Piano, clarinet, bass voice and composition...oh my

College Majors Music Major
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<p>My S, senior in high school, is getting ready for auditions. He wants to compose, and therefore be a composition major, more than anything else. It is likely that he double major in something like composition/recording technology since a composition degree alone might not land him a job. He was preparing to audition on the piano, but now we are wondering if he would be better off auditioning on the clarinet or bass voice. He loves the piano, but he loves playing in ensembles and he has a great bass voice. He has never had private voice lessons. However he does sing in an auditioned ensemble, and he does it well. He is not exceptional at the clarinet or piano, but he is certainly highly skilled at both. He loves composing more than anything else and has been taking composition lessons from a college professor for a while.</p>

<p>So which intrument(s) to audition on is a difficult decision. Which would he want to be his main instrument in college? Which would give him the best scholarhip opportunities? Which will give him the playing/performing opportunities that suits him best? He also is a decent piano accompianist, if that gets him anywhere. He loves to sing and he loves to play the piano, but I think if nothing else were to be considered he'd want to play the clarinet in an ensemble - he is very social and I wonder if the piano might be isolating. </p>

<p>I'm concerned, and frustrated, that we are getting close to audition time and he is still undecided...Help!</p>

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<p>I would recommend doing the audition on piano. Piano is an instrument that composers have to be proficient in so if the level is similar to the other two instruments i would say piano is the obvious choice.</p>

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<p>Not all composition programs require an audition on an instrument. Mostly they want to know if the student can contribute to an ensemble of some sort. Only a few actually require lessons on an instrument or voice, let alone in a major studio. He should just audition on the piano and not worry about it. Let them know he can do other things. The instrument will have no effect whatsoever, as fas as I know, on the scholarship. That will all be dependent on his compositions.</p>

<p>As a composer, for playing opportunities - those will come from the connections he makes in college. Probably not really from the school. And there are plenty of new music pieces that have piano as part of them, so that instrument will not isolate him. My son is always looking for pianists for his ensemble!</p>

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<p>Some colleges will permit students to audition in more than one area. Your S may be able to audition for voice and piano. If so, I encourage him to do so. Most schools take pride in their choir and a great bass voice could buy him a nice scholarship. Good luck!</p>

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<p>I am confused by this post. If he wants to compose, is he “auditioning” for composition (meaning sending a portfolio w/3-4 scores and CD’s, and attending auditions, which usually mean a theory/history placement exam, interview, and sometimes an overnight composition assignment)?</p>

<p>Is he applying to conservatories/music schools/BM programs?</p>

<p>Some conservatories/music schools do require an audition on an instrument for composers, many don’t (certain top conservatories that we know don’t, but composers do have to play in an ensemble or sing in a chorus). So are you referring to this sort of secondary audition, for an instrumentalist who is applying to a composition program?</p>

<p>If he is applying to a college program, there are usually no auditions (so I am assuming you are referring to conservatory auditions) but sending a CD and score of compositions and/or of performance can help with admissions.</p>

<p>Composers don’t really have to be proficient on instruments, but the fact that your son is so multi-faceted certainly can’t hurt, and college music programs would be delighted to have him, I’m sure. My daughter is a composer and struggles with piano a bit: she needs to pass theory and of course piano skills are part of that. She plays classical guitar, an instrument that seems to be neglected at many schools! (and clarinet…)</p>

<p>I think it is fine to major in composition without the recording technology piece as backup. There are many directions to go in with a BM or BA that focus on music generally and composition specifically. And it is a bachelor’s degree like any other. He can go to law or medical school for that matter. But composition studies these days often get into technology, and he may get involved enough with recording and sound editing to be drawn to some of those studies naturally along the way. In the meantime, a composition curriculum is pretty intense and a double major might even be hard: someone else might know.</p>

<p>It is true that most of our kids won’t make a living from composition commissions for a good long while, if ever, but they will have access to interesting work through their degree, in one way or the other, often through teaching or working for music organizations.</p>

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<p>Nothing would make me happier than for my S to be able to compose music successfully for the rest of his life! The recording technology major seems to be a nice compliment for composition and it interests him too.</p>

<p>Most of the schools he is considering about do require an audition on an instrument for composition majors. If he auditions on an instrument (or voice) then there is a possibility for a talent based scholarship on that instrument. I’m not really sure how many composition scholarships there are available. </p>

<p>Thanks all for your thoughts!</p>

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<p>There are as many composition scholarships as there are for performance. But all the same rules apply - your son needs to be a top applicant.</p>

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<p>If he is applying as a composition major, then his compositions will be the main criteria for admission, and the instrumental audition will be secondary. The performance on the instrument should be good enough for the school to want him in orchestra and ensembles, but doesn’t have to be on a par with those who are auditioning only for instruments. The composition portfolio is very important and should include scores and CD’s with recordings of pieces by musicians if possible.</p>

<p>Just want to express sympathy. In our household, preparing the composition portfolio was quite stressful enough. I cannot imagine adding the stress of instrumental auditions, and having to decide which instrument (or voice) would make things even more stressful.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thanks Compmom and SpirtiManager. I am feeling a little better about it now. You might remember that my D is a freshman oboe/music ed major…so I am still recovering from going through this process last year! I always said that she was easier…I can throw oboe lessons at her and we can hear her improvement. </p>

<p>Composition is different, I cannot quantitate is ability. I think he is good, and on one has told us otherwise - but this adutition process will be first opportunity to get a real assessment of his work. He’s not stressing it - I am. (But that is fine, I don’t want to add stress to his life.)</p>

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<p>Is his teacher, the college professor, giving any guidance as to which schools to apply for? Some don’t. My daughter’s teacher just didn’t get into that at all, though he was very willing to appraise whatever level of talent she might have.</p>

<p>Again, good luck with all this. Hoping you don’t have another talented musician coming along next year too! Talented children are wonderful, but you deserve a break!</p>

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<p>One way for young composers to get a sense of where they stand, although it certainly isn’t the end all and be all - is to enter national, and local, competitions. It is useful just for learning to prepare scores and recordings, if nothing else. Prizes usually include performances, commissions, and money. Many of them are free to enter, others have a small entry fee. He should join the American Composers Forum where these opportunities are listed. [American</a> Composers Forum | Upcoming Opportunities](<a href=“http://www.composersforum.org/opportunities-upcoming]American”>http://www.composersforum.org/opportunities-upcoming) I recommend applying only to ones for young composers rather than competing against all age groups.</p>

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<p>Nope, I only have two kids. This one is my baby! </p>

<p>But a couple years ago we hosted an exchange student from Spain for the school year - also a musician. So I had three talented musicians, all a year and a half apart in age. What an interesting experience. He plays the piano, sings like lark and composes pop music - very different than my S’s music which is modern classical - both my kids really love classical music. My daughter sings too - so all the voices and instruments etc was incredible. It was so wonderfully musical around here. My Spanish boy is now in college in Madrid, studying to be a doctor although he holds music very dear to his heart. </p>

<p>Thanks for the link, SpiritManager. We will check it out.</p>