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Re: easy audition pieces

Author: ltguidetti
Date: 2006-12-20 03:25

I think that the avenue of undeclared with a music minor could be appropriate. If you don't have a background of private study, the major probably isn't for you at this point.

Definitely start lessons ASAP if the major is still in your plan, preferably with the teacher at the college you think you want to go to. "Quick lessons" will not necessarily help you with an audition. You may have other issues that a teacher would want to work on before solo work.

The idea that you have fun in band isn't enough to get you in as a music major. Music is serious business. Whoever mentioned the competitive level for jobs is absolutely right. For every, say, 50 music majors graduating from colleges every year, there might be only 1 full-time job opening, IF that. (I can't find the ratio but I read once that it was 63-1 or something like that.)

Think about it. At your local elementary school, there might be 50 or so classroom teachers - and one instrumental music teacher who probably floats between 2-3 schools. If that teacher is young, they aren't going to retire for another 40 years. Turnover is Low.

As for the solos: Mozart is subjective. There are teachers who think it's easy just because the fingerings fall under the fingers fairly well. That is, if you know your scales, etc. However, the nuance and style, and the cleanliness that Mozart requires is Very Difficult. Anyone can Play Mozart. Most students don't play him well and some college profs are really picky about it. So I never advise using Mozart.

This is why I suggested the JeanJean Arabesques. They actually use that for one of the district solos in the Lancaster County area. It's a grade 4 solo. If you are musical and you play that well, then they may be able to see your real potential. Weber is more difficult but also a good piece, as I said in my first post.

If you didn't know that scales and arpeggios were important for the auditions, please start reading the audition requirements for the various colleges you want to apply to. This is important....it's like going to school unprepared for a test, and wondering why you didn't pass....

Lynn

p.s. Ken - WCU definitely isn't Curtis, but it's not the bottom of the barrel, either. There's a lot worse out there. For someone with no lessons to consider it a "safety" school....that was more my point.

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columbus

2006-12-17 16:04