Hello CC, I’m a composer in a state-level undergraduate composition program looking for a conservatory (or conservatory-level) graduate program. I’m a year away from finishing my degree but I have no idea how to approach portfolio/audition requirements for a program like SFCM or USC (I’m in California.) I know I want a conservatory education grounded in more traditional classical music with good performers and teachers and an environment with high standards all around. How do I get to a competitive level - what kind of quality of works, and some cases performance, am I expected to produce? Right now it feels like I’m way out of my league and I don’t know what I should be doing to change that.
You’ll need to have works performed - and get them recorded. There are no audition requirements for composition for grad school - it’s all portfolio and interviews. And letters of recommendation. Talk to your advisor at your current program, talk to your composition professor - they can give you some idea where you would be competitive for admission. They will also be writing your LoR’s. Sometimes it can be easier to get an MM at a less competitive program and build up your portfolio, and network via summer programs and submissions to ensembles, then apply to your dream program for a DMA.
During your undergraduate years, have you had works performed? You will only need 3-4 of your best works for an application, plus letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose from you. Some schools have interviews, some don’t. Don’t be intimidated by long resumes that others may have. It really is about the music.
Are you doing a BM in composition where you are? Do you mean you are at a California state school rather than UC? Does your school have a conservatory? Have you done theory and aural skills etc? Do you have a teacher for composition? Have you done summer programs at all? Sorry for all the questions but it is helpful to know your background.
You mentioned wanting “more traditional classical music” at least as a grounding. At the grad level, aesthetic fit becomes very very important. Make sure the faculty and courses reflect what you want. There are subtle gradations between “traditional” and "experimental. Do you like to write for orchestra? That is another factor.
Money can be an issue for some with a master’s. PhD’s and DMA’s are funded. Make sure any master’s program meets your needs financially as well.
I have been performed 4-5 times and should be get at least 3 more performances before I’m done with my degree. Recently I did a summer arts program where student composers got to meet and compose for the NY Phil Brass Quintet plus meet cornerstone brass quintet composers. One of the ensembles I wrote for this past semester was a mixed, nonstandard ensemble and I composed and arranged all the music myself. I’ve done 4 semesters for aural/musicianship and theory will counterpoint, form and analysis, and orchestration soon to come. I have had composition advice from composition teachers, but when people talk about composition lessons, I don’t know if I’ve had the formal, disciplined and structured instruction I’ve had from other 1v1 lessons like instrumental ones.
About the audition requirements thing, some programs have piano proficiency testing and my piano skills are very very basic. I know for example the San Fran Conservatory wants three movements from three different eras of music played as well as the pre-screened portfolio. I understand they’re probably just looking for basic competence, but when the admission process is just the portfolio and a piano demonstration I’m worried about how “good” I need to be at each to be admitted to great programs.
Personally, my primary interest is to learn about composition, not necessarily to be a professional composer. Of course I’m interested in composing professionally but I’m far more interested in expanding my knowledge and skillset. A lot of what I’m looking to learn is only taught at the postgraduate level and I want a thorough education in as many different styles as possible. I suppose faculty look for “potential” in undergrad students but what are they looking for in grad students? Polish? Originality? Authenticity? Directly from the SFCM website:
“Scores must show evidence of original musical thought, along with the fundamentals of compositional technique. While electronic compositions are acceptable, applicants must also demonstrate competence with traditional notation in the scores submitted.”
This is basically the most information I’ve found about what departments are looking for in their composers. Would emailing the professors themselves and asking them be too direct? Thanks for the responses!
Go ahead and email the department chair, or the composer with whom you want to study. However, you should get composition lessons one on one at your current school right away. Doesn’t your program offer that? Or is everything just a group class? Speak with the composition professors at your program and ask to study with them. Write to the one you want to study with in the fall today!
I’m amazed that SFCM is requiring three movements on piano for your application. That’s somewhat astonishing, and not usual at all! And I personally have my issues with such a requirement for composers. As for getting in touch with them - from the website: We encourage prospective students to contact the composition faculty to arrange a consultative lesson. The composition faculty and the Office of Admission are happy to answer any specific questions that you have about our program.
Why are you interested in those two programs? Just because they’re in California? Or do you like the work of the faculty or students, or the outcomes for their graduates?
There are many grad programs (and undergrad for that matter) that do not have any instrumental auditions, or piano exam, for grad admissions. I personally do not think composers should be required to play instruments at all, anywhere.
Applicants can do fine even if they haven’t studied with a teacher. I mean, it’s very possible. However, your uncertainty as to how to proceed with applications and uncertainty about how you “measure up” would be alleviated with a teacher to guide you. Do you know any grad students yourself? Sometimes they can be a good source of information.
That’s great that you did a summer program.
Sounds like you already have pieces that you can submit. And will have more.
Have you studied 20th/21st century composers? Are you aware of “new music”? Alex Ross’ book “The Rest is Noise” might be a good read for you.
I love your attitude, that you really want to learn and are more focused on that than career right now. You are a true student.
I hope you find some schools that you could be happy with. Feel free to ask any questions as you go along.
So I did some reflecting, and realized that me wanting a high-level conservatory education has a lot to do with what I feel I’m not getting at my current university. To be more specific, I have had one-on-one lessons in composition, but the lessons are structured around whatever pieces I’m working on, rather than the general processes of composing. I’ve been asking around, and people have been telling me comp teachers have very different methods of teaching. Some prefer a laid back “advising” approach whereas others like weekly drills and exercises and are more based on theory. I’m looking for the latter but what I’ve been getting is the former. Right now it feels like I’m getting more direction in performance than in theory and composition and I’m not sure what to do to fix that. My previous teachers haven’t given me much when I tried to get that experience from my lessons - I start with a new teacher this Fall so I guess I could try again.
My current program is offering a BM in Composition, but I might switch to a general BA in Music so I can spend more composing (and self-teaching) as the BM degree is more slanted to performance and education, though of course I’d still finish all the relevant theory classes. (From what I’ve seen in my research post-graduate institutions ask for a Bachelor’s in Music and not a Bachelor of Music, so that means a BA should be sufficient but please let me know if this isn’t the case.) As far as I know I’m the only one in the composition program that wants technical instruction from lessons and is looking for more education in composition after my undergrad degree. Weekly exercises and being encouraged to compose outside of the semester composition studio project is something that was advertised in the program, but a lot of what was promised fell through and because I’m so close to finishing my degree I’m hesitant to look for a more compatible undergrad program.
Maybe I’m looking for some sort of “cure-all” but I really want a thorough education and trying for a good conservatory seems like the best idea…I’ve also considered getting a private teacher but I don’t know how to go about doing it. Even though I prefer early 20th-century classical music (particularly Holst and Vaughan Williams) I like a lot of different eras and styles and would be happy to learn about other things - technical instruction and direction is something I really want, players willing and able to play my music is a second thing but I think I passed a point where I can freely compose and now I just want to get better at it.
Sorry for getting a little ramble-y but I’m conflicted about what actions to take to get the “musical environment” I’d like. I guess I should focus on finishing really polished compositions with good recordings? As well as make sure my classroom theory, history, and analysis are solid for proficiency exams? Maybe I shouldn’t be trying so hard to find a good fit and just compose?
It sounds like you would like the EAMA summer program in Paris. It’s considered a Counterpoint Boot Camp. Perhaps you could go next summer? It looks like you’re looking for a grad program with lots of requirements, and less freedom. They vary widely - so look at the graduation requirements. And the course offerings. I would also recommend that you look further afield than just California. Large programs with lots of requirements and a wide range of professors and students seem like they would fit best. Michigan, Indiana, CCM, Peabody, Juilliard, Rice, Vanderbilt come to mind. I have no idea, however, if you would be competitive for admission to them or not.
Proficiency exams are sometimes for placement only. Definitely make sure you have 3-4 of what you consider your best works played by excellent musicians. That is the most important thing for admission.
Finding the best fit is going to be the challenge for you. Perhaps you could meet with someone (your teacher at your school?) to consider choices together.
At the grad level, as Spirit Manager said, some programs have a lot of theory and some are free and creative and of course they can be both. You will have to research them thoroughly.
I would add McGill to Spirit Manager’s excellent list. I know a composition professor at Tufts’ MA program who gives a lot of exercises: you might look into that too. CUNY’s and SUNY’s are quite affordable and have great programs. But we could go on quite awhile with suggestions but without knowing what you are writing, it isn’t that helpful 
Alright, did MORE reflecting and realized I have a lot of things I need to do before deciding on a good fit for grad school, but I will start actively asking questions and emailing around about how ready or how “good” I am and what I need in addition to be competitive and start noting how programs differ from another. I wish I could provide a good sample of my work, a lot of what I consider to be my best work is either not in the public access concert archives or hasn’t been made accessible to me (the summer program recording is still en route, apparently.) I have thought about leaving the state, or even the country, and I think I’ll consider either option more seriously moving forward.
My current plan is just to focus on my compositional process with a lot more one-on-one instruction and get good recordings of what I consider my best or most representative works. Going to aim on being ready for elite programs but I’ll likely cast a bigger net during application time. Will definitely be doing this in between semesters so thanks for the info about the Paris program. I also agree with the assessment about looking for a school with a wide range of professors and requirements so I’ll probably look at those you listed first. Looks like I have plenty to do, but I feel like I’m missing something important…
I understand wanting to assess your competitiveness for admission but at the grad level you want to make sure that the school fits your aesthetic. So while you worry about how you fit the school, even more important might be that the school fits you
Sounds like a great plan- lessons and focus on getting recordings for the portfolio. Good luck!