<p>Just wanted to say that perhaps students entering college as music majors may have little composition experience, in some cases, but composition applicants at conservatories have often had quite a bit of experience, sometimes not over many years, but in depth during a few years.</p>
<p>In order to apply to a conservatory for composition, students need a portfolio of 3-4 compositions, preferably (but not always) performed by musicians, rather than MIDI. The portfolio should contain scores (from Finale or Sibelius, but also sometimes handwritten) as well as CD’s. </p>
<p>Many students have won state or national awards or even BMI or ASCAP awards, that kind of thing, and many have attended conservatory prep programs, arts schools, and summer programs. But certainly not all.</p>
<p>Potential is measured by what has already been achieved- in terms of the music itself. There is really no other way to measure potential. Just as auditions mean everything for instrumentalists, the portfolio is everything for the composer, in terms of admissions.</p>
<p>The admissions folks might hear potential in terms of a person having an individual “voice” that comes through in the music, for instance, which is a wonderful thing. Technical competence can be taught, but artistic vision cannot. SO maybe that is what was meant here by “potential.” Also, composers can improve into their 90’s (Elliot Carter is 100!) so there is a lot of time to develop potential!</p>