How selective is Boston University with bassoonists?

College Majors Music Major
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<p>Sorry that this is so long. This is my first time making a post so sorry if I put this in the wrong place or do something wrong.
Does anyone know how selective Boston University is in accepting bassoonists?</p>

<p>BU is my top school because of its double degree program between the college of fine arts and the college of arts and sciences. I want to get a double degree in bassoon performance and mathematics. </p>

<p>I’ve played bassoon for 2 years after playing flute for 6, but I didn’t really start getting “good” until I started bassoon. Like, I played flute in band at school and stuff, but when I started bassoon that’s when I began taking private lessons and practicing and really getting better. While I’m good for only having played for 2 years, I feel like I’m no where near as good as people who’ve been playing since middle school. And I’m really worrying about auditions coming up.</p>

<p>My teacher who taught me from start just moved to Chicago (I live in CT), and I’ve had a couple of reed-making lessons over the summer with someone who will become my teacher in September. Because of the lack of private lessons over the summer, I’ve been kinda unmotivated to practice. I still take my bassoon out to play almost every day, but I’m not doing anything to get any better. I haven’t even thought of what to do for college audition pieces. I’m worried because the teacher who really knows me just moved, and I’m going to have to start with a new teacher. While I know that my new teacher is very good at teaching and a very good player, I’m afraid that he’s not going to know where I stand and is either going to give me something too easy or too hard. I could always email my old teacher, but it takes him ages to reply to emails :/</p>

<p>At the info session at a tour of BU, they said that it was better to apply early decision because there’s more of a chance to get in. I really want to do this, but I would need to have my audition on November 14th instead of February 13th.Would I be able to prepare audition repertoire that I haven’t started with only 2 months? BU (for bassoon) requires 3 contrasting movements from three different musical periods (a solo etude is acceptable for one) AND 3 contrasting orchestral excerpts. </p>

<p>When I’m older, I want to have a job that is primarily related to mathematics, but also play bassoon on the side. However, since I’ve been totally slacking over the summer without my teacher, I feel that if I don’t become a music major, I’m going to gradually play less and less until I stop all together. I don’t think playing in a school’s ensemble would be enough for me. That’s why I want to be in the double degree program so bad, but I don’t know if the music school will accept me.</p>

<p>Also, I found this info on another thread from 2010, and I’m hoping someone knows that if it will be the same for this year? </p>

<p>“Boston University - faculty is the same at NEC, all performers in the Boston Symphony. The year we were loooking they were desperate for bassoona. They said they would offer lots of money. My D didn't like the layout of the school and did not apply. I wanted to kill her! I think they recently did major overhaul of the music building. I thought it was lovely but I wasn't the one going there.”
Again, sorry that this is so long.</p>

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<p>I think you should reconsider just taking lessons in college, and playing in college ensembles, rather than trying to pursue a double degree. It doesn’t sound from your description that you’re ready to apply for a performance degree, nor that it would necessarily be a good fit for you, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the bassoon while in school.
This article is mandatory reading for you: <a href=“http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/conservatory/admissions/tips/doubledegree.html”>http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/conservatory/admissions/tips/doubledegree.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I have read that article before when I was searching about double degree programs. I think I most closely resemble Jennifer’s situation, in that I’m not really ready to go either way. I have considered just taking lessons and playing in the ensembles, but at the same time I still want to take the theory and history classes. I don’t think just lessons or just a minor would suit me. I think most of the reason that I want to do a double degree is because I’m afraid that if I don’t, I’ll get to college and wish that I had. You’re probably right that I’m not ready to apply or that it would be a good fit for me, but I still want to try it. If I do get in and I realize that all of the hardcore music learning isn’t for me, I’ll probably drop the second degree and then continue with lessons and ensembles. I’m just afraid that if I were to initially apply as only a math major that I’ll realize that I do want to do music, and I’ll already be a year behind in the program if I don’t. </p>

<p>Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
(PS – I am applying to some schools [as a math major] that let you do a double degree after the first year, so if I end up not getting into BU or similar schools I have a backup plan)</p>

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<p>Why don’t you apply to schools where you can double major, rather than get a double degree? You probably won’t need to audition on bassoon (at least not before arriving on campus,) and you can then take all the music classes you wish. I’m not sure how academically competitive you are, but colleges like Williams, Tufts, and Vassar would be great for that. And there are plenty more out there, with solid music programs, good music faculty, and strong math departments.</p>

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<p>BU has a respectable music program that I suspect on Bassoon is going to be competitive in terms of getting into the BM program. Every instrument is different, but I suspect that given your relatively short time on the instrument, you are not likely to get into the BM program there, given the competition in music. As others point out, you might be able to get into a BA program with dual major of music/math at some programs, and it might be easier then trying a dual degree. Among other things, the dual degree is not easy, given the workload for both degrees. </p>

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<p>I hadn’t thought about doing a double major instead—that’s a good idea. Thank you, I will look into it.</p>

<p>I do suspect that it’s going to be competitive. For a double major, are you able to start that right when you start college? I understand that there is a big workload for both degrees, and I am prepared for that. One of the reasons that I liked the double degree program is that you can apply specifically for it—whereas at other colleges if you want to double major/degree you can’t apply for it until you’re a sophomore. Would I be able to apply as a BA in mathematics and when I get to college select the music classes from the beginning?</p>

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<p>Every college will be slightly different in how they handle entrance into their majors. At many, if not most, schools you won’t apply as a major of any sort. You might apply into a particular school in the university such as the School of Arts and Sciences which would house both mathematics and music. But again, every university is set up differently. If you apply to a liberal arts college it’s unlikely you would be declaring any major at all until junior year - which is not to say you wouldn’t need to start taking the required courses for the major beginning freshman year. What colleges are you interested in asides from Boston University? You will need to find colleges which offer a BA in music, rather than, or in addition to, a BM.</p>

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<p>sending you a private message</p>

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<p>I agree with SpiritManager. The double major BA program would really work well for you and you will get the music theory, history and performance experiences you want as well has having the opportunity to pursue your math major. I agree with her suggestions of Williams, Tufts and Vassar. Also check out Hamilton, Brandeis, Skidmore and Wesleyan - they also have strong music departments. Double majoring is ‘easier’ at schools with fewer distribution requirements such as Hamilton, Vassar and Amherst. As she also said, many of these schools don’t require you to declare a major until sophomore year, but you start taking classes in both majors right away. Additionally, if you choose the BA double major route, you don’'t have to stress out preparing for auditions, just get a few contrasting short pieces together for a music supplement and submit them with your application. Much more fun! </p>

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<p>Hello. As a fellow bassoonist, I think it would be quite hard to be ready for majoring in Music at a competitive program in only two years, especially if you haven’t been working very hard to prepare. I’ve been playing for considerably longer and have just started my junior year and I am working on rep that I could use. That said, there are options. If you truly are gifted enough to be at a competitive level, AND you have already performed reasonable rep, you have a chance. When I say reasonable rep, I don’t mean an easier Vivaldi or Telemann, I mean the Weber, Mozart, or Hummel concertos, and or advanced Vivaldi or Saint-Saëns equivalent: hefty stuff. This is what a bassoon professor at a strong performance program will expect to hear. If you’ve already played any from this list and can prepare a suitable sonata in time, than you may have a chance, but I would DEFINITELY wait until February to audition. If you aren’t confident in your ability to do this, I’d suggest looking into minoring in music.</p>