Considering applying to Yale composition Masters

x

I would say definitely include your top three. In choosing the other pieces, I would worry less about length simply because you will already have included some rather long, extensive music (the opera scene and the trio, particularly). I thought the organ piece was quite good, but I don't quite remember it now so I don't remember how good it was. I haven't heard the mixed, "unusual" trio and it sounds like it might be interesting. I would say leave the next (the quartet and trio) at home. The clarinet piece is quite good also.

My how timely, I too am looking at Yale for grad school. I myself only plan to submit three works (not sure which ones yet) for the reasons mentioned above: I'm just one of many applicants, I want to as succinctly and directly as possible demonstrate why I deserve to be accepted over anyone else.

Also, apparently if you get into the Yale school of music, you get full tuition. Snap.

Voce and Phil

Thanks. What I will do then is add just 2 more for top 5 pieces. I will post the five under consideration.

Ah yeah ... Yale and I think Notre Dame are one of the few schools.

Okay guys, I posted in music submission the 5 pieces under consideration plus a few more which maybe other options. Kind of a retrospective. I do notice I LOVE ostinatos in my earlier work.

To save time here are the links:

Vocal Works

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30936/duet-for-mezzo-and-soprano-singing-sisters/

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30930/short-kyrie/

Chamber Works

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30935/two-chamber-pieces/

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30931/three-pieces-for-string-quartet/

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30929/pattern-recognition/

Solo Works

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30928/intro-and-variations-for-clarinet/

http://forum.youngcomposers.com/t30927/volcano-for-organ-live-recording/

Have you been in contact with a faculty member? They don't like to talk much about admissions from what I remember since the guidelines are very straightforward online, but you should arrange a visit since you're so close. And are you sure you can submit more than 3 works? I checked the website and it looks like they want exactly 3. One nice thing about Yale is that the application process is cake. Their application was hands down the easiest one I've ever completed.

Don't forget about David Lang. He was teaching there when I applied and he's incredible to work with. Twisted, but incredible.

Yes, you get a full ride when you go there and because of that it's extremely competitive. I believe the max number of students they've ever accepted is 7 between masters and doctoral, and that was highly unusual, but you can ask about that during your visit. One downside is that you have to live in or near New Haven. Ew. Or commute from NYC which would be a pain. But I think most people who get in here are unable to turn down the sweet offer and the chance to get a degree from such an esteemed school.

I spoke to the admission department and the said at least 3. I only am thinking of adding additional pieces to show more diveristy of ensembles I have written for.

Yeah I know New Haven is not so hot ... but from what I have read it was in better shape compared to 20 years ago (I recall stopping in that city 2 or 3 times to get to Boston by bus, very desolate).

And yes also understand it is extremely competitive.

One slight advantage I have is my group comp teacher is a Yale graduate - Conrad Cummings. Here is his Wiki entry which is fairly accurate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Cummings

Anyway, like you said the application process is fairly easy and it isn't too far from my Mom and NYC so it is worth giving a shot. So please let me know if you think any of the comp[ositions I listed should be added to the 3 I want to submit.

Bumped

I would include the Kyrie Eleison setting, as it demonstrates your ability to write for vocal ensembles rather than the instrumental work that will comprise most of your submission. It's also a very adroit handling of the liturgical genre and I think it's generally just a strong piece. I'll leave the last piece to you, because I really don't have a preference among the remaining pieces.

Thanks!

Go for it. Seriously. Go for it! :D :D :D :D :D

awh thanks for the encouragement. I will.

You know, they ask for at least three, I would send those first three that are on the top of your list and then if you are interviewed you can show the subsequent for or five other compositions. I would definitely place what you feel is your strongest composition first, since that will be the first one they look at. If you happen to have one, I would also send a composition that is for a large ensemble (say orchestra or wind ensemble) just so they can see that you know how to handle that type of work.

Good luck, I look forward to hearing how it goes!

Thanks Morgri. That is really my one weak spot - no large scale work for orchestra or wind ensemble. I was hoping to address that by taking some orchestration coachings along with improving my score reading and theory withg another teacher. Due to money, I chose to strengthen my theory, aural and score reading skills. I figure doing this would make it easier to woirk with an orchestration coach who conducts an orchestra professionally.

BTW - on an entirely different matter - I recommend you check our Sessions 3rd symphony, particularly the 3rd movement and then the 4th. The opening is funny in a way - mature Impressionism mixed with Schoenberg. Only thing that bothers me is the timbre of the xylophone mixed in so often with busy writing in the winds and really high Mahleresque strings - in the first two mvmts its gets on my nerves sometimes. Some wonderful contrapuntal writing - againespecially the 3rd and 4th movements.

I wouldn't be too concerned by not having written a work for large ensemble yet. Even up to Masters level most teachers concentrate on developing compositional techniques within chamber music. I didn't compose anything for orchestra, other than arrangements, until I left university. In fact, once you've got some general experience in composition, orchestral music is comparatively easy to write provided you have a working knowledge of orchestration and some playing experience. Other than having to spend longer devising thirty parts instead of four of five, chamber music is much more of challenge because of the more exposed writing and knowledge of the instruments that is required. The apparent prestige of composing an orchestral work is not the same as the value it will provide within a learning process.

Also, I'm assuming you already fulfill the requirements to have a foreign language to reading standard, the keyboard proficiency and the History and Listening prerequisites. It's interesting to note that a lot of this course actually looks very much like an undergraduate course would in Europe, with the History and Hearing modules; yet the entry requirements are much higher and therefore more like those of an MMus or MA. An Mmus in the UK will almost always concentrate on only a single discipline (performance, composition, analysis) with only a very tiny proportion (<10%) of compulsory general musical studies classes.

That is the one area I do not have foreign language reading proficiency. Keyboard proficiency fine. History OK, Listening working on refreshing and building. I figure if I apply now for entrance next year then if iget in the refresher work required would not be as much as now. However, it is extremely competitive to get into. Even if you have an undergrad degree in composition. It would be somewhat of a long shot. So, right now I am 70% going to apply in August ... I need to talk it over with a theory teacher regarding the prep.

Hi everyone!

I don't know if there is still anyone here. But i'll try anyway. Does it always have to be classical music pieces ? I am willing to apply for the school of music, I have 3 very different pieces that i have planed to submit. One very classical piece for Piano. In the two others i mix different style such as electro, classical, jazz etc.

the application is expensive (TOEFL + GRE ... etc) so i would like to be sure that i am not completely out of the way! :)

Thank you for your time.

Y