<p>I've been playing the flute since fourth grade, I am actively involved in ensembles at my high school (junior btw) but am only going to start taking private lessons this year. I recently got into the the advanced band at my school, but I do not necessarily consider myself a top notch player, I definitely have a lot of work to do. I want to go to school for Music Ed. but I know that most schools, at the least the ones that I would like to go to, you have to audition for. Since flute is one of the more common instruments I'm afraid of a lot of competition to get into the schools and that I wouldn't get accepted. What is the audition process like? Do you think it's a disadvantage to play such a popular instrument? Any tips on how to best prepare for auditions in the next year and a half or so?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Yes, flute is incredibly competitive. Talk to your band teacher and your private teacher and ask them there opinions. Once you have their input you will be able to make some decisions about whether or not music ed will be a viable option for you. If you are not ready for a 4 year music ed program but still interested you could go to a community college, take general ed courses for two years while working with your private teacher, and then audition for a music ed school. Or you could go to a 4 year non audition school with a BA in music and then get your masters in music ed. Please talk to your teachers now so you can develop a plan to achieve your goal.</p>
<p>As a flute player myself, I can tell you it is extremely competitive. As a suggestion, since you have only now started taking private lessons, consider switching to an instrument such as bassoon. Since you are interested in music ed, it will benefit you to know more than one instrument. And you will have a better chance auditioning on an instrument on which far fewer people are auditioning.</p>
<p>Flute is very competitive, but that does not mean you would not be accepted to a music ed program with the flute as your instrument. The more selective (and dare I say more prestigious) schools, accept a certain number of applicants in order to balance their ensembles, but that is not the case for all schools. There are music departments that accept all applicants that meet the audition and educational criteria. However, your ability would certainly impact whether or not you would get a scholarship offer.</p>
<p>Taking private lessons and asking your band teacher for input are both very good ideas.</p>
<p>I agree if you want to do flute, getting started with a private teacher right away is the best advice. Also, if any of the schools you would want to go to are nearby for you, contact the flute professors there and see about getting a consultation or lesson. Ask them what you need to do to make yourself competitive. You might have to pay for this lesson but it would be worth it to find out where you stand. Private teachers and band directors may not be fully aware of the level of competition that is out there–ours weren’t.</p>
<p>I agree if you can get to the college professors you will get a much better feel for what you need to do to compete.</p>
<p>Another thing you might wish to do is audition for All State band or another regional honor band. If you get in that would at least be somewhat reassuring for Music Ed, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t make it. My D has friends who did not get in who ended up in music ed, just depends on the school. Your band director will know about these groups.</p>
<p>If you are going for Music Ed, then you are probably going for Band teacher. You will eventually need to develop the ability to at least play a lot of the band instruments. If you enjoy less played instruments, like Oboe, then it might be easier to learn now and increase your chances of getting into a Music Ed program.</p>
<p>Tips on preparing for auditions: Look at the audition requirements for the schools you are interested in. That will tell you what types of songs you should be working towards.</p>