I wish to major in music (piano performance) but had a question as to how much weight is placed on high school classes that were musically related (in my case pretty much none). So do colleges care that much that I took no music classes in high school or will they be more worried about what I can do now (ie. my audition). I’ve been playing music my entire life I just never realized I wanted to study it until now (I know, bad timing). I am also currently in the military so perhaps an online course or two in music would be worth my time to augment my lack of high school classes? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated
I don’t think that high school classes in music make that much difference. If you want to do performance, in a BM program, it is all about the audition. Doing an online course on theory might be helpful but theory tests at auditions are generally for placement. Still, your understanding of music would be enhanced and the theory class might make your first year at school a lot easier.
I think many piano majors wouldn’t have any high school music classes. I doubt that it would have any impact. I would only take online classes (i.e. a non-playing class) if the subject interests you and you want to get ahead. While they may give you some additional speaking points in an interview, I don’t think your application will be lacking without them.
Audition is key. Most auditions include sight-reading. Many schools ask for a paper “resume”, noting private teacher(s), playing experience, competitions, awards, performances, pieces studied, etc.
As @ScreenName48105 said, the audition is the key. Taking things like theory and/or ear training in high school can make it easier when you get to music school, having some familiarity with it can make taking ear training or theory easier. Music schools give kids placement exams for things like theory and ear training, but they aren’t in most cases used for admissions,and that includes many of the major conservatories (among other things, a lot of the kids coming from overseas have never studied music theory, so you wouldn’t be alone). So I wouldn’t sweat it.
On the other hand, I would highly encourage you to do some work on your own. There is a “music theory for dummies” written by a guy from butler university that isn’t bad, =and there are online courses that you might be able to take that could help. It will make it a little less of a shock when you get to ear training or theory if you already have been exposed to it.
Thanks a lot for the replies, looks like I’ve got a lot of work to do on my audition! Now on an unrelated note, does being in the military help augment a low GPA? (low 3’s unweighted). This is all assuming that I retake the ACT and score above a 30 which I believe is well within my reach. Again, any help is very much appreciated.
The freestanding conservatories will care mainly about the audition. The University music schools will care about the audition but usually you also need to be admitted to the university, and the university will care about GPA, scores, extracurriculars, work etc. A BA program in music at a college or university will usually not have auditions, will care about GPA, stats, EC’s etc.but will also be influenced by an arts supplement if you submit one.
I think your music will augment a low GPA, and I think that your service in the military shows maturity and character, which are factors that are considered. Good luck!