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

College Majors Music Major
41

<p>I would submit a list of your compositions as I described before, as your repertoire. </p>

<p>Repertoire- compositions with who played and where; as well as compositions not performed. </p>

<p>Your resume would have your piano, violin, school music, out of school music (ensembles, lessons, whatever), classes (including music tech.), YouTube activity (describe), performances of pieces at concerts.</p>

<p>That is what I would do if I could not reach admissions. But if you call during business hours tomorrow, you might get someone. Many schools are closed for the holidays though.</p>

<p>I think you are making a mistake if yo don’t apply to Long Beach and another CSU. The programs you are applying to are very competitive. You have a shot, but it is not a sure thing. You could also consider privates, once this week is over.</p>

42

<p>Thank you comp mom! And for the repertoire, would I list all 60 of my songs to make t look long and impressive, or just mention my youtube username & the channel?
And how long do you think this really needs to be? A page or two?</p>

<p>Oh, I’m definitely applying to Long Beach and CSUN. I heard those two are actually very good in music composition. On top of that, what SpiritManager told me earlier about how Film Score & Game Scores are for graduate students… I’m actually putting a lot more evaluations into these two CSU’s now!</p>

<p>The only trouble I’m having with is the UC application itself, and the fact that I really need to compose my resume and repertoire!</p>

<p>I received the last (finally!) recording for the piano piece. I will upload it on youtube (all three of my songs for application) if you think that’s a good idea. I need to make little changes to the actual scores themselves though, since Bow strokes and Slurs are not really making sense in some of them.</p>

43

<p>For your repertoire list - one page is fine. You needn’t list all the youtube compositions on separate lines - they could just be separated by commas. But you can also put some of your repertoire for your instrument. They did expect my son to perform in an ensemble at USC - but he didn’t have to audition on his instrument as he did at some other schools.</p>

<p>As for the colleges at UCSD - they have some different distribution requirements which is one of the main differences. I’m sure if you browse the UCSD forum you’ll find a lot of discussion of the different colleges. Except for some of the distribution requirements -it will make no difference to you as a music major - you can major in music from any of the colleges. They’re mostly to create a social circle. </p>

<p>You should put a 4th UC on your application - one that would be easier to get into - I’d recommend either Riverside or Santa Cruz.</p>

<p>I looked at information on Composition at the Bob Cole Conservatory at CSU Long Beach. It turns out you need to schedule an audition on an instrument or for voice - and do that as soon as you apply but you don’t submit a portfolio of compositions. From reading information on the composition program I really think it could be a terrific choice for you and they have significant scholarship money: <a href=“http://www.csulb.edu/depts/music/main/rep/comp_ugrad.pdf[/url]”>http://www.csulb.edu/depts/music/main/rep/comp_ugrad.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

44

<p>Since you have so many pieces on YouTube, and are short on time, perhaps you could indicate that you have 59 pieces, “including” (list the ones you think are the best), then the channel, how they were created (Logic or Reason?), etc…</p>

<p>Spirit Manager makes a good point about instrumental repertoire. Basically, you have to just really look at each website. USC does not indicate clearly that a repertoire is needed or what it should be.</p>

<p>Here is what the site says:</p>

<p>Resume- to be submitted with online application
The resume should list musical, professional and academic experience. )</p>

<p>Repertoire List- to be submitted with online application
This list should include works studied and performed. Etudes, scale studies, arias, art songs, chamber music and solo pieces are all examples of what could be included in this list. (All applicants to the Studio/Jazz Guitar department please see the Studio/Jazz Guitar Application Requirements page for specific instructions on the Repertoire List.)</p>

<p>There is no instrumental audition or prescreen for composers so I doubt they need a list of works studied and performed. If there is a space on the form itself to list repertoire, then do the list of compositions as suggested.</p>

<p>Prior to this application period, has your work been ONLY the YouTube pieces? Is this the work you do on your own, without a need to submit to others? Or do you have other “classical” acoustic pieces that you have done over the years? Did you write your piano piece, string quartet, and Violin for Two because of the application, or did you write them anyway? I continue to think you may be on the wrong track applying to classical programs, but that is a topic for after your current deadline.</p>

<p>Don’t worry so much about all these little details. Call admissions today if any of them are open. We would be more help with the larger questions perhaps. Right now, to answer you, all we are doing is looking at websites, which you have access to as well.</p>

45

<p>Yes, the Youtube pieces are my only compositions. I used to write piano pieces when I was young, but never wrote them on paper.</p>

<p>The three pieces were for the application. I do want to apply to classical programs. I enjoyed playing violin in the orchestra and thought that classical music has been throughout all my life.
I guess I’ll have to face the fact that applications for anything is basically due in 4 days.</p>

<p>Here’s the piano piece. <a href=“Xylophilia - Waltz of the Bats - YouTube”>Xylophilia - Waltz of the Bats - YouTube;

<p>I can’t say I like this as much as I do for the String Quartet.</p>

46

<p>It is hard to understand how or why you would apply to programs for classical composition when you have not been spending time writing classical pieces (and “classical” is used loosely, let’s call it “concert” pieces)> Are you thinking this is a good way to get in? There are student composers out there who have composed for years, and some who started late, but for all who are applying to composition programs, writing “classical” music has been a focus. </p>

<p>I am not talking about quality. Your pieces are okay, so you can go ahead and try, but honestly, it is your YouTube pieces that are authentic because you have spent time on them in a way that has nothing to do with applications.</p>

<p>Please understand that composition is very competitive. Send in your applications with the three pieces and the “extra” YouTube pieces but understand what you are up against. Make sure you have some backups, okay?</p>

47

<p>Thank you comp mom. </p>

<p>I thought all compositions would eventually start from classical music classes. I thought that the big-titled USC’s composition was really the only place where I would need to go to in order to then stretch out into different things that I wanted to do.
This feels kind of devastating, now to think that USC might not actually have been the right place for me to go to.</p>

<p>Do some students go from ‘classical’ to film scoring in USC?</p>

<p>And I’ve added UCSC as my fourth UC on the UC app. I think I can submit the UC app by tonight, actually!</p>

48

<p>USC may be the perfect place. Honestly, go ahead and apply to a range of schools. You are submitting three pieces and the extras, and certainly have a shot. People do start composing late in the game, and your YouTube works show creative potential, your “classical” pieces are competent too.</p>

<p>Let us know what happens.</p>

49

<p>I certainly will. I’m thinking about adding Berklee college of Music into the list. I can’t find an online application for that one, but I’m assuming that is because the deadline is in January.</p>

<p>Portfolio scores for pieces - should I save them in separate parts or altogether in one?</p>

<p>So for my String Quartet - an overview score featuring all four instruments at once, or separate individual scores showing Violin, Violin II, Viola, Cello?</p>

50

<p>Xylophone, I haven’t participated much in this conversation because I’m not especially familiar with California options and you have very good reasons to stay local.</p>

<p>But if you’re opening the field by throwing Berklee into the mix then you might also want to at least read up on University of Michigan’s PAT program, which I think is actually more suited to your composition experience to date. Not to give you more to do at the 11th hour, because their portfolio requirements also include an electronic orchestration of a Bach fugue and very detailed production notes, plus a written score (which you have, right?) but if you’re looking outside CA, its worth knowing the program exists :)</p>

<p>The program, as you will see in the link, is a combo of electronic music composition and production, but you WILL also access traditional western composition courses as well…in fact, they’re pre-requisites for upper level study.</p>

<p>I will warn you that it is a very academically competitive program, but ultimately, talent to some degree trumps so if you’re in range (as you are more or less if your SAT is approaching 2000…but I’m not sure what your math score was, which they will look at) your musicality and work to date will be more germane.</p>

<p>At any rate, here’s a link [UM</a> School of Music, Theatre & Dance - Department of Performing Arts Technology - Degree Programs](<a href=“http://music.umich.edu/departments/pat/bfa_curr_b.htm]UM”>http://music.umich.edu/departments/pat/bfa_curr_b.htm)</p>

51

<p>Note - don’t let the above distract you from getting your local apps in. It is always hard to predict with Michign how much need-based aid is available for OOS students. However, I picked that curriculum for you based on the filmic/score orientation of some of your YouTube pieces PLUS the clear sense of imagery you selected to accompany them. This “design eye/expression” phenom is something they complimented my son on (he’d included some film, video and photography in his portfolio, even though his emphasis was composition.) they had also complimented him on the breadth of his compositions in terms of style.</p>

<p>But if you don’t have time to apply, get you local options nailed, and then explore. You could always take a gap year and work for your family to save up if you’re not 100% certain of wanting to proceed with this year’s options/acceptances/financial offers, and explore other programs in the meantime :slight_smile: life is a marathon, not a sprint! It just feels like a sprint right now ;)</p>

52

<p>Kmcmom is the best advisor for you, believe me, because of her knowledge of electronic music composition and production. Her comment about the visuals is exactly what my daughter picked up on. The photos are very well matched to the pieces: the visual suggests the music and the music suggests the visual, and not just literally. And we have all enjoyed your electronic work very much: it is original and you are prolific.</p>

<p>After December 1st, come back on here and people will give you more tips on schools for electronic work. Possibly Hartt at U. of Hartford, SUNY Purchase (quite affordable), Michigan, Cal Arts, and some smaller liberal arts schools too. (Berklee is expensive, but would be a great place). Musictechdad may have suggestions too. A new thread will draw help that is focused on this area of study.</p>

<p>Please make sure to submit some electronic pieces as extras for USC.</p>

53

<p>Xylophilia,
I think you have gotten some really excellent advice so far. I think SpiritManager suggestions of alternatives to UCLA/USC are spot on. My take (and I might be reading between the lines a touch) is that you may be a little bit behind on formal compositional training. This may put you at a disadvantage at a very competitive school like USC. The good news is that USC’s film scoring is a Master’s level program and there is no reason you couldn’t shoot for that program after a solid undergraduate program at one of the California public universities. Your esthetic seems to be fairly filmic (admittedly, I haven’t listened to all of your pieces) but that can change dramatically during your undergraduate experience. The fact that you have composed in Reason and Logic does not necessarily indicate a bent towards electronic or electroacoustic composition nor does it classify you as a music tech person per se. It might just be that software-based creation was your easiest entry point to creating orchestral/filmic music. In that case, any program with a solid, foundational composition program will be a good fit. You will need to develop notational skills, music theory, explore 20th and 21st century music, find your own voice, and learn how to write for and communicate with human musicians. That can be done at a number of places and I think your current list gives you some excellent options. </p>

<p>If my read on you is incorrect and indeed you do lean more electronic, electroacoustic in your composition desires or you are more interested in various forms of music technology or you are interested in a more contemporary approach to music creation there are a lot of other options out there. We can probably give you a pretty good breakdown of various programs along some of these more tech-centric lines but your first order of business should be to meet the fast approaching deadlines for your current list of schools. </p>

<p>Personally, I would probably ignore Berklee for the time being. Based on my understanding of your interests, goals, skills, and financial situation it is no better of a fit than the schools on your list already.</p>

54

<p>Xylophilia,</p>

<p>As to this question…
“Portfolio scores for pieces - should I save them in separate parts or altogether in one?”</p>

<p>Usually they would want the full score and not the individual parts. They will be reading it and it will be much easier to read a full score with the instruments on separate staves rather than trying to read it by looking at individual parts.</p>

55

<p>Post #53 put it all perfectly. Musictechdad articulated what we have been trying to say all this time. The idea that your YouTube productions could be an entry point for classical composition, or film, or any direction you want to go, and that that work in a way, can supplant more conventional compositional training for admissions if the admissions people can see the potential that way.</p>

<p>And this: " In that case, any program with a solid, foundational composition program will be a good fit. You will need to develop notational skills, music theory, explore 20th and 21st century music, find your own voice, and learn how to write for and communicate with human musicians. That can be done at a number of places and I think your current list gives you some excellent options. "</p>

<p>If you are truly inspired to follow the path of writing music, you really can go to many different programs and end up at grad programs that will satisfy your desire for top quality and reputation.</p>

56

<p>Thank you everyone!</p>

<p>I’m thinking about submitting these as the extras for composition. Which ones do you think are appropriate for me to submit?</p>

<p>“My Favorite Star”: <a href=“Xylophilia - My Favorite Star - YouTube”>Xylophilia - My Favorite Star - YouTube;

  • It’s in my opinion, my favorite electronic composition that I did in the past.</p>

<p>“Blood Sand”: <a href=“Kdanimations_Blood Sand - YouTube”>Kdanimations_Blood Sand - YouTube;

  • This was made a few years ago. It features fast paced orchestra and a battle-theme, which is like a film/game score. I’m a bit concerned with the fact that it repeats.</p>

<p>“Face your Death”: <a href=“Xylophilia - Face your Death - YouTube”>Xylophilia - Face your Death - YouTube;

  • This one also repeats, but would it be appropriate?</p>

<p>“Sinister”: <a href=“Xylophilia - Sinister - YouTube”>Xylophilia - Sinister - YouTube;

  • Instrumental Hip hop style. Would that be a bit too off for USC?</p>

<p>“StormDriver”: <a href=“Xylophilia - Stormdriver - YouTube”>Xylophilia - Stormdriver - YouTube;

  • An ‘impossible to play’ piano piece, if anybody notices it. My father really likes this song, and encouraged me to submit this instead of the Waltz, but since the score for this song doesn’t exist & it’s practically impossible to play it, I decided to use waltz, and am considering putting it as one of my extras.</p>

<p>(I’ll submit these as extra mp3 files, not youtube links.)</p>

<p>My UC app is almost done. I just have to think about what can qualify as my “Honors” that I received.</p>

<p>Are these all usable as “Honors”?</p>

<p>The President’s Service Award: Bronze Level
AP Scholar with Honor
Academic Honor Roll (2011-2013)
QuestBridge Scholar (2013)</p>

<p>I’ll proof read my essays again, and turn them in tonight. Then I’ll finish up common app and all the supplement materials too.</p>

<p>I’ll look into all of those programs.</p>

57

<p>Good choices no doubt (I have listened to a lot of them) and those are good honors to list.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

58

<p>Alright, I submitted my UC Application!</p>

<p>Now I’m onto my CSU apps. </p>

<p>I got confused on the way again. I’m doing the CSULB App, and on the majors section, there are lots of options for majors.
I see Music BA
and Music Composition BM.</p>

<p>What am I supposed to take in this case? I’m still not used to these terms of BA, BM, BS…
If I want to get music degree and move on to film scoring in USC, what kind of program am I supposed to take?</p>

<p>Thank you in advance! And for all of your help!</p>

59

<p>The Bob Cole Conservatory at Long Beach only offers a BM.
[Bob</a> Cole Conservatory of Music | California State University, Long Beach](<a href=“http://www.csulb.edu/depts/music/comp_theo/comp_theo.html]Bob”>BCCM-CSULB | A Letter From The Area Director)</p>

<p>After reading the site, I think this is the program you want. (And I cannot even find the BA on the site.) The Long Beach composition BM program will have both “classical” composition, theory, history and so on, and technologie. Definitely apply to the BM program there! It looks great for you.</p>

<p>Note: A BA is a broader, more general degree with, usually 1/4-1/3 of your classes in music (sometimes as mucha s 1/2). A BM is a focused music degree with 2/3-3/4 of classes in music. Fewer classes in liberal arts and sciences, more of a performance focus.</p>

60

<p>ps By “program you want” I meant versus a BA there…I know that USC is the program you want most, but Long Beach and other options you are creating for yourself are all wonderful. I cannot edit for some reason and wanted to clarify.</p>