios, etc). I’m not sure I would advocate for a program that completely ignores this facet of instruction. Even music theory, music history, and composition require a certain level of writing competence. Most stand alone conservatories focus on the music end of the studies, but they usually do have some kind of humanities course requirements in order to award a Bachelors degree.” -THUMPER1</p>
<p>Thumper1, I agree with you! If you look through the posts by students on these boards, and I am referring to the ones from kids who haven’t gained admittance to any of the schools of their choice or who have no idea why they can’t even get an audition , there is a common factor- awful spelling and poor grammar. No matter how important music is to someone, there are still applications to be filled out and essays to be written and if those are terribly lacking in composition, even the best musician could be denied admission before he/she even got to the audition. We all know that there are so many really talented musicians out there, so how do schools make choices? At one of my D’s recent auditions, an Asst.Admissions Director told me that if, all things considered, two applicants are ranked equally after their auditions and any other music related testing that the school may use, the committee will then look at the academic rankings of the students. I know that my own D is looking only at conservatory-based programs even though she is at the top of her class in a difficult college prep school. She lives for her music and will be completely happy taking nothing but classes about, pertaining to and helping her with music, so I am respecting her decision.
Yes, they may never need courses they took in high school, but everyone must take them, so, might as well make the best of the time so that you can use what you need!</p>