Musical Component

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm pretty "into" music, and I hope to continue it in college. I'm sure that I'll do an arts supplement to the common app, but I'm not really sure what to do beyond that. One of my teachers thinks a live audition is critical (even though I'm fairly certain that some of the schools I'm considering don't offer that), while others say that the supplement is fine. I'm also confused about what, exactly, an audition will do. I understand that at most schools there is an audition upon arrival to be accepted into the music program at all. The thing is, I'm fairly certain, but not entirely sure, that I plan to major in music (or double major with something else). I'm a little hesitant to just plunge in freshman year, essentially declaring a music major. (Also, I have the case where I play multiple instruments and have to decide which ones to drop, since colleges won't accept them all. :( )</p>

<p>Does anyone have any advice?!</p>

2

<p>Ah, sorry guys. Forgot to add that I'm thinking of small, liberal arts colleges, like Vassar, Princeton, Yale, Williams, Amherst...</p>

3

<p>princeton and yale aren't "small, liberal arts colleges"</p>

4

<p>I suggest you post your question on the Music Majors forum. You'll get lots of good, knowledgeable advice there from parents whose children have been through the process before.</p>

5

<p>Although not exactly addressing your questions, here's a recent similar post here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/413484-music-non-music-majors.html#post4869481%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/413484-music-non-music-majors.html#post4869481&lt;/a>. Post #4 has a link that will bring you to two additional threads as well.</p>

<p>I'd also suggest reading this excellent post here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html&lt;/a> which outlines the process of applying as a music major at conservatory/conservatory level programs.</p>

<p>I'm not familiar with the music admissions process at the schools you mention but I do know Yale does not offer an undergrad performance degree. The undergrad pursuits are in theory and history. Performance study is at the grad level only, is highly competitive, and admission is on a par with Juilliard/Curtis level performance. Yale is arguably the top music grad school in the country, and is tuition free for those skilled enough to be admitted.</p>

<p>At the Ivy's and some of the top LAC's, you will find for the most part a very high level of musicianship, but not all are performance oriented, private instruction may or may not be included, there may be limited ensembles, or there are tiered ensembles based on the participants level of accomplishment.</p>

<p>Double majors are a different animal if one degree is performance based, as there are different parameters in place for each school. Some will encourage, some discourage or not allow. It is very school specific.</p>

<p>There are a number of discussions at the Music Major forum where most of these questions have been addressed. Take a moment and read the two or three featured discussion threads on that page, and the "pinned" threads as well.</p>

<p>Be aware that if your goal is a performance degree (even in conjunction with another non-music degree), that the BM programs are all audition based, the competition is extreme.</p>

<p>Without knowing your instruments, level of proficiency, degree pursuits, it is difficult to begin to suggest potential programs that may suit your needs.</p>

<p>Do a bit of background reading, and post any questions or thoughts here or at the music major forum.</p>

<p>Your best reference for individual school policies is the music department or music school web pages. The admit, audition process, repetoire required, and degree offerings are all detailed there, and they are all school specific. There is no generic answer.</p>