International Student Majoring In Music

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I am currently studying Economics and Finance at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. I graduate in 9 months.</p>

<p>All my life I've felt as if I've been going against my comparitive advantage by not studying music. Music is where my heart lies and now since i will graduate soon with a solid "Plan B" i think it is time to put 110% into music (especially since the economy is down ;) ).</p>

<p>If all goes well i will graduate with about a B+ average from my current degree.</p>

<p>I play Guitar, Bass, I can sing, I write music, produce and have some audio engineering skills but my main instrument is the Drumset.</p>

<p>I spent my last year as an EAP student at UCLA and had the best year of my life. My band won "Best Band 2009" at Spring Sing and I was the talent director for the band.</p>

<p>I loved California and would love to be able to study in LA, so i've been looking at either going back to UCLA, maybe USC, Musicians Institute, LA Music Academy and I will also apply to Berklee College of Music (although I don't really want to be in Boston). What do you guys think of the Programs here if i was to major in performance on the drumset?</p>

<p>I think based on my musical talent (Fingers crossed) i have a chance of being accepted into one of those places. Does anyone know how my grades in Economics and Finance will affect applying to be an Undergrad music major?</p>

<p>My other problem is, when i spent my last year at UCLA it was Cheap. I was under the EAP program so i was paying about 3000 US dollars tuition a year! </p>

<p>I will have to apply to many scholarships.</p>

<p>Any suggestions?</p>

<p>I think i will major in performance on the drumset, but i like the idea of composition although I've heard that only the chosen few get into that at UCLA.</p>

<p>Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated as i need some direction! </p>

<p>Also, if anyone wants advice on UCLA, PM me, i know the halls of residence etc really well.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>I have no advice about UCLA at all, but I think you have a great look and great sound. Did you write those songs yourself, including lyrics? Who is singing? I would put the rest of the members of the band’s names (for each song) up on your site, so people will know.</p>

<p>And over 30,000 plays for your music? You already have an audience!</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Welcome. A couple of comments, offered as info. You posted using your real name, thus making you identifiable. I can understand this, especially as an emerging musician trying to market both themselves and their talents. Given the nature and purpose of the CC forum, the vast majority veil their identity. While many here know the true identity of fellow posters and may have actually have met and are friends and acquaintances in real life, you may be leaving yourself more “open” within a public forum. Just think about it. If you wish, you can hit the report problem post button and ask a mod to edit out the identifiers within your post. An administrative message link on the sensitive info topic is here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1466-posting-essays-other-sensitive-information.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1466-posting-essays-other-sensitive-information.html&lt;/a&gt; </p>

<p>Still as info, the site’s TOS prohibits direct links to personal pages, youtube links, personal blogs. The site’s TOS also prohibits on the board discussion of TOS policy or moderator actions. Again, you can have the link edited out by hitting the “report post” button. You can reference a source, or give fairly explicit instructions on how to get to a link, or use the simple “PM me for a link” within your post. There are acceptable ways to skin a cat.</p>

<p>No harm, no foul, just comments offered in the spirit of welcome to a newbie. Please take them as such.</p>

<p>Berklee may well have a spot for you, but they are highly competitive. Grades won’t matter, it’s an audition driven process. There’s a series of links here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1063141884-post4.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1063141884-post4.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>USC/Thorton is also highly competitive, and both the audition and academic stats are taken into consideration. Some links</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/752896-music-schools-embrace-contemporary-musicians-suggestions-requested.html?highlight=Thorton[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/752896-music-schools-embrace-contemporary-musicians-suggestions-requested.html?highlight=Thorton&lt;/a&gt; (Pay attention to post 18, and pm the op if you feel the need)
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/588111-usc-thornton-school-music.html?highlight=Thorton[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/588111-usc-thornton-school-music.html?highlight=Thorton&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/723445-usc-thorton-school-music.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/723445-usc-thorton-school-music.html?highlight=music&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Not a lot on the forum about UCLA music, most threads deal with voice. You can search and read through them at your convenience. The poster mamenyu is knowledgeable about west coast programs, so also look for postings under that user name.</p>

<p>Another source of info are the master threads
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/618208-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2009-a-59.html?highlight=master[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/618208-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2009-a-59.html?highlight=master&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/424909-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2008-a-33.html?highlight=master[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/424909-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2008-a-33.html?highlight=master&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Scan the last post for poster, program, degree and discipline. You can glean info from prior posts via searching, or pm directly for input. Most here are happy to help.</p>

<p>As for Full Sail, Musician’s Institute just be aware they are for profit institutions, unlike the bulk of programs discussed here. It may work for, it may not. Some prior threads:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/496483-musicians-institute.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/496483-musicians-institute.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Some additional general info that may be beneficial:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/643349-i-want-play-guitar-college-can-i.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/643349-i-want-play-guitar-college-can-i.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/416775-college-choices-rock-guitarist.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/416775-college-choices-rock-guitarist.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/396090-contemporary-music-school-electric-bassist.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/396090-contemporary-music-school-electric-bassist.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/307052-music-colleges-curriculum-contemporary-music.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/307052-music-colleges-curriculum-contemporary-music.html?highlight=musician’s+Institute&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Lastly, you need to know the effects of being an international. Policies vary from institution to institution, and they are typically detailed within each school’s admission web pages.</p>

<p>Good luck. Hopefully some others will offer more direct info.</p>

4

<p>-Allmusic- Thanks for checking out the page. I wrote the songs, arranged them, wrote the lyrics, played every instrument, and thats me on vocals. Vocals aren’t my strongest facet but i’m working on it.</p>

<p>Violadad - Thanks very much for the detailed reply. I’ve reported the post so hopefully my details are removed so thanks for the warning. I apologize for posting the link i didn’t realize that was a problem. If anyone wants to see my website PM me.</p>

<p>I think my biggest problem will be financial as international fees are so expensive. That’s also interesting about MI, I didn’t realize that it was a for profit institution.</p>

<p>I’ve heard good things about USC Thornton but bad things about the area the campus is based in. I preferred the idea of UCLA because i love the area and its also a great school (although musically it may not be as highly regarded).</p>

<p>Money is definitely a big issue as i’m going to be paying international tuition. I am going to have to try and apply for many scholarships otherwise i won’t be able to afford it. I am guessing that my most likely chance of getting scholarships to pay international tuition will be through my own research?</p>

<p>I have also heard that USC gives scholarships to it’s top students. That is very appealing although i’m not sure if i’d be considered good enough. </p>

<p>Btw, Violadad - I read the post from raddad and found that very interesting and relevant. That definitely applies to me. I have been trained in Jazz but my heart is in Contemporary which is another reason why USC>UCLA. </p>

<p>Any other advice anyone can offer?</p>

<p>Thanks alot for your time</p>

5

<p>Something else that just crossed my mind; Does anyone know if these school will expect me to fly over just for an audition?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

6

<p>Other schools to check out: Cal Arts (private, excellent for drums, maybe there is scholarship $?), Chapman U (also private), CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge. Regarding publics (CSU’s and UCLA) there may be restrictions on getting a second bachelor’s degree. Which brings me to my next question: Do you really need a degree to accomplish what you’d like to do?</p>

7

<p>As for flying over, the best common wisdom is to try and do an in person audition if at all possible. But do check with each music department, and know their requirements and expectations. Given the evolving technology, there may be a system in place to accommodate (extremely) long distance auditions. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Some ideas kicked around are here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/654703-prescreening-media-formats.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/654703-prescreening-media-formats.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>sopranomom92 makes good points. You may not need an undergrad degree given your level of experience and accomplishment. </p>

<p>Some similar discussions:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/775492-options-those-non-music-degree.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/775492-options-those-non-music-degree.html&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/764582-music-programs-outside-degree-programs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/764582-music-programs-outside-degree-programs.html&lt;/a&gt; </p>

<p>The concern about a becond bachelor’s is valid, the policies are school specific. From a scholarship standpoint, typically the money is distributed by ranking within the audition pool. My (limited) experience is that international/resident status has little or no bearing on how the talent money is allocated. But it is also institution specific as to policy, so I urge you to read the specific info at each school. Also some monies tend to be nebulous in nature, and you may not know what percentage might be talent, academic stats based or financial based non loan aid. Again, school specific. The general caveat is that most (if any aid) will probably be in the form of talent (audition result) based money. There’s a few scholarship threads I can point you to if you wish, but realize international status adds another dimension.</p>

<p>I’m thinking outside the box here. Have you considered pursuing this in Australia or New Zealand? There are many fine conservatories/schools, but whether they offer a contemporary program is beyond my knowledge. It may be infinitely less costly.</p>

<p>Do you plan to stay in the States or just obtain training? I don’t know if you have the skills to get a visa and potentially obtain a work permit in any specific field that would allow you to apply for non-resident alien status. But by that means, you could establish residency in a state, and meet the requirements to receive instate tuition. Again, outside the box here, and the states individually regulate parameters for what constitutes residency for tuition.</p>

8

<p>are you applying as an undergraduate or graduate student?
USC doesn’t have regional auditions but will, for undergrads, accept CDs for the auditions (or did so in the past, anyway…always check directly with the colleges that interest you for their requirements) but your chance of getting a large scholarship might well be greatly diminished.
Take a look at UCSB, which is also a lovely place to live.</p>

9

<p>^ I mulled the possibilities about suggesting applying as a Masters student, but I’m not aware of a program with a contemporary bent (nor did I look), and the OP may or may not have the background experiences or credentials. But there are some programs that will allow for life and professional experiences. It might not hurt to investigate the possibilities. The question is “where”?</p>

10

<p>Sopranomom, it’s not imperative to have a degree to get far in music. BUT, it would be give me one of the best networking opportunities in the world as College is great for that. Being an international, i need some sort of visa status to allow me to stay in the USA and studying is a great way to get this as it would give me a four year visa. Otherwise i will have to find a visa that allows me in the US and then find my own way by going to as many auditions/sessions as possible. I like the sound of Cal Arts, i’m going to do some more research on that. </p>

<p>and Violadad, that brings me to my next point. Music in New Zealand is an absolute struggle. There isn’t a very good music program here and attempting to be a full time musician here is almost impossible. Some signed musicians here are on the benefit payout. HENCE, i need to be where it’s at, and that is the USA.
Regarding auditions, i have a home recording studio which gives a great sound and i have some HD video recording gear so i could make a good audition tape if needed. I have talked to my parents and they said that they would pay for a flight for an audition though so that is a possibility. </p>

<p>My ultimate goal is to stay in the US. It is going to be an uphill struggle, but in a perfect world i was hoping i could study and then be sponsored to stay or stay on another type of visa (There is a musicians Visa and there is a visa which allows NZers to go over for a year without a job lined up and search for work ). </p>

<p>Thanks for all the information, i really appreciate how everyone here is so helpful. You are making a difference in my life by pointing me in the right direction.</p>

11

<p>At the moment, its looking like this.</p>

<p>USC
Pros<br>
Contemporary Program<br>
Charges same to Internationals and Residents<br>
Large Scholarships based on talent</p>

<p>Cons
Don’t really like the Neighbourhood</p>

<p>UCLA
Pros
Nicer Area
I know people there already
Already in love with the campus
Will most likely be easier to get into as my band won spring sing</p>

<p>Cons
Doesn’t have the contemporary music program
Charges more to internationals
Scholarships looks scarce since it’s state funded.</p>

<p>Do you think mentioning the fact that i went to UCLA and had to come back will affect my chance of getting in to USC? I know it sounds ridiculous but does rivalry run that deep? I just don’t want to mess up my chances.</p>

<p>I think i’m going to choose a personal statement question on hardships. </p>

<p>Thanks again guys</p>

12

<p>As far as I’ve ever heard one cannot enter a UC as an undergraduate if one already has a college degree. I believe you would have to apply as a graduate student. Possibly you could try to enter as a transfer student but (from [University</a> of California - Admissions - The University of California offers one of the broadest ranges of study of any institution of higher learning in the world, all at an affordable price.](<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/welcome.html]University”>Admissions | University of California)) : “In addition, most campuses don’t admit students with 90 semester (135 quarter) units or more.”</p>

13

<p>Oh :frowning: That is bad news. Well I’m struggling to find any information on UC’s not admitting applicants who have already graduated. Could anyone shine some more light on this? Would this still apply even though i graduated in New Zealand and not at a UC? Surely people must go back for a second degree if they’ve decided they want to study something else?</p>

<p>There must be a way… any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks</p>

14

<p>Or, is it possible to have an undergraduate degree in Business and study Music as a graduate degree? I am quite confused now</p>

15

<p>After looking, the info on the UCLA link confirms what SpiritManager states. [International</a> Students - UCLA Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/intl.htm]International”>International Applicants | UCLA Undergraduate Admission)</p>

<p>The grad admissions page is here: [2009-2010</a> Program Requirements - Music](<a href=“http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/pgmrq/music.asp]2009-2010”>http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/pgmrq/music.asp)</p>

<p>The requirements for an MA or MM are “Bachelors degree in music or equivalent”. How they define “equivalent” is beyond my knowledge, but I conjecture that it would consist of formal training much like an undergrad performance certificate or diploma. (Basically a non-academic 3 year option at the conservatory level typically comprising all the BM requirements except the non-music academic aspects. Some additional info on this type of program is within the last two thread links of my detailed post.)</p>

<p>Would life experience and your skill set count for much? It’s a question that only the folks at UCLA can answer. You may be hard pressed to find a masters program, but there may well be one out there. A similar experience is here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/750560-help-finding-music-gradute-program-student-weaker-qualifications.html?highlight=wescon[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/750560-help-finding-music-gradute-program-student-weaker-qualifications.html?highlight=wescon&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>It would not hurt to at least broach the subject if that is your goal. Whether your skill set as appropriate credentials will be enough is the question. Your talent and mindset leads me to believe you would be a viable candidate, but I’m not an admissions person, a musician or an educator.</p>

16

<p>Ok Violadad thanks for the reply. Well it pretty much looks like UCLA is out. I will still contact the Grad admissions there though to see if there are any possibilities. Do you think it could be a possibility to put my degree here on hold and go over as a transfer on undergrad? It says 84 Semester Units, I think i can get by that as a Degree here is only 3 years and i’ve completed 2 and a half so far. That way technically i wouldn’t have graduated. It’s an idea. I may try it. </p>

<p>USC on the other hand still looks like my number one choice. They allow you to apply even if you have a undergraduate degree already. So i’m definitely going to give that a shot. I’m going to apply as an undergrad to the BM majoring in Popular Music. I will audition on the drumset as that is my primary instrument. </p>

<p>If i applied with a GPA of 3.5 from my Finance degree with all my credentials and past experience listed on my myspace do you think i would have a good chance?</p>

<p>Thanks again guys, especially Violadad. Extremely helpful</p>

17

<p>Please do not take what I offer as gospel. I’m suggesting alternatives, potential avenues to explore, possible choices. I would not recommend not finishing a BA in an unrelated discipline that is so close to fruition to backdoor your way into UCLA as an undergrad music student.</p>

<p>My one son opted out of the mus ed portion of a dual degree (mus ed/perf) pursuit VERY late in the process to concentrate on his first love of performance. I advised him to carefully consider his decision, but it was his to make, not mine. </p>

<p>As for grades, USC/Thorton is a dual admit process, weighing both academic performance and audition results. Without checking, you would most likely be in the academic range for USC. Juilliard, Berklee are talent (audition based admits). At the grad level, undergrad academic “numbers” may well play a role even in a performance based concentration.</p>

18

<p>I have an idea. The OP doesn’t need an undergrad degree but would like to be in LA and get involved in the music industry - but needs to be a student to get a visa. How about L.A. City College? They offer a Music Industry certificate program and it won’t matter, I believe (and this will need to be checked out) that he already has a degree. They should have good connections to the industry and the price shouldn’t be too awful even for an international student. [Music</a> [Los Angeles City College]](<a href=“http://www.lacitycollege.edu/academic/departments/music/muscertprogexplanation.html]Music”>http://www.lacitycollege.edu/academic/departments/music/muscertprogexplanation.html)</p>

19

<p>Typically, an international student needs to show proof of available finances equal to 1 year of school/living. For LACC that amount is $15,000. That is still an incredible deal. Check their website.</p>

20

<p>Thanks again for all the replies. -Violadad, don’t worry I’m not just taking your word for it i’m doing your research but your advice is very helpful.</p>

<p>I have spoken to some people at UCLA and will trying my luck applying as a Grad student. I just need to decided which program i would apply to. I would prefer to study as an undergraduate though, hence USC will still be my first choice.</p>

<p>The bank statement to show funds won’t be a problem, i got over that hurdle last time when i was accepted at UCLA. </p>

<p>I’m hoping for USC but i will definitely apply to Berklee and Julliard. </p>

<p>Also looking at NYU. So many choices! </p>

<p>Have filed the first half of the online app for USC, i’m just onto the personal statement, resume, etc etc…</p>

<p>Thanks alot for all the help once again, its helped me get round obstacles I didn’t previously know about.</p>