Help for college search

I am a high school junior looking to go to school for composition. However, I am confronted with a unique problem. As I am currently aware, almost all schools large and adept enough to offer composition require a secondary instrument performance audition. This is my problem: My main instrument on which I am skilled enough to qualify is the electric guitar. However, I have no interest in learning jazz or rock music, and refuse to switch to classical guitar altogether. I simply play classical music on my electric guitar. I also sing (poorly) and play oboe (poorly).

My question is:

1) Are there any schools you know of that offer composition without requiring a performance audition for that major (Besides Ithaca)?

2) Are there any schools that you know of that offer classical composition alongside an electric guitar major which does not require jazz education (besides Berklee)?

I will be talking to alot of department heads at these schools over spring break to see how, or even if, I could get in or fit in at their college. However, I figured many people here have gone through or are going through a similiar process, so I'm hoping you'll have some thoughts for me.

Thank you in advance,

Kyle

You won't get many schools that'll let you do just electric guitar I don't think, have you looked at GIT?

1) Are there any schools you know of that offer composition without requiring a performance audition for that major (Besides Ithaca)?

I'd expect that most schools offering a composition major would not require any sort of performance audition. You'd have theory/history entrance exams; you'd need to provide examples of your work, but certainly no requirement for performance.

...

I've yet to see any composition program that doesen't require a performance audition :glare:

I'd expect that most schools offering a composition major would not require any sort of performance audition. You'd have theory/history entrance exams; you'd need to provide examples of your work, but certainly no requirement for performance.

...

My experience shows otherwise. Even the composition degree here is heavily bogged down with performance on an instrument.

My experience shows otherwise. Even the composition degree here is heavily bogged down with performance on an instrument.

:glare:

Well then.

That seems awkward.

In my experiece (though limited to Canadian schools) composition programs are quite separate, requiring little/no actual performance skills. I certainly didn't need to audition on trombone for grad studies at UVic. Perhaps undergrad programs are different.

Oopsy.

:glare:

Well then.

That seems awkward.

In my experiece (though limited to Canadian schools) composition programs are quite separate, requireing little/no actual performance skills.

Oopsy.

I'm sure that would make several people at my school very happy.

Here, for instance, they're required to earn 4 levels on their primary instrument, perform in recitals every semester of their enrollment, give entire recitals on both their primary instrument and their compositions at some point, and perform in at least 3 ensembles.

I do know of a few,

College-Conservatory of Music, great music school which is rated 1# nationally in music theatre.

Boston Conservatory of Music

Juilliard

...

I know the Eastman School of Music requires you to perform, as well with Bowling Green State University, especially with their undergrads, I guess these colleges feel that a composer should know how it feels to be a performer.

?=)

I am a high school junior looking to go to school for composition. However, I am confronted with a unique problem. As I am currently aware, almost all schools large and adept enough to offer composition require a secondary instrument performance audition. This is my problem: My main instrument on which I am skilled enough to qualify is the electric guitar. However, I have no interest in learning jazz or rock music, and refuse to switch to classical guitar altogether. I simply play classical music on my electric guitar. I also sing (poorly) and play oboe (poorly).

I'm not exactly sure what your performance experience is. I know many guitar majors here that play in many different styles. In your case, it will be extremely important to talk to the guitar professors as well as the composition professors, and learn the curriculum.

Also, many schools will allow you a small bit of a stretch if your audition performance isn't completely up to snuff as a composition student. Granted, you still need a good audition, but I wouldn't focus on it as much as I would getting a good portfolio of composition works together. Your audition instrument will more than likely become your major instrument, so definitely don't audition on something you don't wish to play.

Good luck on your college search.

Also, start thinking now of what you want in your portfolio.

A good orchestral work, really really really really helped me and separated me from the crowd of other insanely amazing composers. insanely

I think I'm going to have to go with the rest of the crowd and say it isn't likely to find an undergrad program without performance/ensemble requirements.

At the University of Houston, the requirement is small. Only 4 semesters of Lessons and Ensemble. The ensemble requirement for composers is satisfied here by undergrad composers assisting the new music ensemble (setting up stage, xeroxing parts, etc.) Lessons for composition majors are SUPPOSED to be more leninent than other majors, but don't be surprised if you get a dick teacher...

Most graduate programs do not require a performance factor for a composition degree. You'd probably be assisting with the school's new music ensemble.

You might just want to suck it up and do guitar for the amount of time required, since it is minimal.

My main instrument on which I am skilled enough to qualify is the electric guitar. However, I have no interest in learning jazz or rock music, and refuse to switch to classical guitar altogether. I simply play classical music on my electric guitar.

Honestly, I think you may have a problem going into any program that stubborn about your performance. Granted, some schools require less than others, but I have a feeling that you will have to at least learn classical guitar. I'm no guitar player, but an attitude like that may cause a good school to turn you away. I'm not trying to sound conceited or anything, because I suck at my instrument, I'm just letting you know that often performance teachers expect more of you than you think they may initially. You may end up having to do something you don't want to.

That being said, I'm a terrible trumpet player, but performance isn't the main emphasis of the program at my school, but is still important. The school I attend requires 3 (or more) years of lessons in Comp and your primary instrument to recieve you bachelor of music degree. I say 3 or more because you must advance to 340 or Junior level lessons, I currently sit at the 040 (remedial, below college freshman) level, which means I need 4 years of lessons to reach the 340 level and graduate.

All that being said, it is my understanding that admission to our school of music is nearly guaranteed, unless you 1) play the kazoo or 2) just started playing your instrument yesterday. There is an audition, but I think it is merely for placement and/or scholarships.

I don't know where you are coming from, or what you are looking at as far as cost, but if you want anymore information I can get you some. I attend Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, IL. I take lessons with Frank Stemper. He's been a great teacher so far.

I don't know where you are coming from, or what you are looking at as far as cost, but if you want anymore information I can get you some. I attend Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, IL. I take lessons with Frank Stemper. He's been a great teacher so far.

Hey man, you're not too far across the river from me, and I know some people going either there, or to a branch of SIU. How are you liking it over there?

Hey man, you're not too far across the river from me, and I know some people going either there, or to a branch of SIU. How are you liking it over there?

Its a good time, need to work harder though. Who do you know here? I may know 'em.

Its a good time, need to work harder though. Who do you know here? I may know 'em.

Eh, I'd rather not blurt some names out on the forums. And, as it turns out, the girl I was thinking of attends SIU in Edwardsville, not Carbondale.