<p>I am currently filling out my applications to Oberlin (both the college and conservatory), however I was not sure about the instrument that I should audition on. I play both jazz piano and classical upright bass about equally well, but I don't know which of those would be more advantageous in terms of getting admitted(less competition). Anyone have any suggestions?</p>
<p>Also, I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for other colleges worth checking out that are similar to Oberlin in that they offer a smaller/liberal arts education, but also have an intensive music program.</p>
<p>You might want to check out Bard College/Conservatory in NY. Also, my vote would be for Bass. Around here, our orchestras are always searching for Bass players, but pianists are everywhere.</p>
<p>Lawrence University in Wisconsin is often mentioned alongside of Oberlin. And Bard as well - their situation is very interesting, in that the college mandates that conservatory students are also enrolled in the college, which makes scheduling easier on the student (ie, it’s the college’s responsibility to make the academics and music work out).</p>
<p>Also realize that there may be no telling in advance what the life of a classical bassist will be like. Because the instrument is useful for a great number of different styles, and because of the difficulty on any instrument of finding enough work in classical music to earn a living wage, bassists often branch out into other styles.</p>
<p>After studying classical bass at Oberlin (as well as jazz bass, viola da gamba, Indian ragas with a sitar player, and a smattering of other things including mandinka, gamelan and hand drumming), my daughter now gets gigs playing everything from Early Music to Indie Rock, by way of Klezmer and Bluegrass. Oh, yeah, she also plays Classical Music every now and again. Just because you start with a classical foundation does not mean that you will experience the life of a classical bassist, whatever that may mean.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is that Jazz pianists have the opportunity to work alone (not many solo bass gigs around) or with just one other person, whereas you are usually talking about at least a trio and frequently more than that before a bass player would be needed. When you only have to split the money one or two ways, you can afford to take gigs that a larger ensemble would probably turn down as not paying enough per member.</p>
<p>If your abilities are about the same on both instruments, it will probably be easier to gain admission on bass because they take more classical bassists than jazz pianists and the range in ability level of the incoming class tends to be a bit wider on bass than on piano.</p>
<p>If you are interested in both Jazz and Classical, you should realize that there are a lot of Jazz players there who are not interested in Classical and vice versa. There are some students who cross over, but they are something of a minority.</p>
For jazz programs, it seems like good jazz pianists are harder to come by than drummers, bassists, guitarists, horn players. However,</p>
<ol>
<li>If you’re willing to play some jazz bass in addition to legit, bassists can work anywhere. Rock bands need a bass, combos need a bass, orchestras need basses. More than any instrument I’ve seen, bassists can make good money, even if they’re still getting their skills together.</li>
</ol>
<p>Congrats on having two great instruments! In our area, finding good Bassists is really tough. We have a glut of great jazz piano players which is a big worry for the college audtions a year from now. </p>
<p>I don’t know much about Classical auditions although people tell me they are ultra competitive but honestly we are finding the same about jazz piano in summer programs over the last few years. I guess really go with what you love and if they are equal - look at the programs/teachers you want most (location, who you will work with, school culture).</p>
<p>If you can crossover and do jazz bass, as well as classical, at a high level, you are pretty much golden.</p>
<p>on edit: just read Bassdad, and agree that there aren’t many crossovers, but those that can (and enjoy and play well in both genres) are very much in high demand.</p>