Desperately seeking (composition major) advice!

College Majors Music Major
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<p>After reading the numerous posts here, I am grateful to be in such knowledgeable company and wonder if I can obtain some practical advice for a SENIOR (yes, I know...panic! panic!) who is aspiring to major in music composition. We are based in the NY area and the NE is a natural draw for us although we are open to midwest schools (frankly, we just can't afford numerous trips to the west coast to seek out schools, auditions, etc., as great as they are). I'm sorry for the long post and thank those who have the time to read it. </p>

<p>My son is a very unique case; came into music late but with gusto. His goal is to be a composer but does not want to be restrained by genre (i.e., classical, jazz, electronic, etc.). His mind is wide open and his compositions show that. He sees himself writing music for film scores and other types of productions. He is a whiz at the music technology side (ProTools, Logic, etc.) but that does not mean he is not serious about music theory and instrumentation. He attends Mannes prep as a theory student. In a short time he has been deeply engaged in musical styles and forms - i.e., can quickly identify what makes a certain style of music interesting and unique (in musical terms). He applies this interest in his work, which is highly diverse. He has had a few recorded performances at Mannes and his HS but has not entered into competitions (we're too novice for much of the music-centric mania we have since learned parents undergo with their talented children). To give you an idea by example, he has recently studied (on his own) the Bach cantatas, is a ardent ukelele player (self-taught and by ardent, I mean that we were recently in Hawaii where he jammed with pros who were all patting him on the back in that band-of-brothers kind of way), is a huge fan of New Orleans jazz and his idle composing on piano draws people in the neighborhood to stand outside and listen. I should mention that my son is a fantastic athlete who is a mean face-off guy in lacrosse! But, it's music first for him and when asked if he would like to play lacrosse his college his answer is always, "only if it would not interfere with music." A coach at Oberlin has reached out to him. And his HS Music Director likewise thinks of him as the next Leonard Bernstein (if only!). He is a "good" student with a 3.5+ GPA and 1900 SAT. He won't blow the gasket off any admission review group but he is a solid student from a nicely-ranked, competitive HS. If you could only say one thing about him, it would be "creative, passionate and yet self-disciplined and competitive non-conformer." Wow, that's a mouthful. </p>

<p>ALAS: Where does this student belong?? We tramped around (or plan to tramp around) music conservatory open houses (Hartt, NEC), BU, Skidmore, Bard, Berklee, Ithaca. The conservatories seem so attractive with their eager, bright students but they appear to be lock-stepped in their disciplines and I fear that the lack of social diversity (i.e., EVERYONE is an artist) would be too narrow for him. They all seem to offer composition but judging from the crowd in attendance at these events, not many like him. I am doubtful he would qualify for admission at the serious conservatories, which have a performance audition requirement (many do). He would be able to do that audition on piano and depending on the level of proficiency required, might slip by. On the other hand, his composition portfolio is rich, with detailed scoring illustrating his knowledge and disciplined study. He asked me point blank yesterday "what effect will one school vs. another have on my career?" What a tough question since I can only think that "his career" will be made up of what he can produce himself. Once you've broken into the world of composition, who will look back on his degree? My sense if that he should go where he will have the opportunity to dig deep into his love for music in an open-minded way and yet have the traditional college experience of friends, parties, maybe even sports. If any of you have lived this, please let me know! I am so at a loss on how to guide this unique person into a happy situation. </p>

<p>Thankfully!
Mom</p>

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<p>I think he should give Oberlin a shot. There is no instrumental audition for composition majors. The Timara electronic program is awsome. There have been conservatory only students who have played sports although it is not easy. It might be possible to do a BA musical studies major in the college that would allow for more sports time. The sports facilities at Oberlin are awsome and the dorms are shared by conservatory students and students in the college. My son who is a conservatory composition major has as a roommate creative writing major in the college.</p>

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<p>Look into Bard College and not the conservatory - the opportunities for composers are identical - except they’re less restricted to classical. Same professors available, same performance opportunities. Not sure about the Lacrosse team, though.</p>

<p>If his scores were higher I’d say look at Wesleyan, Vassar and Williams, too. He’s on the low end for them - but maybe with a holistic admission they’d let him in.</p>

<p>No need for a BM in composition - I think he’d have more freedom in a BA in Music with composition program.</p>

<p>Also check out Lawrence University.</p>

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<p>It is very common for students to start composing in late high school, or even much later. What are his recorded compositions like?</p>

<p>Does he prefer a place like Berklee? Jazz Studies, or more “popular music” ? Is he up for a thorough “classical” background of theory, music history, ethnomusicology, score analysis etc. etc? Electroacoustic classes are offered at many schools too. Does he have other academic interests?</p>

<p>I suggest he look at both colleges and conservatories. For composition, either can work. He could apply to both and decide later, after acceptances come in. Or he could narrow his choices now. There are also double degree programs [Peabody</a> Institute - Conservatory Admissions: The Double Degree Dilemma](<a href=“http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree]Peabody”>http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree) , and sometimes alternative schools like Hampshire, Bennington, Sarah Lawrence can also be viable options.</p>

<p>If he wants the option for a double degree program, Bard, Oberlin and Lawrence are often suggested. But he can apply to a college or university without any conservatory, and do composition under a general music major. Some music major programs have a composition strand. I recently suggested Clark University to someone w/similar “stats.”</p>

<p>He should look at things like distribution requirements at the colleges- on the websites. At a conservatory, music will be 2/3-3/4 of course work, and at a college, it will be 1/4-1/3 (actually, my daughter’s BA in music involves 50% of her classes in music, which is one reason she is there). And look at the programs and course work involved in the degree.</p>

<p>Many conservatories don’t have instrumental auditions for composers. The requirement at those schools is a portfolio of 3-4 pieces (different genres is great, actually, and even requested by some) and an interview. There is often a theory exam on the day of the interview which is for placement purposes only. One school (MSM) gives students an overnight composition assignment that the applicant presents to a panel the next day.</p>

<p>For colleges, he would do the regular (usually common) application and can send music as an arts supplement, along with letters from music folks who know him.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t worry about any problems from the diversity of his musical interests, which are a plus for a composer. It’s all good. Film scoring is offered in grad schools, and as coursework on the undergrad level at some schools. But overall, that field would involve the same background as any other composer.</p>

<p>Since he has a portfolio already, he is ahead of the game. December 1st is the most frequent conservatory deadline. Bard has an early admission and later one for the conservatory, as I remember, but someone can correct me on that. These applications are time consuming.</p>

<p>Some composers break into the composing world early (meaning in their twenties), but many slog at other jobs after college, music related (my daughter works for an orchestra’s office, while finishing college) and not music related, while composing outside of “work.” Many go to grad school and teach. </p>

<p>I am wondering what you mean when you say that “judging from the crowd” there were “not many like him.”</p>

<p>For now, time is of the essence. Good luck!</p>

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<p>As I do whenever Compmom gives her wonderful answer regarding composition majors, I just want to say that according to Oberlin, its online theory exam is considered in the application decision process.</p>

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<p>One other thing: it can help to focus on faculty, and listen to their music. One doesn’t have to study with a professor whose music is similar to one’s own vision, but still, it can be instructive. Also, going to student composers’ concerts can be interesting: we looked for diversity in pieces, because that would seem to indicate encouragement of an individual “voice.”</p>

<p>Of course, much of this attendance at concerts happened after applications were sent in!</p>

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<p>You have received wonderful advice from these fine folks. They have also been a tremendous asset to me as we’ve explored a very similar path for our senior son. Like your son, he entered music late in the game and recently has been exploring composition in multiple styles. Like you, we are also looking into programs that will provide him with strong training while also encouraging him to explore many styles of music with the possibility of continued studies in film scoring. We are looking into conservatories, but also feel that a college experience will be an asset to him on a personal level.</p>

<p>If I can offer one word of advice that our son received from his mentor, a Grammy winning artist who presently works in LA, it is this. If his ultimate goal is to pursue film scoring, then one thing that is important is for him to make connections. To that end, attending a school that also has a strong film program should be something to explore. Though studies in film scoring are limited at the undergraduate level, opportunities to work on student films provides a good foot in the door for a student who is already studying composition. And, the professors in these film programs often have connections to the business, as do composition professors within programs that offer a graduate degree in film scoring.</p>

<p>My head is still spinning with all of this so I can relate to your post.</p>

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<p>Thanks to those who so generously responded to my plea for help! I can’t say enough how this replies have helped us form ideas and plans. </p>

<p>We have been busy…out scouting schools, open houses, etc. We recently went to the open house at SUNY Purchase, which seemed like a strong programand is reasonably priced, both for in-state and those from out-of-state. However, we were a bit put off that no one from the faculty was engaged in this Open House at all so we have little awareness of the faculty at all, let alone who’s who in the composition area. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the composition program there. </p>

<p>Same with Brooklyn College Conservatory (CUNY) - appears to be a strong program. I know not many people on the list have the opportunity to get to Brooklyn to take a look but it is a rather nice campus in a very urban area. Housing was recently made available (through a 3rd party but in a nice, secure building). </p>

<p>Anyone have thoughts on this?</p>

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<p>I don’t know much about composition programs, but you should not be put off that no music faculty were at an open house. I would not expect that any music faculty–some of the highest-paid people employed by the university–would have it in their contracts to attend open houses. Write to a faculty member directly to make contact, after you have thoroughly researched them of course.</p>

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<p>I posted last night on the other thread about SUNY Purchase! It came into my head just as I was about to close. So you have just done an open house…</p>

<p>I would not expect composition professors to be at an open house. Many of these composers are traveling around, teaching at other institutions, or working/rehearsing when not teaching. Was this an open house for the college itself, or for the music conservatory? </p>

<p>Purchase is highly thought of, from what I know. One of the professors my daughter studied with went there. Lots of opportunities for film work, and other interdisciplinary projects (composing for dance) and it is so close to NYC.</p>

<p>Purchase has classical composition, jazz studies, and studio (electronic)work, as well as the arts, film and dance programs.</p>

<p>And, yes, relatively affordable!</p>

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<p>“I would not expect that any music faculty–some of the highest-paid people employed by the university–would have it in their contracts to attend open houses.”</p>

<p>Woah! Woah! :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I wouldn’t phrase it like that. I think more accurate would be; because music faculty are so underpaid (like most all professors) at a university, they are maintaining highly busy careers outside of teaching that force them to have to miss open house events!</p>

<p>:)</p>

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<p>I’m not sure what the pay scale of the music faculty has to do with attending an open house. Even a relatively poorly paid faculty member probably makes more than the night custodian, and s/he’s not going to be at the open house either. But the poorly paid cafeteria worker may well be on duty…it’s a contractual issue, not a pay scale issue. My hunch is that the requirement is that “someone from the department” be on hand to interact with visitors, and maybe it just happened that no one from composition was there.</p>