 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mkybrain
Date: 2004-06-21 23:23
I've been looking at several music schools and I have a question that i thought some of you can answer.
When applying for a music school, what are the most important qualifications. Other than the audition, do they place heavy emphasis on college entrance exam scores, etc..
thanks
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Author: Meri
Date: 2004-06-21 23:47
Having been through the process not too long ago, I can tell you it varies somewhat.
For example, you may be asked to write an application essay, like why you want to study music. You will probably be asked to do a theory test, usually Grade 1 and 2 Rudiments, occasionally Harmony. Sometimes the theory test is in your application package, other times you have to attend a theory test session. A few places encourage you to submit articles or essays about music, pieces you've composed, recordings you've made.
Even the audition requirements can vary. For example, for non-performance programs in Canada, most universities say the repetoire should be Grade 8 RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto), but the University of Toronto wants Grade 9. Most of the time, it's two movements from a sonata or concerto for the clarinet, and a 20th century work, or any two contrasting works. (I'd suggest contrasting periods) Sometimes there is a study required as well. Some universities also require a study. Many auditions will have a sight-reading and ear test (ie: how well you name intervals, chords, and cadences.)
Hope this helps!
Meri
"There is a difference between being flat and sounding in tune, and being in tune but sounding flat. The first I can live with; the second I cannot."
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-06-21 23:47
You'll get a straight answer from the placement centers - direct.
Believe it or not, they're looking for you!
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-06-21 23:58
At my university, there's separate admission for the university, and for the music program. They are independent of each other. You can be accepted into the university and not the music department (bad audition), or accepted into the music dept. and not the university (good audition, bad academics). In the first situation, you can declare another major and hope to re-audition later. In the second, you're out of luck for the time being.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: kdennyclarinet
Date: 2004-06-22 06:57
Where are you looking to go....only as specific as what country and region would be helpful (example: US, North East). This could help us give you better advice on what to expect, however, Alex seems to have the right idea for most US State schools that are non-conservatory institutions. Most university websites have this info spelled out clearly. Do a bit of online research. You will be pleased with the amount of info that is available on most sites, and/or you can always e-mail the clarinet professor at the school. They may have a lot of answers or could at least point you in the right direction.
K. Denny
BME, MM, DMA
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Author: JessKateDD
Date: 2004-06-22 17:56
At most American universities, music schools have a completely separate admissions process from the rest of the university, similar to football player admissions (most quality universities have around a 400 point SAT differential between athletes and regular students). Case in point - my alma mater, a top school academically but also with a competitive music school, admitted and gave a full scholarship to a violin virtuoso who was a high school dropout - very few music students at my school would have gotten in through regular admissions. So at many music schools, academics are almost completely irrelevant.
When I was in college, I visited a friend at Curtis for a few days and went to classes with her. All I could think was "These people are, for the most part, morons". No academic discipline or rigor at all - in music classes! Your average state school is better. Of course, when they rehearsed, they were unbelievable.
Make the best grades you can, obviously. But if you are committed to musical study to the exclusion of all other things, then practice should be your number one priority. A word of warning - in 5 to 10 years, there is a pretty good chance you'll feel like a complete idiot for making that decision. "Would you like fries with that?"
Post Edited (2004-06-22 23:08)
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Author: kdennyclarinet
Date: 2004-06-23 03:15
JessKateDD wrote:
"Make the best grades you can, obviously. But if you are committed to musical study to the exclusion of all other things, then practice should be your number one priority. A word of warning - in 5 to 10 years, there is a pretty good chance you'll feel like a complete idiot for making that decision. 'Would you like fries with that?'"
This is why I usually advise Music Undergrads to major in Music Education. Not for the sole reason of having something to "fall back on", but you learn a lot about your own teaching and learning style this way. As a Music Ed major, you not only take lessons and perform in ensembles (just like all of the performance majors--it's based on ability where you are placed), but you take classes about teaching styles, classroom management, and psychology. Let's face it, how many musicians do you know who DO NOT teach in some way (private lessons, masterclasses, schools, universities, etc)? Having the education degree gives you a lot. It also helped me to land a teaching assistantship as I went on to do graduate work. Now that I have my master's completed (in performance), I am teaching public school. I plan to do that for a few years (pay off loans, build a savings) before I go on to get my DMA. Teaching in school has given me even more experience about how beginners learn. Getting the Music Ed degree for my undergrad was one of the best decisions I ever made. It helps more than you probably think.
All the best,
K. Denny
BME, MM, DMA
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