<p>Hi,
My question is, is it possible to audition into a music minor program after freshman year in college?
I have played saxophone (and some piano) since elementary school. I have really liked it, but only in my senior year (with a lot more performance opportunities) have I realized how important it has been in my life, and I can't imagine giving it up. My dream job would be in the music business anyway, so having some college instruction in theory and performance would only boost my chances. I have never been a super competitive player, as like I said, I didn't truly think about it until this year. Most if not all of the schools I'm looking at have an audition requirement for a music minor, and there is no way I could make that happen before the end of my senior year in high school. Is it possible for me to prepare for the auditions throughout next year, and audition during my freshman year at college to add a music minor starting my sophomore year? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>It is certainly possible to take lessons on sax or piano plus music theory classes at most colleges without having to declare a music minor. You should be able to do both of those in your freshman year without having to audition for the music minor until you have had more time to practice. Most minors can be completed in three years if you plan ahead and take the right classes while you are a freshman. You will almost certainly have to pay extra for the lessons, at least until you are officially in the music program. Perhaps even then as a minor, depending on the school. </p>
<p>Would you be willing to specify which of your possible schools have the audition requirement? I do not know of many programs out there that have both a music business major and a music performance minor, let alone an auditioned one, so I am curious to find out which schools you are talking about.</p>
<p>If you are really serious about improving your playing, another option might be a gap year spent taking lessons and practicing a lot, as well as some community college classes and possibly a part-time job. That way, you could get some general electives out of the way (music theory credits usually do not transfer, so you would have to check with the schools involved) and be better prepared to audition as a freshman a year later.</p>
<p>Thanks, BassDad!
My intended major actually isn’t music business/industry, because with the limitations I have on college choices, a very limited few have those programs, and the few that did weren’t the right fit for me.</p>
<p>I will most likely end up at UMD College Park, U of Delaware, or West Chester U in PA, if that helps at all. </p>
<p>I applied as an undeclared/university studies major as of right now, because I haven’t figured out which major may be best for me. I am definitely looking to declare either Marketing or Communications with a concentration in broadcast/radio, but that isn’t set in stone. I also have yet to decide exactly how I want to go about working in the music business, all I know is that I can’t see myself doing anything other than that. </p>
<p>Working with new artists, helping them get their music out there, whether it be the scouting, recording, advertising, or concert venue side of it, I haven’t figured out yet. I’m just trying to find the best way for me to be prepared, and to have the best job prospects I can to get a job in that area, but also have a solid degree to fall back on should the very fickle and competitive music industry not supply a steady job.</p>
<p>You could also approach things by doing a straight business major while taking private lessons on sax and/or piano, using your electives to take music or music tech classes and interning with a company in the music business over the summers. That would position you for what you want to do, plus provide a backup if that did not work, plus allow you to continue studying music in the meantime.</p>
<p>One school that I know that has good programs in both business and music is Susquehanna University. Their application deadline is March 1, so you still have time if you are interested. If you are competitive for Maryland, you would probably get a nice scholarship at Susquehanna. I do not believe they require an audition of music minors (music majors do require auditions) and they have minors in performance, theory and music technology. Both the music and business departments have nice facilities, although not in the same league as the U Maryland performing arts center. They have some very talented music majors there, but there is a good bit wider range of abilities than you would find at some of the other schools on your list. For you, that could mean more opportunity to play in ensembles.</p>
<p>I think the avenue you spoke of is probably the route I’ll go, with a business major and some music classes of my choice. </p>
<p>I actually have a few friends seriously looking at Susquehanna, one being a flute player planning on majoring in performance. I’ve heard really good things about it, so I’ll have to talk to the parents and see if that’s an option.</p>
<p>I definitely think that where I am right now, the best thing would be to not commit myself to any kind of music program, whether it be majoring or minoring. My only concern is that I’d be unable to land an internship/job/any kind of experience within the music business without my attachment to an industry/recording tech program. I guess I’ll just have to be really proactive in my research for opportunities though, moreso than students who get opportunities through their professors. Or then again, maybe the regular business schools have more connections than I would think, and could help me hook up with something akin to what I’m looking for.</p>
<p>Don’t let your parents go into sticker shock when they see the published tuition number, which is a lot more than Delaware or Maryland charges and a whole lot more than West Chester. Susquehanna gives out a lot of scholarship money and decent need-based aid and very few students wind up paying the full rate. It would be worthwhile to see what they offer before simply assuming that they are too expensive. Their business school has been fairly successful in getting its grads into internships, jobs and grad schools. I’m sure they would be happy to tell you about it.</p>
<p>Full disclosure: My son is in his third year at Susquehanna and likes it a lot, my wife is an alum with a degree in Music Ed.</p>