How 'good' do you have to be to apply for music schools?

<p>There is nothing wrong with your sonata list (although you will need all movements for many competitive programs), but there’s “playing” and then there is PLAYING that is worthy of conservatories. One need only take a listen to the postings of all kinds of piano repertoire being played and posted on YouTube to realize that many people think they can play different pieces, but they really…well…can’t. Or they can play well enough to entertain friends at a dinner party (maybe) but not well enough for Eastman, or even College Park.</p>

<p>What people here will likely tell you (and Violadad already mentioned it) is that you will need to have someone with professional status independently assess your talent and ability. I am concerned that you haven’t had lessons in two years, because even if you were progressing, you cannot “teach yourself” at the level one must be for conservatory. You need a teacher to help you choose repertoire and prepare for auditions, because you will be competing against other students who have this “advantage”.</p>

<p>No one here can assess your ability or your chances, but if you are serious about applying to conservatories, you need a teacher pronto, to be working on serious and varied repertoire, and an appraisal of your chances.</p>

<p>There are many less competitive music programs offering piano degrees. I would consider both Peabody or UMCP to very competitive, however.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>