<p>I originally posted this elsewhere, but someone suggested I post this in the Music Major secition:</p>
<p>Hi! I am a caucasian male sophomore in a private high school that has an academic emphasis, as opposed to a musical atmosphere. Although I do pretty well academically (As in all honors and AP classes except for French, which is a standard class), my favorite thing in the world is music. I play classical piano and really want to work at it seriously and pursue a career in music.</p>
<p>I would consider my level of talent above average, but not outstanding. I have perfect pitch and have good technique considering the minimal amount of practice I put in (I do as much as I can, but I know it's not nearly enough: average of around 30-45 min/day freshman year and 2 hrs/day this year and plan on 6hrs/day over the summer), but my technique is probably only average or slightly above average when compared to the people I'll be competing against for slots in colleges. I think my musicality is my strong point though, because I consider myself pretty creative in that sense. I win some competitions, too, including a small international one a couple months ago, but I'd probably get my butt kicked in bigger competitions.</p>
<p>I can play somewhat advanced pieces, such as La Campanella, with some ease and musicality, but my repertoire isn't huge and I have not learned any piano concertos. Does this hurt my chances of getting into a music school?</p>
<p>I understand that I probably am not good enough to get into prestigious music colleges such as Oberlin and Eastman, so I was really hoping you guys could name some second and third-tier music schools for me to look into.</p>
<p>@henrob
Well, I’m pretty flexible about region. I’m willing to go almost anywhere to get the best education I can, but if I get accepted to two schools that are equally good with the same tuition/financial aid, etc., I would probaby choose the one that has a more New England-y climate. So I guess that is a preference, but not a limitation. For example, I am miserable in hot summer heat, but I’m looking at a couple schools in Texas and California anyway. I hope I’m making sense…</p>
<p>Hey, Moustache, you’re only a sophomore–a LOT can happen in the next 18 months before applications–if this is something you really want to do, I wouldn’t knock yourself out of contention for Oberlin, Eastman or anywhere. You play, and your talent/repertoire will change immensely over the next year. Take a look at all the schools in which you have an interest. Look at their music repertoire requirements. Join some groups and play. Play all summer. Start a combo. Take classes. If this is something you want, it is not impossible. Finally, visit some schools over the next year and see which ones appeal to you, then narrow down a list to include matches, safeties AND your dream schools.</p>
<p>A combo–sorry for my jazz influence–is a small group of musicians who play together, perform, improvise etc. In classical circles, this probably is called something else? At any rate, get some people together and play!</p>
<p>imagep: You are so funny! SJTH: I thought that’s what you meant. My S is a jazz pianist and plays in combos. But his high school also has a popular chamber music club in which the students form various small ensembles to perform classical chamber music. They donate their time to nursing homes, school receptions, etc. That might be a club to start if you don’t already have one at your school, moustache!</p>