multiple instruments/genres

College Majors Music Major
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<p>MY DS, a HS Sophomore, wants to study music in college. Although he is a very good student, with a full complement of honors and AP classes for next year, he desribes his two music courses daily as the best, most enjoyable, etc. parts of his day. He is involved in every possible musical opportunity offered at his high school, including honors band, orchestra, marching band, jazz ensembles (2), pit band, etc. </p>

<p>So, here comes the question. After lurking on this forum for awhile, I see most people's kids are top notch in a single instrument or genre. My son plays across genres (classical piano, classical percussion, jazz piano, drumkit and vibes, rock drumkit) all at relatively high level (All-state percussionist, winner of competitions, pit band principal pianist etc. etc). </p>

<p>He would like to continue to pursue all genres, on all of his instruments. He is interested in performance (although in piano more as an accompanist or rehearsal pianist than a soloist), but also composition, music tech, etc.</p>

<p>Question is, are there are other kids applying across genres? How does one proceed? Would he audition as a jazz drummer and a classical pianist? Are there specific programs more suitable to kids like this? He is definitely not piano performance major at Julliard class, but still very strong in piano and would not want to give it up.</p>

<p>He has known several top notch jazz kids who have gone to Eastman, and is very interested in this program. I know the piano department is also strong there. We have also known a good jazz percussionist who went to UMich.</p>

<p>Ideas of how to get started? Types of schools or programs?</p>

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<p>At many schools, two instruments would be a double major, but some schools won't let you double major with two performance degrees -- although composition or music technology would be okay as a second major, as would music education. Not all schools even allow a second major. And entrance to the performance program is generally done by audition. You can audition on more than one instrument -- must apply separately to each department. If you are admitted to more than one instrument, you would then probably have to chose one.</p>

<p>The exception is that some schools offer performance degrees in multiple instruments within a group -- such as brass, or reeds. All of your S's instruments technically fit within the percussion heading. In addition, most schools require a certain proficiency on piano, regardless of primary instrument.</p>

<p>If he wants to major in piano accompanying, he should look for "collaborative piano" programs. Eastman has a good one! </p>

<p>You might also want to take a look at University of North Texas's music program, which I have heard is quite good. They are one school that offers the multiple instrument option. </p>

<p>However, at many schools it is possible to major in one area, and still study the others. My S is majoring in horn performance, but has taken "piano for non-majors" and "composition for non-majors," as both are important to him. He is not conservatory-level on piano, but still gets asked by friends to accompany for church performances and such.</p>

<p>As far a genre, that's something worth looking into, as you look at schools. Certainly some schools are more "bent" one direction or another. Larger universities will offer more variety than smaller conservatories. UGA, for example, has quite a nice, large, varied music program. Their multiple instrument performance concentration seems to only be offered to grad students, though.</p>

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<p>Check out the programs at USC's Thornton School of Music. They are one of the few schools that do jazz, rock and classical with entire departments for composition, collaborative piano and music industry studies.</p>