I am applying to various schools as a composition student because I want to learn how to compose pieces for maybe making symphonies or film scoring one day. Although, it recently just hit me that majoring in composition will probably not allow me to continue with my instrumental study (harp and violin) as much as I would like. Now I’m opening this up for all composition students (or knowledgeable non-comp majors), as a comp student, do you continue having private music lessons and solo performances? Also, does a performance major allow you to learn composition as well (and not just taking one class, I’m saying being able to seriously learn this)? This is a big dilemma for me because then this may make me change my applications. I love performing so much but I also want to learn how to write songs, and write them well.
Many programs allow performance majors to study composition deeply - such as at Bard Conservatory, where it is a requirement. And it is possible for performance majors to go on to graduate study in composition. As a composition major, you will, however, usually be able to perform in ensembles if you wish - at some places it’s required - but your lessons might be with grad students or adjuncts. And, solo performances as a composition major would be something you’d probably need to arrange yourself. Maybe playing your own work? Sounds to me you should apply for performance, and take composition, theory, and analysis classes - especially as it sounds like you’re still a beginner?
Wow if I really do decide to change to performance then I have to get ready for my auditions then because all this time I’ve been working on the portfolio of 3 songs.
Although, I will call the actual schools and ask what their particular program allows and what is it like for each. I’m just really torn about this because my dream is to become a composer as well as a performer, hopefully for film scoring.
I’m applying to Johns Hopkins, Rice, Vanderbilt, Rochester, Southern California, Michigan, Miami, Oberlin, and Yale. Do you know anything about these school’s particular composition programs? One thing is what their site says another thing is what it actually is…
I’m going to PM you. One concern I have is that you really don’t learn to compose in schools. You have teachers who guide you and teach you a lot, but the composing comes from you. You have a portfolio of three pieces in the works. Have you been studying with a teacher, or have you had any pieces performed? How much composition have you done so far? It makes a difference in terms of the questions you are asking. What is your process for composing?
You have many options. You can go to conservatory/music school for an instrument or composition or both. You can do a BA music major that will include composition, theory, history, ethnomusicology, technology, and if the program does not have a performance component, you can study privately or with teachers the school provides, and perform in extracurricular ensembles/orchestra and/or compose and find ways to have your pieces played. You can do a double major. You can do a (five year) double degree (Bard requires this of conservatory students).
There are talented composers and instrumentalists who have taken all of these paths. And many paths will allow you to continue instrument(s) and compose.
Your list is mainly top schools. Are your academics strong?
If you do decide to apply for performance, you may need to focus on one instrument. Another choice!
ps often a BA program will not require a portfolio or audition but you can always do an arts supplement to the common application if your work is good enough to make it valuable
Sage advice from @compmom, as usual.
Yale only offers a BA in music - no performance degree, no composition degree - although many young composers do study there for undergrad and take composition classes. You may be thinking of the Graduate School of Music, which is another animal entirely. Rochester and Johns Hopkins do not offer performance degrees or composition degrees - are you referring to Eastman and Peabody? Many of those schools listed above which do offer BM’s in composition are among the most difficult for acceptance in the country - and most composition students will have been composing and studying for years, have had live performances of their works, and perhaps have commissions and awards. That’s whom you’ll be competing with for admission.
Think of it this way - would you apply for a performance degree on harp or violin if you weren’t already proficient in the instruments and been studying them seriously for quite some time? It wouldn’t occur to you to apply for a performance degree to learn a new instrument, no?
On the other hand, it’s true that for many students composition is first learned in college - it’s not like you needed to start when you were seven. But I do think you’d be better off pursuing either a BA in music, a performance degree and taking composition & theory classes, or applying to non competitive programs intended for students with less experience coming in.
Your list of schools is mainly universities or liberal arts colleges that have a conservatory. Are you applying to the conservatories? If not, you might want to consider that sometimes the presence of a conservatory means that students not in the conservatory have fewer opportunities. Yale has a grad School of Music, as Spirit Manager said, but the others have undergrad BM programs in conservatory, as well as BA university degrees (check to see if there is a music major ).
It is hard to assess you chances without more info on your composing background. From what you have said so far, it would seem that Spirit Manager is saving you some angst by suggesting those three options.
My son’s studio classmate is a performance/ composition double major at Eastman.
I’m going to take the replies one by one, thank you guys so much for this!
@compmom I have never studied composition at all and the only time I have actually seriously composed something is for the portfolio that’s required for schools. Obviously, this means non of my pieces have been performed. I can’t double major in both because I also want to persue a minor in astronomy or physics (depending on the school) minor so it will be murder. I have realized in the past that I will choose the instrument that would be easier for me to do a particular school’s auditiion (meaning that some schools it will be easier to audition on violin or other harp).
My academics are okay, I’m no genius or absolute straight A million APs student but I do have my handful of AP classes and As and Bs, at least in one school I will hopefully get accepted.
@SpiritManager I’m sorry I was not clear haha when I meant I am applying to those schools, I meant the schools AND their respective music schools/conservatories. I am well aware how highly respected these programs are, that’s why I am applying to those in the first place, although you may have a point. My deal is that I looked up the requirements for performance degree auditions on violin (my principle instrument) and see that these requirements are so ridiculously hard, I can’t possibly learn so many songs I’ve never seen in my life in 3 months, it’s my biggest concern. I have been playing violin for many years but only in the past 6 have actually had private lessons, for harp some requirements I am able to do, others I can’t. I know I would be competing against amazing virtuosos I really didn’t think comp would have such a big competition. If I do go to performance, how will I be sure I will be able to be exposed to the right classes and opportunities for composition?
I don’t meant to be harsh but if you find the audition and portfolio requirements daunting for these schools it should be a warning to you that you’re reaching above your grasp. You’re not ready for these programs and you’ll just be wasting your time and money applying. There are dozens of great schools out there for you, where you can study astronomy and physics, and take private lessons on your instruments, and participate in ensembles, and take composition and music theory classes. All while you get a degree in astronomy or physics. You should look for schools where you’d have a chance of admission with your grades and scores - in an area you like, a size you like, and at a price you can afford. Then, and only then, check out the info on their music program.
There is always grad school for you, if you decide that music is your path and you get a real grounding in it while an undergrad.
(And, no, admission as a composer can sometimes be even harder than as a performer - since the elite programs on your list accept so few students.)
Composition is very, very competitive. I think that Spirit Manager and I have both responded many many times over maybe the last 8 or 9 years to students who think that applying to composition is some sort of back up for those who feel they won’t quite make it as an instrumentalist. Composition programs take very few students, and those who do make it have often studied with a private teacher, attended summer programs, had some national awards, and had some fairly prestigious performances of their works. Your view of the composition field is incorrect and you need to be realistic. And your list consists of top schools.
If your academics are not really excellent, you may also be disappointed in getting in from that angle.
Do you have anyone who can counsel you on school choices? There are so many good schools where you can study music and science, and choose a major after a year. I second Spirit Manager’s opinion that a BA program at any school (not a conservatory and maybe preferably without one) that you like for size, location, “vibe” and course offerings should work for you.
Noone is trying to discourage your music, promise.You just need some more time to work on it: many composers do start in college or even afterward, and your harp and violin can continue to develop in a university or college environment.