Hi. I posted this this morning on an older post, but not sure it would be seen, so posting as a separate string. If a student has a composition interview, how does the instrument part of the interview work? Is it just for competence or are the schools looking for high-level performance? Will the student be required to essentially repeat the music they submitted for the pre-screen? Is there sight-reading? Is it discussion about why composition and not the instrument (the student is quite strong on the instrument)? Any thoughts on how the instrumental part of the interview works and what is expected would be appreciated.
For composition, some schools only have prescreen portfolios and then interviews, with placement tests for theory- no instrumental audition. That was the situation the other thread referred to : )
Generally speaking, I think that the instrumental audition would be to ensure the student plays well enough to be able to participate in required performance or vocal ensembles on campus. In most cases, speculating but this has been discussed here, the talent and technical requirements would be a bit lower for composers than instrumentalist applicants.
So theory and piano testing are usually for placement purposes. Sight reading would be placement, not admissions.
The instrumental block would be for an instrumental audition as part of the composition application. Often there is a listed repertoire. I would call to find out what he should be prepared to play.
My own kid avoided schools with instrumental auditions, with a preference was for schools where composition stood alone for admissions purposes, so I don’t know as much as others on this.
Hopefully others will come on! Good luck!
Your student will usually be auditioning along with the performance majors - but the expectations will be lower - they want the composers to be able to play in ensembles or sing. And, yes, they will need to audition with the pieces listed for the audition requirement. I would be surprised if any composition student of promise was rejected because of their performance skills, however.
Thank you both. This is helpful. Being able to playing in ensembles was almost a must-have. Based on what you are saying it shouldn’t be an issue. (All-state last three years, and all - region this year). One less thing to worry about at the audition. Thank you again!
@beaglemom - often the composition students do not perform in the highest level orchestra - but in the more general ensembles, or in ensembles formed specifically within the composition department. It would depend, however, on the level of musicianship at the student’s program. For instance, my son would have had to audition again to get into the conservatory orchestra at his school, but instead performed in the general college orchestra. This would have been the case at all the schools he applied to. He actually wasn’t interested at that point in trying for the conservatory orchestra - instead he went on to form his own new music ensemble where he could play music of his own choosing.
Check the website for audition requirements (probably different from prescreen) and/or ask the schools : )