<p>Hi, I'm an applicant seriously considering IUB and possibly applying early. I'm interested in pursuing music while in college, but not 100% sure yet if I'd major or minor in it so I'll probably apply undecided. I know IUB offers direct admissions to Jacobs if you know you want to major in music, but I don't think I want to do that since I probably won't be ready for the audition in time and am still not sure. I'm wondering if it's possible to be accepted to the university as an undecided major, without applying directly to Jacobs, and then later declare a major in music should I choose to? I'm assuming if that was possible I'd have to go through the same audition process that a person applying directly to Jacobs would have.</p>
<p>I believe that you will have to audition to get into Jacobs, but you can put that off for a year. The advantage with being admitted to Jacobs as a freshman though is that you will more likely be assigned to professors rather than grad students as your music teachers. Something to keep in mind is that some scholarships are not open to Jacobs while others are for Jacobs only. </p>
<p>Are you currently studying privately with a teacher? If so, what is his/her advice? Have you considered a gap year? </p>
<p>One challenge of auditioning during freshman year is that it might be difficult to fit in the required courses, many of which must be taken in sequence. A BM at Jacobs consists of 75% music courses. Some are only one or two credit hours per course but take as much time as a more credit heavy course. I’m not sure if non-music majors can enroll in all the theory and aural skills courses, but if it’s possible, start that music theory sequence right away. I don’t think you can transfer music theory taken elsewhere in most cases, and AP music theory will only get you credit if you’re not a music major (though it can help ease the way the first few weeks). You’ll be required to demonstrate piano proficiency, so work on that so you can test out of some or all of those courses. </p>
<p>Another issue you’d likely encounter is the challenge of finding practice rooms, which music majors can reserve for a regular schedule but I don’t know if non-music majors can. </p>
<p>Are you familiar with the professor(s) who teach your instrument/voice, and do you feel they’d be a good fit? You can ask for a sample private lesson (for which you should offer to pay). A lesson would give you a feel for that teacher’s style, and they might be willing to give you feedback as to whether you’re “in the ballpark.” </p>
<p>I encourage you to check out the Music Major forum on CC to see if any threads are helpful, and to post your question if need be. Lots of advice to be found there! </p>