Tanglewood/BUTI 2011 questions and concerns...

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hey all -</p>

<p>I just finished applying to the BUTI composition program, and I can't help but feel like the whole application process was just extraordinarily vague, and it's rather worrisome. </p>

<p>All that one was to do was submit three scores; I opted to include multitrack recordings of the pieces as well, but I'm still quite unsure. </p>

<p>I'm not the typical music kid - I was always an avid listener of classical music even as a toddler, but I didn't pick up an instrument until I picked up guitar/bass (I do love them both passionately) at 13, three years ago. I got into composition about a year ago, and my HS band directors (chorus, tuba in a concert band) have consistently said my original work is outstanding; but I still can't get a feel for what exactly is expected for BUTI's composition program. Autodidactism basically sums up my musical learning experience, as I've yet to get a music lesson in my entire life. I've gotten into local and regional honors orchestras for double bass, but not having an instructor to guide me through this process really just has me feeling lost. </p>

<p>I'm essentially an independent minor, financially and otherwise, so I don't have much in the way of parental support or resources, especially not when it comes to music. </p>

<p>So I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else is in a similar position (as far as uncertainty goes) , and perhaps more importantly, if any alumni or parents of kids who have gotten in for composition could possibly help me gauge what my chances are. There some wonderful threads about BUTI, and CC has really given me a holistic idea of what it's like for instrumentalists. However, I still haven't seen much about composition and I'm sort of dying to know.</p>

<p>My other query concerns how admissions at BUTI values general musicianship for those applying to the composition program. Even with the supplemental materials, will I be judged solely on the sheet music I've submitted, or will the recordings of said pieces play a role?</p>

2

<p>Welcome to CC. My advice to you is to apply to more than one summer program - perhaps one or two which aren’t as competitive for admission as BUTI. Check out this old thread which has lots of tips about different programs. I would especially recommend that you look into the Walden School. (I know they offer financial assistance, as do many of these.) I think NYSMF is another that would be worth exploring.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/371572-summer-programs-composition.html?highlight=composition+summer[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/371572-summer-programs-composition.html?highlight=composition+summer&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Tentative Title - my son also applied to the same program. He contacted BUTI to make sure that in fact, only scores were required. They confirmed that he only needed 3 scores. He could send recordings if he had them, but it wsan’t necessary and he wouldn’t be penalized for not having recordings. He only had one composition that was recorded so he sent that along with his scores.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>My son was accepted with a resume not that different from yours, although he had had piano lessons–no real composition lessons. He only had a few pieces to submit. I will say that most of the other students had a lot more experience, and many were in pre-college programs doing composition. So I think it really will depend on how they like your music. Your own musicianship as a performer shouldn’t really matter much.</p>

<p>But I agree with the advice to look at some less competitive programs as a backup.</p>

5

<p>Hunt - This is good to hear. My son has studied music theory, and plays a few instruments, but has no formal composition training. I still consider it a long shot but I’m glad he went throught the process of applying.</p>