<p>I'm a high school sophomore hoping to major in music composition (my dream is the dual degree program at northwestern so i can also get a degree in political science) and I was wondering how much experience people usually have before entering the program.</p>
<p>I've been in my school's chorus since 7th grade, and I took a music theory class last year, though it was very basic. I also took a songwriting course over the summer last year, but can't afford to go back even though it was very helpful. I've been seriously working on my songwriting for about a year now, but as of this moment I really only write for guitar and voice, though I've been learning piano for almost a year and I'm trying to start writing piano music as well. I don't know how to write music for a choir of orchestra or anything and have no idea how to start. I can't afford to get private lessons, and I don't really know where I'm supposed to be looking for help.</p>
<p>I was wondering if people with passion but not a lot of experience can get into competitive music programs, and if not, what I should be doing to get ahead. Thank you!</p>