I just got an audition from here. I was wondering if anyone knew what the composition program is like here. It looks good from the website, but I would like to know if anyone has been here and knows what the composition program is about. I would like to study with either Oscar Bettison, Kevin Puts, or Judah Adashi.
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Excellent composition program, one of the best, congratulations! Great faculty, access to excellent musicians for performance of your pieces, excellent reputation. (I just read faculty bios again.)
You mention “audition” but instrumental proficiency is not a requirement for composition applicants, so I assume it is an interview along with some testing on theory and ear training. It is helpful to know works after 1945, and to be able to talk about your process and how you make choices in your composing. Good luck!
(One note: there is one female professor and 5 males; the gender balance at top schools will slowly change but it sure it taking some time.)
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The interview is very relaxed. Just be prepared to talk about your background, what you’re into, etc. They may ask a few specific questions about your submitted works. That said they still interview many more people than they accept so do your best.
Exams are not mandatory except for DMA, though if you’re applying to a graduate program and want a teaching assistantship then you have to take them.
Regarding the gender balance - it is a tough issue. Faculty tend to stay at schools for a long time, so it’s indeed just going to take time. I will just say that the most recent faculty search at Peabody demonstrates that they are working on this.
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@YoungMusician101 : Anecdotal, but according to a professor that spoke to my S (class of 22) to get him to go the Violin Perf program there, it has one of the best composition programs in the US. (My S had indicated an interest in composition in addition to performance, and ended up going to a different school).
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Undergrad applicant exams are usually for placement.
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I am going to be posting about another school in a minute or two.
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