How to select graduate school for Music Composition...

College Majors Music Major
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<p>Hi, I'm new here and was just wondering if I could get some advice from other people on applying to graduate school (more specifically on how to select a good graduate school). Currently, I'm pursuing two Bachelor degrees--one in Music Composition and one in English Literature. I'll be graduating in about 2 years, and I'm trying to do as much research as possible on where to apply next. </p>

<p>The first thing I try to consider is location: if I'm going to be somewhere for the next few years (I want to get a Phd eventually), then it should be some place that I'm reasonably satisfied with. That said I'm not really interested in any place that's too hot or dry like Texas and Arizona. I know they have some good schools down there (and I want to be open minded about this), but I'm not very good at handling hot weather, especially in the winter months.</p>

<p>The second thing is the financial aid package. I need to find schools that offer very generous packages, as I can't afford to pay for anything out of pocket. I'm not even sure how I'm going to pay some of the application fees, although I know a few of them have waivers. </p>

<p>The third, and most important thing, I try to consider is the faculty. I listen to a lot of music online at the faculty member's websites. I try to judge it not on whether I like it, but just if it sounds interesting and I think I can learn something from them. I'm not particularly interested in electronic music or jazz, so I try to steer clear of schools that emphasize those programs. Also, my main instrument is the flute so I want to find a good flute teacher as well. My current flute teacher studied at Julliard, but I've taken lessons from other people that studied at the Mozarteum and they played with completely different styles. I'd like to find someone that teaches flute in a similar manner to what I've already learned.</p>

<p>Also, I'm not very skilled on the piano. I can plan a little, but I know some schools (like SFCM) require a good deal of proficiency for composition majors.</p>

<p>With that information, I was kind of hoping someone could give me some recommendations or advice on schools to consider. I have been making this huge list, but I feel kind of overwhelmed with everything I have to consider (and with the number of schools out there). There are so many good schools, I just don't know which one's right for me. I heard at a graduate school workshop that I should have at least 6 applications--2 sure things, 2 maybes, and 2 longshots. All the schools I'm looking at seem really good; I'm not sure that I have any "sure things" that I feel comfortable with. I wish every school I looked at would offer a list of some of their current students (w/ their accomplishments, etc.), as that would make it so much easier for me to compare myself to them and figure out what my chances are of being accepted. </p>

<p>Because of my financial situation, it is impossible for me to go and visit schools. If they require on site auditions, I'm not even sure if I'll be able to scrape up the money to go then. </p>

<p>I know people on here are not admissions advisors and that I should go talk with my private teacher, etc. I plan to do that, but I thought it might be good to ask some people online, too. There are so many people here, all with different experiences. I figure someone can offer some suggestions of places they're familiar with.</p>

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<p>I’d like to add a question to my earlier post. Would it be considered “appropriate” if I emailed professors at some of the schools I’m interested in and asked them to critique my compositions? I figure that’s basically what a lot of people do when they visit schools and get sample lessons, except making a visit to the school is out of the question for me. It seems like that’s a good way to get feedback though, to know if the professor thinks you’re good enough for their program (and it might give you a chance to know the professor a little better). At the very least, I’d receive some good, honest critique of my work.</p>

<p>But I don’t want to be an annoyance to the professor or anything, as I know most of them are extremely busy. So, I don’t know… Good idea? Bad idea? If you think it’s a good idea, what kinds of things would you say in the email to make it as non-presumptious as possible? I’m just not sure if I feel polite emailing a professor like this… I mean, I’m sure they’re really busy and they’re definitely not getting paid to look at my work or anything…</p>

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<p>Others may know more about this, but I wouldn’t e-mail compositions to professors. There is a screening and/or audition process for that.</p>

<p>I think, as you implied, your own private teacher should be able to help you a lot with choices. Or maybe someone else near you.</p>

<p>Are you getting a BA in music composition, with double major with English? Or a BM/BA?</p>

<p>Do you want to do the conservatory route? (MM degree)</p>

<p>I would try East Coast cities, NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Haven. Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, Peabody Eastman. Curtis and Yale School of Music are tuition free. Most conservatories don’t give much financial aid (need-based) but many do give merit scholarships.</p>

<p>Or maybe you want to do an MA. Tufts has a good program, with a great composition teacher.</p>

<p>There are lots of other schools and conservatories. We can suggest others if you have more info on what you want.</p>

<p>Not all composition programs require great piano skills, though of course you need to use piano for theory classes.</p>

<p>I think it’s great that you listen to all that music by faculty. That could guide you in where you might want to apply.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Francie, (love you screen name, btw :wink: ) I’m not sur where you’re from or what’s close to you but one way I believe you can check out some of the student work might be the ASCAP competitions, etc. My son’s school, university of Michigan, regularly has finalists in composition competitions, and I’ve in the past been sent links. Unfortunately, I can’t find them for you at the moment, but a google search may assist. I recall one blog post comparing the different styles of the comp profs at umich, Jacobs, etc. In addition, there’s an annual composition symposium at those schools (and more) where I believe they post samples of participants. Sorry my info is so vague, I will post back later if I can track anything down.</p>

<p>And FYI, I believe at the grad level umich offers full funding in the degree type you seek. Could be wrong about this, but if you call the school of music, I’m sure the som admissions folks will help you out if you explain your situation.
In their case, applicants are adjudicated by a panel, so a prof might feel uncomfortable responding to samples of your work since it might appear to be an attempt to bypass protocol. Plus they can’t predict how committee considerations would go. There’s also usually a concern about unsolicited submissions in general in terms of Licensing and future claims, (i mean general policy) so ensure your work is copyrighted and ideally registered with ASCAP and do not submit uninvited.
Best wishes in your search!</p>

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<p>Ps, my answer is a little sprawling and unclear – early morning here. In short, call the departments, speak to assistants initially, and ask if it would be appropriate to contact a prof and where you might learn more about the program. Better still, if your teacher can “connect you” with a prof by email introduction, then bypass assistants.
Umich might be a nice fit for you, good flute studio and many porter fans.</p>

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<p>Here’s a link to the Midwest symposium
[UM</a> School of Music, Theatre & Dance - Department of Composition - Midwest Symposium](<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/composition/midwest09.htm]UM”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/composition/midwest09.htm)
Plus there are student compositions and degree info in the top links.</p>