What kind of compositional genius can they expect?

College Majors Music Major
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<p>Whew! Lot's to read here! It's wonderful of you guys to keep responding to me. :) </p>

<p>Stephmin I understand your feelings about my post and again, I apologize for offending you. You're right, I am on the "outside" looking "in", just as you're on the "inside" looking "out". Hmm, as for your other points, you may be totally right. I've listened to some "new music", though my experience is nothing resembling an exhaustive survey. Perhaps I'm missing out on something huge, that I and others like me would doubtless enjoy. Still, I'm a die-hard populist at heart. I'm fine with you and your professors sneering at my music, totally cool with that (yes, I know you didn't mean it that way). I know that if I can refine my musical voice and fully express myself, what I have to say will connect with people rather than alienate them. That's what counts to me, not any degree of intellectualism, "skill, knowledge, or time" in creation. Well-crafted music allows a more profound connection to the listener, one that speaks mutual respect, but for me craftsmanship is a means to an end not the end itself. I think going off into intellectual deep space can easily harm rather than help. </p>

<p>Of course, everyone has different musical goals. I don't ask you to respect mine, and I'm not offended whatsoever if you don't. May yours fulfill you and your listeners fully.</p>

<p>Personally like I said in my other posts I doubt I'll become a music major. Composition is just a nice thing to have going for you come admissions time, sorry for any confusion on that point.</p>

<p>Composition teachers- fine, sounds like they have done a lot of good. It's great that some have benefited so much from their tutelage. My questions on this point have been answered it seems.</p>

<p>Binx I think your analogy suffers because your child was in kindergarten. Honestly, most English-speaking adults can appreciate good literature over a 3 line story about a drajon. Most adults cannot appreciate or understand John Cage, and it's not for lack of intelligence. Just as an aside, I would be extremely sad if at the end of my career as a composer I was best known for a work in which no music whatsoever was played. But, as you hint at, maybe we're all just musical kindergartners. </p>

<p>Finally, for the piece I posted on 10/16 I used FL Studio and a midi keyboard for sequencing, a variety of sample libraries/vst plugins for sounds and effects. I'm no expert on computer music, just a dabbler. Like I said, the large majority of my material is pop. Yes, my music is underdeveloped, but I'd rather work in my compositional framework, than, for example, that of esteemed Yale composition professors. If that's where music academia takes you, I want no part of it. I'm not expressly closing myself to anything, just making the steps that seem most logical to me along the way. I'll stop hating now, you people don't need that. I'm just sharing my opinions, I don't have a personal stake in what kind of music you like or pursue, really. Peace.</p>

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<p>Last notes: Thank you compmom for reassuring me about the Yale app. I really appreciate it.</p>

<p>I likely won't be coming to college confidential any more until December because I think I've sucked out most of the information I was seeking. Thanks again for all your responses, I come away with a better understanding of everything. I did read every word and even if it looks like I've completely misinterpreted your point it's stewing away somewhere in my brain.</p>

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<p>I think that the large majority of students applying for composition are in the same boat. </p>

<p>However, there ARE some really remarkable composition students out there applying for college. One of my mates got the top school on the diagnostic exam for Juilliard composition applicants (undergrad and grad applicants inclusive). Another one of my friends just got this massive $2,000 award from BMI and had one of his pieces played by the Orchestra of St Luke's. Another friend of mine who's at Yale now had one of his pieces played by the Cincinnati Symphony earlier this year. </p>

<p>So there are kids out there who are amazing composers from an early age. But they are uncommon, and my guess is that most kids applying are in the same boat in terms of experience, etc.</p>

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<p>Some students have the accomplishments and opportunities that you describe, even when they just began composing a year or two ago. Some teachers help high school students apply to BMI, ASCAP, state music teachers' awards and so on, and good teachers also help their students get their music played by professionals, and even get commissions. Summer programs can also bring commissions. Some "new music" ensembles are even having awards/commissions each year for high schoolers. These nice things don't just happen for kids who have been composing for years, or who were child prodigies, that kind of thing. </p>

<p>Just adding this so that any high schooler reading this is not discouraged, if they are starting "late." </p>

<p>I thought the original poster could, in fact, be one of those students who has these things before him, in a few years, if he wanted to work at it. He doesn't want to work at it, and that's fine too.</p>

<p>It is very, very hard for many artists, of all kinds, to expose their work to others, or to the "public." Many young composers want to hide when their music is played. I have seen grad level composers sitting with face in hands, and know another one who hides in the bathroom! Having a drive to write does not always mean having a drive to be entrepreneurial and get the music played, or mean having a drive to have one's music heard by anyone at all. Just like writing poetry, which can stay in a journal, be read to friends, or be published in a book or magazine. There is a spectrum of exposure, and sometimes the only difference between a private hobby and a public success, is an ability to get out there and get one's art displayed.</p>

<p>So if CS wants to work privately, like a "Lone Ranger," that is perfectly fine, and will serve him well for years. On the other hand, the posters who are in conservatory or college who are working hard at their craft, deserve a huge amount of respect not only for their musical talents but for their ability to work with others, and their courage!</p>

<p>SteveMin, I appreciated your list..have listened to maybe 1/3 of them. Great resource for folks. I like John Corigliano and Augusts Read Thomas too. I have been able to listen to a lot of great music in the car, again, thanks to the daughter who is teaching me!</p>

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<p>In terms of a musical "Lone Ranger," some of you might be interested in the story of "Mingering Mike."</p>

<p>The</a> Home of All Things Mingering</p>

<p>My son was in the composition program at BUTI (Boston University Tanglewood Institute) this past summer, and there was quite a bit of variety in how much experience/training the students had previously had. I think this is an area in which a talented person can catch up with some effort.</p>