<p>Hi everyone, my name is James Jeffery and I am an International Student</p>
<p>I am currently studying Economics and Finance at the University of Auckland in New Zealand (NZ Citizen). I graduate in 9 months.</p>
<p>All my life I've felt as if I've been going against my comparitive advantage by not studying music. Music is where my heart lies and now since i will graduate soon with a solid "Plan B" i think it is time to put 110% into music (especially since the economy is down ;) ).</p>
<p>I want to either graduate with my Economics and Finance degree and then Apply as an undergraduate to study music (i play drumset) or transfer and study music. </p>
<p>It doesn't seem to make sense to study Graduate in music if i've only done undergraduate in business correct?</p>
<p>The schools I am looking at are (listed by preference)
USC
UCLA
Berklee College of Music
Julliard
Musicians Institute
LA Music Academy</p>
<p>I have heard that UCLA will not accept a student who already has an undergraduate degree (personally i think that's crazy even though i understand if it's true.) Can anyone verify this? I went there for a year on EAP and really want to go back.</p>
<p>I am really confused as to how to apply undergraduate, graduate, transfer?</p>
<p>Can anyone shine some light on this as my time is running as i have alot of places to apply to!</p>
<p>Thanks for your time</p>
<p>I added info to your post in the music major forum. </p>
<p>The second bachelor’s dilemma is more likely to be an issue at publicly funded state schools (UCLA).</p>
<p>The privates (USC, Juilliard, Berklee, will have institution specific policies. You need to check the appropriate schools).</p>
<p>Musicians Institute & LA Music Academy are private for profit institutions as opposed to the typical educational non profits normally discussed as options on CC. My feeling is they will take you if you can pay. Research these carefully, and speak to current and former students. They may work for you, they may not.</p>
<p>Transferring is probably not an option, but you can look (knowing your background). Typically, most institutions require 60 credits to be done in residence, so you are adding years. If you transfer into a music major, you’ll start effectively from scratch. Consider finishing your degree in NZ and exploring your options. My nonprofessional opinion is that you would likely be competitive as a viable (undergrad) candidate within the audition pools at the privates, barring any exception due already possessing a BA in an unrelated field.</p>
<p>Ok once again, thank you so much</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I missed this earlier.</p>
<p>If you have a bachelor’s in any field, it MAY still be possible to study music at the grad level. Look at the grad level requirements of any program of interest. The requirements are typically a “bachelor’s degree or equivalent”. BM degree holders get admitted to law or med schools. The key is how each institution defines equivalent. Lack of formal training in theory, music history, aural skills, basic piano/keyboard proficiency MAY be stumbling blocks, but for an active, engaged talented musician who has the performance chops and background can and do acquire many of these skills without a formal degree or certificate. The grad application for the music process typically includes proficiency tests in these areas, in addition to the grades reported on the academic transcripts for this coursework. What Juilliard may accept as “equivalent” will vary from Berklee, or U Tasmania Conservatorium of Music, or Thorton. </p>
<p>The competitiveness (excepting MM’s in the music academic areas of history ) for performance, and to a lesser degree composition, of advanced musical talent, and are often weighted heavily on an audition driven or portfoio submission process, and a proven ability to perform at an institution specific level of academics.</p>
<p>Look into potential master’s programs should not be ruled out as an option (if you get your BA), but it may not necessary to achieve your goal.</p>