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Advanced Study in Music |
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College Advisement Home |
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Arts Home |
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MKHS Home |
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| What's on this page |
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| * SELECT a degree: BA vs. BM |
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) Versus Bachelor of Music (BM) |
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| * DECIDE if you want to be a musician |
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Obviously this is a highly personal decision, you must do what feels right for you. The instrument you play has some bearing on your choice of program. Singers are encouraged to pursue liberal arts studies for at least two years before turning to more concentrated voice study. If you are a violinist or pianist, however, age seems to be more important and if you are serious about having a performing career, you may want to focus on a BM degree program. Age seems to matter slightly less for cellists and little for violists and double bass players, in the string family. Most wind, brass, and percussion players can also wait to pursue a focused musical studies in a BM degree program, but flutists are advised to go directly into the BM program. Because of the intensely competitive nature of the flute, age does matter more than with other wind instruments. |
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| * Music Auditions |
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| * Musical Theater |
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| * Music Program Rating Sheets |
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| * Music Questions to Ask |
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Unlike drama students choosing between a BA and BFA, music students will find more differences between a BA and a BM than just a proportion of courses taken in the liberal arts and in applied music. Many BA students only want to take private lessons, take some music courses, and do not wish to major in music. Popular music, musical theater, and jazz all seem to a bit more flexible in admissions and the age factor, Therefore, whether to pursue focused musical studies at the undergraduate level or to get a more general education seems to be a matter of personal choice. The competition is strong in each degree program. You might ask yourself the following questions: |
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MUSICIANS |
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1. How many years of study have you had on your major instrument? How many instruments do you play?
2. Is there anything else you could pursue that would make you happy? (If your answer is yes; to this, you should probably decide not to follow a full-time program of study.)
3. Have you auditioned and been accepted at any competitive programs? All-Sate programs? District programs? Youth symphonies or community bands? Choruses?
4. Have you been a soloist? How often?
5. Have you studied any music theory? Sight reading? Music history?
6. How many hours a day do you practice?
7. Do you have the emotional fortitude to deal with the inevitable rejection that accompanies the audition process?
8. Have you prepared the repertoire required for any auditions?
Have you studied intensively with a private teacher? What is that teacher's background?
9. Do you attend classical concerts as well as alternative performance events? |
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MUSIC AUDITIONS |
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All major conservatories and joint programs require auditions, as do many college music departments. Remember even the most jaded, tired person on an audition panel will respond to excellence, so psyche yourself up to do your best, performing the music you love. It is generally conceded that music auditions are an experience unto themselves. After having prepared for years you are usually given 10-15 minutes to demonstrate your level of achievement, talent, and potential, for a group of faculty members who are known worldwide. You must be confident, comfortable and sensational with your selections. |
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The importance of preparation for your audition cannot be stressed enough. You need to live with your selections long enough to know that you can perform them with total security technically and emotionally. Walk into the audition with confidence and a positive attitude. Know the music inside and out and in retrograde inversion, but when you play/sing, play/sing from the heart. |
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Submit your application early! Arrive to your audition an hour early! Be sure you read your scheduling letter thoroughly to know what is expect of you. Some schools have speeches that you will be expected to attend before your audition. |
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What you wear to an audition is important! |
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Recommendations: |
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Women instrumentalists: a nice skirt (not too short or to long), blouse, and a blazer, if comfortable; or a simple dress (not frilly, flouncy, or provocative). Low to medium heels. |
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Women singers: a simple dress, neither too short or too long. Silk or silk-like fabric, seems to be the most popular. No glitter, fancy recital dresses, evening gowns, plunging necklines, or outrageous stockings. If you want to make a statement; let it be with the color not the style. (brown and beige are not good stage colors). Be certain your clothes allow you plenty of room to breathe. Zippers, buttons, and seams have burst more often than you would imagine!)?no spike heels. |
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Men (including singers) The traditional look of gray trousers, white shirt, tie, and navy blue blazer is very popular and appropriate. Be sure the shirt is large enough so that you do not have to leave the top button open or loosen your tie. |
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On campus auditions are the most common type of audition. Read your audition letter very carefully as it is important that you follow the specific instructions and guidelines. Do not be surprised if the audition panel cuts you off in the middle of a selection, this often happens. Stay focused and enjoy yourself as best you can while getting into the music. The panel will engage conversation with you, just answer the questions simply and honestly. Do not tell them your life's history. |
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Regional auditions are held around the country and the world. Faculty representatives are usually present and auditions are taped or videotaped and then played for the faculty. A personal, on campus audition is preferred, however, a regional audition is a good alternative. |
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Before you leave for your audition check the audition letter one more time to be certain you have everything required and know exactly what is expected of you. Bring copies of your music, any audition clothing, shoes, instruments, etc. (Once a guitarist showed up at Juilliard with his guitar case but no instrument inside!) If possible, bring your own accompanist. |
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What not to do at a Music Audition |
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Dress inappropriately
Arrive late or forget to cancel
Chew gum
Forget to introduce yourself
Start playing before you are asked to begin
Try to talk with a particular faculty member in the audition room
Try to listen to other applicants' auditions
Make excuses for any slip you may have or curse out loud if this happens to you
Tell you life story in answer to a simple question intended to help you relax
Have to leave in the middle of the audition. Bring a glass of water with you and go the bathroom earlier.
Cry! |
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Musical Theater |
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The best preparation for musical theater is to study voice, dance, and acting. At many auditions you will be required to sing one or two selections from musical theater. You may also be required to take a dance class, where you may be taught a routine and those evaluating the audition will be reviewing not just how well you move, but how well you take direction and respond to corrections. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing for this part of the audition. For the drama segment of your audition, you may be asked to present a monologue or two or to do a reading. |
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In evaluating any college level musical theater programs, be sure that the training is comprehensive in music, dance, and drama. Like singers, musical theater majors should consider acquiring at least two years of liberal arts studies. Be sure you spend your summers wisely, however, getting as much experience as possible in summer stock. |
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Music Program Rating Sheet |
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Size of Department: |
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Enrollment____________ Teachers_______________ |
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Lessons: How often? With major teachers or assistants? |
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Facilities: Number of teaching studios, Practice rooms |
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______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Master Classes: Availability? Recent teachers? |
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______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Performances: How often? Type (concerts, operas, recitals, etc.) |
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______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Curriculum: Liberal arts requirements? Certificate in Music Ed? |
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______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Techniques taught: |
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______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Job placement record: |
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______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Famous alumni: |
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Current students' opinions: |
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Exchange programs with other schools: |
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My personal reaction: |
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Sample Music Questions To Ask |
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What role does the audition play in my admission? Is it the major criterion, or does my high school record count also? |
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What role do exams such as ear training play in my admission? |
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What is the music department enrollment? What is the enrollment in my instrument? Is there a quota? |
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What liberal arts courses are offered? Required? Is there any cross-registration with another school? |
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How often do students have lessons? Am I guaranteed to have lessons with my major teacher? How often do assistants teach major lessons? |
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What is the policy on performance evaluations (juries)? How often are they held? Are students ever cut from the program based on a jury? |
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How many practice rooms are there? What is their availability? |
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Generally, how many fully produced concerts are there? How often do students perform each semester? Informal concerts? Recitals? Etc. |
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Is there a program of Master Classes? Who has taught them recently? |
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Who are some of the well-known alumni of the school? |
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What sort of job-placement service does the school provide? |
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What do most alumni do? |
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Is there an alumni network of any sort? |
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What is the competition like at the school? |
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Are there tours anticipated? |
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What other related courses are taught? Music Engineering? Music criticism? |
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What chamber music opportunities are there? Any requirements for chamber music? Who coaches ensembles? |
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Is there the opportunity to get certified in music education? |
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