<p>Although my primary instrument is flute, I'm also really interested in music composition and might end up applying to different programs for it. I was wondering, what are admissions officers looking for from music composition applicants? From what I gather, it's not really like music performance since not that many people receive private instruction in composing. Are they more interested in good knowledge of the "rules" and techniques of composition, or something really unique and different with potential for growth?
And what happens if your music falls under several different genres? Would it be best to apply for a jazz program, or do classical composition programs allow for exploration of contemporary styles as well? It would seem strange for a program to focus on writing music exactly the way it's been written for years...</p>
<p>If you end up majoring in music - especially if you pursue a BA you will most definitely be able to take music composition courses. You don’t need to major in music composition per se. Also, if you enter a college with the idea of a BA in music you do not need to audition or submit anything to get into the program, although a supplemental portfolio might help you gain admittance to the college in general or win you a music merit scholarship.</p>
<p>If you apply to the top music programs for a BM in composition they will have expected you to have studied composition formally for a period of time, and to have recordings of live performances of your work. There are always exceptions, of course, but without that you will be starting at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>In terms of what kind of composition each school supports - that’s for you to research. Every college is different. You’ll need to go to the college’s music websites and investigate the philosophy of each composition department and the professors themselves. You will also want to look at the academic requirements for attaining a degree in their department. You’ll soon find out how flexible, or not, your choice of courses can be.</p>
<p>Conservatories usually want scores and recordings of 2-4 works, generally things like string quartets, or, in the case of a school like Curtis, even orchestral works. A school like Oberlin may like some edgy pieces, or electronic/computer music for their TIMARA program. Berklee and other schools may like to hear jazz pieces or other genres.</p>
<p>Some will accept Midi recordings, but some don’t, and it really is better to have real, live musicians play your works. Oberlin, for one, also likes at least one hand-written score.</p>
<p>Some applicants will already have studied theory and solfege (ear training), and music history. Some of the conservatory programs have exams as part of the application, although they are used for placement at most. </p>
<p>Studying privately with a composition teacher is very common, and some of the conservatory preps offer both private lessons and group seminars.</p>
<p>If you are a sophomore or junior, you could do some of these things, if you want to focus on composition. Theory can also be helpful for flute performance.</p>
<p>Your question leads me to believe that you might not know a lot about “contemporary classical” music, otherwise known as “new music.” The terminology is problematic because “classical” refers to a time period, but most of us think of serious music as “classical,” even if it was written yesterday. So it is confusing, hence the “new music” designation.</p>
<p>The emphasis in conservatories, or in private composition lessons, is not on writing the way music has always been written, whatever that might be, but on “finding your own voice.”</p>
<p>Also, there are many composers now who do mix genres, so that a string quartet might be influenced by Led Zeppelin, and a symphony might be based on David Bowie etc. World music, folk music, rock, jazz may all have some influence on “serious” works.</p>
<p>Colleges will not require scores and CD’s, but submitting them as an arts supplement can sometimes help with admissions. Some people feel that composers can benefit a lot from a college education, but some students prefer to be totally immersed in the musical environment of a conservatory. Either can work out, and, of course, in a college BA program, you would also have more courses outside of music than in a conservatory.</p>
<p>Things will work out, I’m sure, wherever you go, and I hope you continue to enjoy music!</p>