Plans for Future

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>I play trumpet in an East Cobb school, in Georgia(Near Atlanta). While not the best in the nation, we have some reputation through some of our better bands in the area. you might have heard of Lassiter, Walton, Kennesaw Mountain or Hillgrove high schools; but i'm not saying you will have. Anyways, I play trumpet and am looking into what to do to continue on past high school. I am a sophomore, so while I need to be serious now... I do have sometime. My biggest problem right now, is that I don't know what I need to get into a music school. I play at the top of my own band program, and am near the top of the region's players but that doesn't mean anything when you get kids applying from all over. Has anyone seen any decent schools for undergrad in Georgia? </p>

<p>Just need general advice. I have a lessons teacher... but shes incredibly and unrealistically optimistic. She trained under Larry Black but I'm concerned about my musical education still. I practice as much as I can, which is not much compared to a college musician, but is generally good practice(I practice 1.5-2 hours a day, not including marching band or jazz band or orchestra). What should I do to challenge my self more? etc. any and all help is greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>piccolotrumpet, welcome. My experience is in strings, and I'm not a music educator or a musician. My only credentials are those of a parent with a son who knew in middle school
that he wanted a life centered around music who graduated with a performance BM in '07. </p>

<p>We as parents knew nothing, but followed every suggestion offered by his first public school teacher, including summer lessons, private lessons, changing teachers, youth orchestra, chamber opportunities. By the time he was a high school freshman, it was basically music 24/7. Between high school, spring pit, youth symphony, and one college orchestra, 3 intense string quartet groups, summer immersion programs, and a number of local paying gigs, I could not wait till he had his license. </p>

<p>Beyond his innate talent, he had incredible, supportive teachers, both in public school and those we engaged privately. He was surrounded by fantastic peers, of equal and greater ability, which made him a better musician. Above all, he had passion. He constantly listened to recordings, read music history, self taught theory and keyboard, and devoured full scores like dime novels. </p>

<p>We never pushed, but gave him every opportunity he requested within our limited financial means, and generally followed the suggestions of his private teachers whom we trusted implicitly. I credit his "breakout" to a deep love and intense participation in high level string quartet programs, and chamber music in general. </p>

<p>As an outline for yourself, engage the best teacher you can find and afford. A quality instrument is a must, but within your families limitations. Take advantage of every playing opportunity, hs/ youth orchestra programs, community orchestras, summer programs. Practice, practice, practice. Scales are critical. Listen to recordings of the same piece by various artists. Develop your sight reading skills. Many also suggest piano, more of a means of beginning to grasp theory concepts. Embrace music history, as it will put much into socio/political context, fostering a greater understanding of the music.</p>

<p>The collective wisdom of the posters on this board is a great resource. I would advise you to read virtually every thread here, as most will contain at least one "must have" insight.</p>

<p>BassDad's post here pretty much sums up audition based college selection and application processes. You could not find a better starting point: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>If nothing else, here are a few that should get you started, and provide some general and specific background. </p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/601723-what-should-i-doing-freshmen-if-i-want-go-music-college.html?highlight=high+school%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/601723-what-should-i-doing-freshmen-if-i-want-go-music-college.html?highlight=high+school&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/525972-what-should-my-dd-doing.html?highlight=Chamber%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/525972-what-should-my-dd-doing.html?highlight=Chamber&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=prepare+for+college%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=prepare+for+college&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/403272-what-if-your-childs-hs-music-teacher-stinks.html?highlight=teacher%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/403272-what-if-your-childs-hs-music-teacher-stinks.html?highlight=teacher&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/390796-does-phenomenal-applied-teacher-really-trump-everything.html?highlight=teacher%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/390796-does-phenomenal-applied-teacher-really-trump-everything.html?highlight=teacher&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/277993-practice-innate-talent.html?highlight=talent%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/277993-practice-innate-talent.html?highlight=talent&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/345925-musical-gap-year.html?highlight=Chamber%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/345925-musical-gap-year.html?highlight=Chamber&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/145947-has-anybody-taken-ap-music-theory.html?highlight=high+school%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/145947-has-anybody-taken-ap-music-theory.html?highlight=high+school&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

3

<p>Any chance you live in a place where you have access to a good youth orchestra? This might provide you with the opportunity to play with other high level players from places other than your own school. It would also give you some orchestral experience. Another thing our son found valuable was participation in a brass chamber quintet. Also, we had the resources to send him to some decent summer programs. The biggest plus was the first year...he was always "first trumpet, etc" but when he got to music camp the first year, he discovered that EVERYONE there was "first whatever"...and he was NOT that summer. It gave him a goal. Also he had a different trumpet teacher for the summer, and different ensemble directors, thus giving him another perspective on his playing. I guess what I'm saying...if it's possible, broaden your horizons beyond your town...and even your state if possible.</p>

4

<p>Private lessons with a quality teacher. I don't know your teacher, but I do know we went through a lot of teachers with my kids (5 different instruments). Once you get to the more advanced levels, it is important to make sure your teacher is up to the task. How do you compare to her other students? If you are one of the best, you may need to find a better teacher. Ask trumpet players from a top professional symphony in your area for teacher recommendations. They may even teach.</p>

<p>Take piano lessons. All music majors will need some keyboarding skills. Make sure you get some basic music theory training at the same time. It will help you improve as a musician.</p>

<p>If you are practicing 1 to 2 hours a day, keep it up. Most kids your age are not that committed.</p>