Self-Taught Guitarist/Pianist

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hi, my name is Travis, this is my second post here (finally found the music major forum....). So, some info about me - I'm almost done with my sophomore year in high school, and probably will have a gpa of about 3.3 unweighted, 3.8 weighted at the end of the year. I'm more passionate about music than anything else in life, so I'd like to study that in college. I'm an entirely self-taught guitarist and pianist, and have an extensive knowledge of theory, but there are some gaps in my knowledge and technique because of my being self-taught. I'm interested in a variety of music from blues to jazz to weird modern rock-ish stuff to classical.</p>

<p>Ideally, I'd like to major in theory or composition. The 4 schools which have caught my interest are UCONN, University of Hartford, Carnegie Mellon, and Berklee. (I live in CT by the way). Berklee is a music college, while the others are traditional colleges with music departments.</p>

<p>First of all, am I leaving out any colleges? Out of those colleges, which seems like it would suit me most? Which do I have the best chance of getting into? Which gives the highest level of education? What should I do to help my chances? Can anybody who majors in music at anyone of those colleges let me know what your credentials were, and what its like there?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>travis, my son is a Hartt BM viola performance grad, and you may find that the Hartt program is more classically focused. Having said that, if jazz is your preference, Hartt’s jazz program (Jackie Maclean Institute of Jazz) may work. If you’re in CT,it’s worth a visit, but it’s not a program for “weird modern rockish stuff”. Some of the others are.</p>

<p>Other options might be The New School’s Jazz & Contemporary program, Belmont in Nashville, U Denver (Lamont); some aspects of Oberlin may well appeal to you. </p>

<p>Being self taught, you will have to be able to assess your talent and skills in a highly competitive audition pool. Many have had years of instrumental training and private lessons (some with world class teachers), intense summer immersion programs, high level ensemble and youth orchestras, gigging,playing on a pro and semi-pro basis locally and regionally. Some have won/placed in highly competitive national and regional competitions.</p>

<p>Please read the thread here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html&lt;/a&gt; as general background and follow some of the links within. Read/search this forum for silmilar “how to” or experience threads. There’s lots of general advice and info to be gleaned. </p>

<p>In many programs, admissions is largely audition based, in others, academic thresholds for general admittance are also a factor. (Even a fantastic musician may not gain acceptance to a university based program if the stats aren’t there.) Berklee is probably the easiest academic admit, but extremely competitive from a musical standpoint. CMU is probably the most academically oriented amoung the schools you’ve listed.</p>

<p>You’ll need to know the parameters of audition based admits, for both theory and comp. Theory tends to be more of an academic discipline, and grades may be a stronger admissions factor than a comp or performance major; comp may require a portfolio submission as part of the admit process. Each institution is a bit different, and parameters can vary widely. All the admission/audition info is contained within a school’s music webpages.</p>

<p>You may need to engage private instruction on one of the two instruments, preferably with an instructor versed with getting students into competitive undergrad programs. Now is the time for some serious fine tuning, and some hard looks into programs and parameters. </p>

<p>Read and absorb the info available here. There are many who can help guide you and answer general and school/program specific questions. Search for some of the theory, comp threads. There are numerous threads for specific and general background.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the info violadad, that article by bassdad was great. And i am looking into taking lessons, and summer music programs. Unfortunately, the reality is that I got into the game late, and resisted lessons for fear of becoming an unoriginal jukebox, but i’ve realized that that’s not what lessons do for you… I’m trying to make up for it though, and I’ve got two years to do so. It would be easier to get in on guitar than piano, no?</p>

<p>Also, which programs would you recommend for “weird modern rockish stuff”?</p>

4

<p>just checked out hunter college in ny, it was listed in one of the threads on here. i seem to fall above the majority of students in terms of gpa, with 44% being listed as below 3.0, yet the acceptance rate is 28%! (info from collegeboard) What gives? Do allot of students with low gpa’s apply? Does anybody go there, or have a child who does? Is the music program decent? Thanks.</p>

5

<p>As to which is more competitive, it’s program and school specific. At Berklee, guitar is the largest instrument represented, and probably the most competitive instrument there.</p>

<p>You’ll need to look at audition requirements by instrument at each of the schools that interest you, or if you want to focus on a theory or comp pursuit, you’ll need to know the application requirements and variables for those disciplines. Parameters will vary widely.</p>

<p>The trick is assessing your skills, ability and potential. This is difficult for many in narrowing program choices, and is a task best left to professionals. Instructor, actively performing pros, college level faculty are often the best sources for this type of objective insight.</p>

<p>Some thoughts here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=assessment[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=assessment&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/674345-cello-player-what-do.html?highlight=cello[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/674345-cello-player-what-do.html?highlight=cello&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>There are a number of current student and parent posters studying comp, others that have looked into jazz programs and may have knowledge of some additional “outside the box” programs, and are better versed to steer you towards or away from specific programs. My experience is in strings and chamber music, so my knowledge is limited in other areas.</p>

<p>Off the top of my head, Berklee, Belmont, UDenver’s Commercial/popular program, The New School are probably the places for contemporary and “weird modern rockish stuff”. Also USC Thorton has instituted a popular music program (new this year) so that may be worth you looking into.</p>

<p>Again, if you are coming at this from a comp and theory perspective, the way to approach it is to search out faculty at institutions that influence or intrigue you.</p>

<p>Some past threads that may prove useful:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/692155-music-composition-theory.html?highlight=composition[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/692155-music-composition-theory.html?highlight=composition&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/371572-summer-programs-composition.html?highlight=composition[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/371572-summer-programs-composition.html?highlight=composition&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/586633-music-major-theory-composition.html?highlight=composition[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/586633-music-major-theory-composition.html?highlight=composition&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/493704-small-progressive-school-composition.html?highlight=composition[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/493704-small-progressive-school-composition.html?highlight=composition&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/465229-where-go-experimental-electronic-music-composition.html?highlight=composition[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/465229-where-go-experimental-electronic-music-composition.html?highlight=composition&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/448421-late-bloomer-contemporary-music-advice.html?highlight=contemporary[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/448421-late-bloomer-contemporary-music-advice.html?highlight=contemporary&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/396090-contemporary-music-school-electric-bassist.html?highlight=contemporary[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/396090-contemporary-music-school-electric-bassist.html?highlight=contemporary&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/334250-contemporary-music.html?highlight=contemporary[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/334250-contemporary-music.html?highlight=contemporary&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/465229-where-go-experimental-electronic-music-composition.html?highlight=electronic[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/465229-where-go-experimental-electronic-music-composition.html?highlight=electronic&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Note much on this forum about Hunter’s music program <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/663536-does-anyone-know-anything-about-cuny-hunter-colelge-opera-music-department.html?highlight=hunter[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/663536-does-anyone-know-anything-about-cuny-hunter-colelge-opera-music-department.html?highlight=hunter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

6

<p>There is a book out called “Schools the Rock: the Rolling Stone College Guide” that might be of use to you. Not only does it cover schools, but it also covers the music scene in the various towns and cities where the schools are located.</p>

7

<p>anybody think the college of santa fe will reopen (as part of a larger institution, or owned by a seperate entity, etc.)? (closing after 09) i was more excited about that college than any other in the half an hour that i knew about it and wasn’t aware it was closing…</p>

<p>also, any experience with the uconn music program? the main theory teacher, Richard Bass looks incredibly, and is into wonderful contemporary classical music (ie George Crumb), which has me optimistic, but theres just about no info on the web… thanks.</p>

8

<p>I should have noted when I posted the links that the College of Sante Fe was a victim of the economic times. Detail was on a link off their homepage, and a plan to absorb the university with another institution apparently collapsed in March. Didn’t mean to send you on a wild goose chase, it was an error of omission. It did appear to be an interesting niche program.</p>

<p>We briefly investigated UCONN when son was applying, but from a professional performance prep standpoint, he was not impressed. There are some very capable applied faculty, largely from area regional symphonies, and the Coast Guard Academy Band. The music ed program is at least on a par with most state programs. The peer level of musicians varies. I can’t speak to the comp and theory departments. It’s an “average” state music program, by no means at the level of IU Jacobs, UMich.</p>

<p>But don’t discount it based on my assessment, as son was headed for a performance degree and conservatory level and it did not suit his needs. In your situation, an instructor in theory or comp of a like-mind may be just what you’re looking for. Investigate for yourself if it’s geographically feasible and cost effective.</p>

9

<p>I hope you didn’t interpret my statement as being annoyed, even though its closing, I’m glad you helped me find it. I’m crossing my fingers that it reopens before the first semester of '11. And I’ll definitely be visiting UCONN and HARTT during my search, since I’m in CT, and only a few hours away. And yea, the performance area isn’t impressive (if I remember correctly, theres not even a guitar teacher!) but I wish I could find some info on the theory department.</p>

10

<p>No, I didn’t take your comment as being annoyed. I had read about the financial issues in April, and I should have mentioned it.</p>

11

<p>You might also consider Boston University’s School of Fine Arts (on guitar). You can attend there in the summer which could bring you into proximity with Berkelee. </p>

<p>I would encourage you to contact private teachers of both instruments in your area and request an evaluation. If they like you, they might find room in their studio for you (assuming you are ready to start private lessons). You mention you have extensive theory–I’d find ways to document that for schools (AP Music Theory exam, ABRSM theory exams or course work). Even though most music programs will insist you sit for their own placement exams, anything you can do to create substantiation of the work you have done will be helpful.</p>

12

<p>You’re within striking distance of Bard as well, and they have a very wonderful music scene that encompasses kids who don’t major in music. I know students there now who are writing music, performing, etc. Their jazz studies major is in the liberal arts part of the school. Their conservatory is only classical. Someone from administration at Bard posts here sometimes and is very informative.</p>

13

<p>thanks for the replies! I am getting a teacher for piano/theory, and i’ll probably look around for guitar. unfortunately, i’m paying for this myself and won’t have a job for the next 3 weeks. thanks for the suggestions, boston university definitely looked interesting. I’ll probably continue working on my piano schools, and apply to classically focussed schools on piano, and non-classically-focussed schools on guitar.</p>

14

<p>by the way, thought I’d let everyone know that CSF isn’t dead yet, they’ve renewed talks with Laureate, so hopefully it’ll work out.</p>

15

<p>Travis, I think that it’s best if you start taking piano lessons now to fill some of the gaps you may have in your music education. This are great choices for schools, but I’m afraid I cannot chance you for music at Carnegie Mellon University (actually you should apply to another school or two besides the school of fine arts) or Berklee unless I know something about your playing. What pieces can you play for piano (sorry I don’t play guitar… wish I could)?</p>

16

<p>hartt and melon are definitely above my head. i’ve begun guitar lessons with a guy near me, and will begin piano lesons after a bit (i have plenty to do w/guitar first)</p>

17

<p>glad to hear you have the lessons going! best of luck to you!</p>

18

<p>i’m now taking classical guitar lessons, and will start piano lessons once i start to get the hang of the guitar (maybe)</p>