<p>SpiritManager made an excellent point; composition departments vary widely from school to school and it’s especially important to to examine them carefully, talk to faculty and students and figure out how the style of the department works with the applicants abilities, style and aspirations. You can be terrific, but if your style doesn’t mesh with that of the department, it’s not going to work.</p>
<p>Your son, and perhaps you, might want to read Alex Ross’ book “The Rest is Noise” for an overview of 20th and 21st century music. [Alex</a> Ross: The Rest Is Noise](<a href=“http://www.therestisnoise.com/]Alex”>http://www.therestisnoise.com/)</p>
<p>Many of us have had to educate ourselves, or be educated by our children, along the way. The contemporary composition field is very varied and complicated (and competitive).</p>
<p>Ross’ book is pretty comprehensive and an interesting read.</p>
<p>I think the most important thing is for students to find an environment that encourages development of an individual “voice” in composition. This is a lifelong process, but the undergrad years can get it off to a good start :)</p>
<p>if your son wants to compose at the undergraduate level, lessons and a summer program are a great way to start. He can assemble a portfolio of 3-4 pieces over the time left before application season; hopefully, most of these will be played by excellent musicians so he has CD’s that show his work at its best. A summer program will provide at least one of these recordings.</p>
<p>He can also submit works to ASCAP Morton Gould, the state music teacher organization(s), or other competitions, though this is not necessary. It can help assess possibilities though. Admissions will be based mainly on the portfolio at a conservatory/music school.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks again, Compmom! I’ll read the book for certain. His blog seems interesting too. Without any in-depth research, I already found some kind of connection between us - we are all monkeys (born in the year of monkey).</p>
<p>I’m not sure how far my son can go in composing. He is surely in a sweet starting point - his choir group is just picked by LA Phil as partner in their associate composer program. If he could make it, that would be just phenomenal.</p>
<p>Personally I am always fascinated by versatility and multi-talents. I have a feeling he could get to be an all-around musician. He got into singing because of 3-year musical theater experience. One of his voice teachers is doing cross-over on world stages. So basically I’m encouraging him to explore; luckily we’re in one of the most resourceful places on the planet. Hopefully, someday he can make and, again PLAY his music, no matter in what form.</p>
<p>Sounds like all kinds of possibilities, and a multi-faceted kid. Good luck!</p>
<p>Unfortunately being a music enthusiast cannot guarantee better living; alternatives play here as well. There was Mozart; there was also Schubert. This reminds me of Jay Leno. He comes down to the beach club here every weekend all these years just in case “he would lose his job at NBC”.</p>
<p>For me Mozart was at the peak of classical music. Mozart was the most sophisticated composer thanks to all the travel that gave him extensive exposure. I watched his “Magic Flute”. I loved the music but not the story, esp. the ending. For people who lived hundreds of years ago, there was no better alternative. They had to suck it.</p>
<p>Nowadays people live at different pace, in different lifestyle. The majority are even controlled by machines, such as iPhone. Like it or not, non-classical music is prevailing. If classical music cannot evolve quickly, it would be harder and harder to hear them.</p>
<p>Looking at your child with objective eyes is the hardest thing one can attempt. But if you’re going to try to steer them into music, you at least owe him or her that.</p>