Help! Music Composition - Questions about Portfolio, Resume, Repertoire

College Majors Music Major
21

<p>Thank you again, compmom and SpiritManager.</p>

<p>In fact, the recording turned out to be great. Before I went to the studio, I was worried that situations like hearing “Oh no, I forgot to bring my violin!” from the first violin player or “The studio caught on fire.” from the studio manager, might occur to me.</p>

<p>But luckily, we all got together. All the musicians were friendly and enthusiastic. I pointed out how I wanted my pieces to be played, and in return they showed me some things that I should have corrected on my pieces, which I will very soon!</p>

<p>I uploaded the String Quartet on youtube, (making it 60). Here is the link:</p>

<p>[Xylophilia</a> - Four Strings - YouTube](<a href=“Xylophilia - Four Strings - YouTube”>Xylophilia - Four Strings - YouTube)</p>

<p>All of those schools, I’ve never even heard of before! This shows how blind I was to the outside world.</p>

<p>Here’s the story behind UCLA and USC. I especially wanted to go to these two places because:

  1. Every recommendation for music composition, I’ve heard from these schools the most.
  2. I’ve been to USC a couple of times, for Youth Orchestra Concerts. I really like the campus.
  3. I’m not an adventurous type of student who goes out of state.
  4. My parents own a small family business, which they direly want me to help with. I was planning on studying music and helping out with their business while I was at college.
  5. I do not want to leave the church that I’m going to right now.</p>

<p>What do you want out of college?

  • I guess I want the experience as well as knowledge to compose music. I want a degree so that I can move on to film scoring/game soundtracks.</p>

<p>What kind of environment are you looking for?

  • A city bustling full of people. I don’t like to be isolated.</p>

<p>What kind of peers do you want to be surrounded with?

  • Kind, enthusiastic yet helpful peers.</p>

<p>What kind of music do you want to study and/or listen to 24/7?

  • Classical music really interested me when I was a small child. And I think I was inspired to use electronic programs to create music after listening to another Youtuber named Waterflame, as well as playing games on my own free time & awing at the amazing soundtracks that they planted in my heart.</p>

<p>And what else are you interested in studying in college besides composing, if anything?

  • I always thought computer science or business could be both interesting subjects for me to learn.</p>

<p>Again, why are you applying to USC and UCLA? Really? What is it about them which appeals to you?

  • Answered above!</p>

<p>I plan on coming home early tomorrow to find out exactly where I want to apply. Resume and Repertoire will of course be finished. By the way, is it okay if I upload a sample Resume/Repertoire here for you guys to read over? I don’t know the proper format nor how long/terse it should really be.</p>

<p>For the 8th time, Big thanks!</p>

22

<p>USC literally fits as my #1 wanted college. It’s close, I can work for my parents, church is also close, it’s known for music composition, nice campus, 100% need based, and I’ll be able to see my friends too.
So many things that I’m able to do here in California, I’ll be able to continue doing them. I was planning on writing an orchestral piece for the Youth Orchestra that I played in for three years. I also just got contacted from these instrument lesson guys (who helped me find the musicians for the recordings) for a job about arranging music for adult beginner players. None of that can happen if I can’t stay near where I currently am.</p>

<p>I’m probably not the only senior in high school who’s going through all these dilemmas. I understand that I have just as equal chance of being accepted into these colleges, and I’m still trying my best to complete the applications to reflect myself in my best efforts. Without your help so far, I would have given up by now. I really want to thank you for contributing your time to do this for me.</p>

23

<p>Xylo - my son attended UMich’s PAT (like electronic music comp and production, as a BFA) and several graduates of his program have been checking out UC Irvine’s new MFA in composition and interactive arts.</p>

<p>This group of students have all learned a high degree of competency using Logic, Pro Tools, Max MSP etc.</p>

<p>I mention this because UC Irvine also has an UNDERGRAD COMPOSITION DEGREE in computer music. So, my reasoning is that if UC Irvine is attractive to the PAT Umich kids who have had the kind of early background you’ve had (eg. composing more via computer, such as logic) then the undergrad environment might be a fit for you too. I can’t speak to the aesthetics and it may be more experimental that your taste desires, but it’s certainly worth checking out since it’s much closer to home for you:</p>

<p>I think you’d be well-qualified for it based on a few of your computer compositions I listened to. I like what I’ve heard and am certain there’s a program out there that’s a fit for you. You seem like a strong candidate who just needs some help pulling the “package” together to market yourself ;)</p>

<p>Here’s a link:
[Computer</a> Music - UCI](<a href=“http://music.arts.uci.edu/dobrian/computermusic.htm]Computer”>Computer Music - UCI)</p>

24

<p>Thank you! I like the sound of that. I didn’t know Irvine had programs like that, (which definitely interests me) and I guess i’ll apply there as well, since I can have four fee waivers.</p>

<p>A quick question to everyone: I’m trying to complete the Common App, and the “Writing” supplements kind of worry me right now. I know that these are supposed to be submitted AFTER my application has been submitted, but does that mean these are supposed to be finished before my application has been submitted on December 1st?</p>

<p>I always thought Writing supplements were due sometime in January, but if they’re due on December 1st, then I have huge problems to deal with… xD</p>

25

<p>I am so glad that kmcmom came in to the discussion. She knows a lot more about electronic composition than I do. I am glad she also liked your music. It should really cheer you that strangers like kmcmom and myself are positive about your talent. </p>

<p>I think the Irvine program she mentions is what I was hinting at. Your electronic work shows potential originality. You have already done work with some of these programs. You might want to consider her suggestion seriously.</p>

<p>I am going to listen to your recording shortly. And will check out the question about the writing supplement. I don’t remember. You could make a separate thread out of that one question, since it is urgent.</p>

<p>I would not stress over essays or anything else other than getting your music to the right folks at the schools you want to attend. Try to prioritize. You are in good shape. Many still don’t have recordings yet :)</p>

26

<p>Okay, so I have listened to your string quartet which is good to submit, very competent. In years to come, if you focus on classical, you will find your own voice and perhaps integrate what you do electronically, or perhaps focus on electronic work, who knows.</p>

<p>So you are applying to USC and UCLA for classical work, right? Maybe Irvine or Long Beach. Have you considered the contemporary focus at Thornton, or music technology or production?</p>

<p>At any rate, my daughter, who is a composer, also liked your electronic work and compliments you on the use of visuals that evoke the music and vice-versa. She was struck by the “film-scoring quality” of these pieces.</p>

<p>I hope you will include the whole variety of your composition work. And you could also write an essay on the work you enjoy and do so much.</p>

<p>Kmcmom will give the best advice in this area.</p>

27

<p>[Personal</a> statement | UC Admissions](<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html]Personal”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html)
It looks like the essay is due with the online application (pasted in). But you can check with admissions by phone.
One essay is about your background and, perfect, one is about a talent or accomplishment. One can be short (more than 250 words), Maximum 1,000. You can do this. Really.</p>

28

<p>I’m thinking about taking out Vanderbilt and Northwestern from my list. I’ve only decided to have them on there because I heard that they were good in music composition. I knew nothing more about them except for the fact that they’re one of the top schools and that they’re very far away from where I live.</p>

<p>And, considering that they require supplement materials that are totally different from what I have ready for USC already, I don’t think I’ll have enough time to complete them anyways. What should I do?</p>

<p>Now my list of colleges that I want to apply to is: </p>

<p>USC - The only college that I’m using Common App for. Also my #1 desired college. Meets all of my wants and has great music composition programs.
UCLA, UCI, UCSD - If not USC, then either UCLA or UCI. Luckily, three of the UC’s can all be combined into one UC App. UCSD is a nifty choice too.
CSULB - Safe school. The application itself is not as daunting, I’m guessing.</p>

<p>Above are all due on November 30th - December 1st.</p>

<p>CalArts - The deadline for this is in January, which is definitely a relief since I already have so much things to take care of.</p>

<p>And plenty of other schools that you guys have suggested me earlier, which I didn’t get a chance to even look at yet.</p>

<p>Compmom, Writing Supplements and Essays are different.</p>

<p>For Common App, there’s a separate section from the Common App itself, called “Writing Supplements”.</p>

<p>Essays are required to complete the UC App, but Supplement materials, it looks like, are due by December 13th for UCLA. "<a href="UCLA Arts: School of the Arts and Architecture;

29

<p>I just looked at the UC admissions site and saw “personal statement.” Clearly you are right about the UCLA supplement, which includes your portfolio and lots of other submissions, including music resume, essays/short answers, and transcripts.</p>

<p>The common app writing supplements used to be optional. Not sure if they are anymore. </p>

<p>It looks like you have good schools for your current applications. Once done with these, there may be other schools to consider. Including some for music technology and production, if you are interested.</p>

<p>Good luck with these!</p>

30

<p>There used to be a USC application separate from the Common App. Is that still an option? I remember some really fun short questions. You might enjoy that application more than the Common App.</p>

<p>If I were you, since you want to stay close to home I would seriously look at University of Redlands, Chapman University, and Biola (a Christian school I know little about but composition applicant a lot like you was seriously considering it last year - he chose CSU Long Beach in the end, though.) Redlands and Chapman both have schools of music. Also look into Loyola Marymount. I’m not sure what the music there is like but they have a serious film department, just like Chapman, so they might have a lot of support for students who are interested in scoring.</p>

<p>Another CSU to consider is Northridge. Many students choose it for music. I’m sure the application for the CSU’s is pretty straight forward - and easy to apply to more than one.</p>

<p>Do you have a safety UC? The three you’ve chosen are all very hard to get accepted to. Have you checked out Riverside? I have no idea of the music there, but you might be pleasantly surprised.</p>

<p>I think you’ve stated sound reasons for wanting to stay close to home. There are plenty of choices just in your geographical area. And, yes, I would recommend removing Northwestern And Vanderbilt - they are both extremely selective academically and musically. And you’ve already got your reaches in USC and UCLA. No need to add more.</p>

31

<p>I literally live 5 blocks away from CSUN. But I don’t know much about the music there either.</p>

<p>My parents didn’t approve of the idea of going to CSUN, since it’s known as the “everybody can go” college around where I live.</p>

<p>I think the USC Application’s Writing Supplements are what you’re talking about, the “really fun short ones”? I’m not sure, but when I searched online for Supplements, they had a separate colored paper with self printing & turning in, which was exactly the same as on the Common App.</p>

<p>Some of USC’s questions are: “Describe yourself in three words” or “What is your favorite movie?” Should I be creative with these or lean toward the honest side?</p>

<p>Update on the progress with the portfolio: I sent the MIDI file to studio editor who said he’ll add some effects to make the piano piece sound better. If I can get it back from him tomorrow, I may be able to finalize all the recordings and the scores as well. (Few clean ups from here and there).</p>

<p>My resume and repertoire are still not complete, (Something strikes me strange. USC says that repertoire is only for performance majors, but in the supplement material website “Slideroom”, a repertoire is a requirement.) And the common app & UC apps are still incomplete as well. I’m going to be staying up a bit late tonight to try to get these things done.</p>

<p>Thank you for all of your help again!</p>

32

<p>CSUN’s music program is one of the best in the state, and for some programs, one of the best in the country. It’s very connected to the industry - should be a serious program for you to investigate. The music program has nothing to do with the general reputation of the campus.</p>

<p>Make sure you do not alter at all any of your live recordings. That’s the whole point of them - that they’re acoustic recordings played by real people - that a computer did not change them. Not sure which midi file you’re referring to above. Definitely don’t have someone other than yourself add any effects. That could be considered cheating, really. If you’re just talking about adding reverb or something to make the audio sound less flat, that might be something else…</p>

<p>As for what you should do in your USC application - you should reveal yourself. That’s what they want - they want to know who YOU are.</p>

33

<p>I was able to get recordings for two of my songs (String Quartet and Violin for Two) but the piano piece, I could not. I did not have a descent piano nor a mic to record it with, so I played it on my keyboard and sent it to the guy who also helped me out with the recordings for String Quartet and VFT.</p>

<p>I’m pretty sure all he’ll do is add reverbs or add in a realistic piano plug in, because the MIDI that I sent him was very flat and electronic.</p>

<p>Yeah, I won’t touch the live recordings.</p>

<p>And thank you! I’ll try to keep that in mind when I’m finishing up my common app - which I’m almost done with!</p>

<p>I have a quick question that I want to ask for UC applications, but I think I’ll ask that somewhere else around the forums, since I doubt you guys would know much about correlation with Math Analysis and Calc A.</p>

34

<p>Math Analysis is the year before Calc A. Used to be called Pre-Calc in the old days.</p>

35

<p>You could submit one of your YouTube recordings instead of the piano piece, or submit the piano piece as is and rely on the score for their review, which is the important thing anyway. I think you are skating on thin ice in terms of cheating if you allow someone else to do too much, unless it is a matter of getting rid of a squeak from a chair or something like that.</p>

<p>I have tutored many students on CC, privately. The biggest mistake is that people try to be too “creative” or “unique.” Just be straightforward and answer the question the way you would in conversation. Please believe me. The results if the forced creativity are often truly awful.</p>

<p>You need a school or two where “everyone can go” for safety, just in case. The Long Beach deadline is also Nov. 30 or Dec. 1, I forget which.</p>

36

<p>ps Adding reverb is probably fine… you are not prescreening as a performer. The phase “adding effects” was concerning but if that is all you mean…</p>

<p>I am sorry to ask this, but if you parents are expressing strong opinions about where to apply, is it possible they can help you with some of this? Do they understand the idea of “safeties”? Is language a barrier?</p>

37

<p>Yeah I guess I worded that in a way that would generate questionable replies.</p>

<p>Um, from what I remember, my mom and I explained the situation to him after we recorded the two songs, and how I did not have a real piano to record in, and that I was planning on just submitting a performed MIDI file.</p>

<p>He asked me to play the MIDI file and give it to him, and said that he has plug-ins on his program that would make the piano sound a bit nicer.</p>

<p>If I get back the mp3 file from him and it sounds too electronic or fabricated, then I’ll just submit my MIDI file or choose a song from youtube to submit in.</p>

<p>I might also leave you guys the mp3 file of the song so that you can evaluate if it’ll be okay or not for submission.</p>

<p>(I’m about to call USC and ask if repertoires are required for composition students at all.)</p>

<p>My parents value education, but do not much about colleges. They think the only way to be truly successful is by graduating from famous colleges such as USC or UCLA. I do respect & think the same way as they do. Of course I’d like to choose USC over CSU if I can.
I think it’s a good idea to apply to CSUN and CSULB as safety schools, and since I qualify for fee waivers, it’s my loss if I don’t.</p>

<p>But this is their thought: they’d rather have me work for their business while going to LACC rather than have me attend CSULB or CSUN.
They think it’ll be a waste, and that going to those colleges would not worth the amount of money and time I put into them for the next 2-4 years.</p>

<p>They know what “safety” is. But I don’t think they’d be pleased to see me going to CSU’s after watching me grow up this way.
Language is not a barrier, since I can translate anything to them.</p>

38

<p>Please tell your parents that the majority (although not all) of composers go to grad school. And the very best time to study film scoring, and game scoring is as a graduate student. That is when you want to go to USC, UCLA or NYU or that MFA program at Irvine. Your undergrad degree at a lesser known university like CSULB or CSUN will be perfectly acceptable if you’ve developed a portfolio and a personal voice by that time. However, both CSULB and CSUN are nationally known for their music departments and could connect you with people in the industry - leading to jobs!</p>

<p>Also, they should also know a recent study showed if a California student qualifies for financial aid the absolute most expensive option for that student is to go to Community College. It is way cheaper to go to a CSU, and even cheaper to go to a UC or a private college because of the financial assistance. And cheapest of all is to get into a top school like one of the Ivies or Stanford which gives out substantial financial aid. From our own experience we did not find that USC, unfortunately, was one of the better private colleges in terms of aid - more loans than we would prefer. (I had two sons accepted there so was able to compare. It was the most expensive option for our composer son even though he was a National Merit Finalist and received both academic and music merit scholarships.)</p>

39

<p>Wow! That’s a really helpful piece of information. Financial aid is really important for me.
I’ll see what happens after I apply. </p>

<p>Oh and when I tried to call the USC thornton school of music to ask a question, they immediately seemed to have placed an automatic answerer…</p>

<p>I still don’t know if USC requires a repertoire for sure. SpiritManager, can you clarify this for me? (Since your two sons looked at USC before?)</p>

40

<p>Also, in the midst of completing the UC Application, for UCSD, I noticed that I’m required to rank their 6 colleges from top to bottom. I hardly know any of these colleges and can’t decide how to rank them.</p>

<p>This seems like a very important thing, but through my researches I was not able to find which college was best for music composition or music studies.
Sixth sounds like the most “artsy” one out of all the others, but again, I might be wrong. Please correct me on this one!</p>