transferring

Lifeofsolitude · 06-13-2012, 04:31 PM

Hi everyone....yes I was accepted to CIM as a violin performance major but I've always wanted to go to USC. Don't get me wrong, CIM is an excellent school, but I've been more geared towards film/tv music. I want to transfer as a composition major. USC hardly ever takes transfers, at least in Thornton. Do you think this would be possible? Any thoughts? Yes, I know I sound indecisive!

compmom · 06-13-2012, 04:43 PM

Your situation is unclear. Have you just been accepted to CIM this spring and are second guessing, or have you attended and want to transfer?

USC has a grad certificate program in film/tv composition but undergrad I don't see that it veers much from the traditional curriculum for a composer, which would also be offered at CIM.

Compdad · 06-13-2012, 04:50 PM

LOS had announced that she was going to CIM for violin performance. I had not seen anything from her that expressed an interest or talent in composition. She should take a composition course at CIM if she has any thoughts of transferring into composition at USC.

Lifeofsolitude · 06-13-2012, 06:31 PM

there is a compmom and dad? heh. Um, yes I'm going to CIM this fall as a double major, I have never expressed interest as a composition major but however, I would like to also pursue a career in working in film music. I don't have to be a composer, but I'd like to be apart of the music making process. I'd like to transfer to USC because of the connections and programs for composition there. Once you complete the composition program, you are automatically guaranteed a spot in the film scoring degree.

SpiritManager · 06-13-2012, 07:01 PM

LifeofSolitude - the composition program at USC is one of the top programs in the country and very competitive. Would you apply to USC for violin without ever taking violin lessons? In addition, you would still need the grades and test scores to be accepted at USC, which I believe was an issue for you before? After a couple of years at CIM, your high school grades & scores may not be a part of the equation, however.

You can take composition courses as a violinist at CIM - in many BM programs performance majors are even required to do some composition. You can build up your resume as an undergrad - write for your peers at CIM & have them perform your music. Which you can then record and use for applications to summer programs. All of which will help you develop as a composer. I know a violinist at Colburn who transferred to Michigan for composition - it can be done. But it can't be done without putting in the time and effort.

As for the film scoring program at USC - know that there is no financial support except loans. No merit aid. No grants. No fellowships or TA's. Tuition is 40,000 for one year, not including living expenses.

compmom · 06-13-2012, 11:47 PM

What do you mean when you say you have been more geared to film/tv music? Do you mean playing, or composing, or just an interest?

The reason USC Thornton has a grad program and not an undergrad program in scoring is that those who compose for film and tv usually have the same traditional background in theory, history, musicology, composition, and of course performance that is offered at conservatories and music schools everywhere.

Go to CIM and see where it takes you. Try some composition classes. It takes many years, maybe even a lifetime, to compose the music you are meant to compose. See how you like it. And composing with a deadline and demands from outside (as in the tv/film industry) may not appeal even if you have talent. Personality matters too.

Spirit Manager gives good advice.

As for Compparents.....At the time I registered, there was a BassDad and ViolinDad who were really helpful. One day I was tired and not feeling very imaginative and registered with compmom. It's been awhile, maybe I'll change it!

Mezzo'sMama · 06-13-2012, 11:52 PM

There is a "Composition for non-comp majors" course offered at CIM but as a double major with the audio degree you are not going to have much time for other pursuits. Your first semester of the latter will involve the physics of sound which eats up time, then you have your lessons, theory, Eurythemics, secondary piano, plus orchestra and as a string player you need to be involved in at least one chamber group too. And you also have required Gen Eds to take- if you have good scores in some APs, do talk to the Dean of Students about using some of those to cover the requirements. The registrar will put you in your core classes but let her know that if there is room, you are interested in the composition course. Once you're there and settled in, make an appointment to talk with the head of the composition department and find out if there is any way to take any more courses during your time there.
Students do perform new works, but as far as I know, with the heavy course load they limit them to the composition department recitals and works written by the comp students because that is part of what those students have to do in order to expand their portfolio of pieces. There is a music dept at Case though, so that might be a route to getting compositions played.
As others have said, you have to have a portfolio of works to present to a school with your application to a composition program; those departments are small and admission limited. I'd follow the route that others have suggested here, talk to faculty members and see where it all takes you.

The Registrar will slot in your core classes and then you can see what fits in, but I would advise letting them know of your intere

Lifeofsolitude · 06-14-2012, 12:04 AM

Hey, guys! Um I'd just like to give a little more background info here. I talked to a composer that works with Hans Zimmer and he suggested either I stay at CIM, and get really good, or come back to LA (where I'm currently based) and try to transfer to USC. The only reason why I'd consider transferring to USC is because this is my hometown, it's a lot easier to make connections, and USC is affiliated with a lot of studios and a lot of famous composers come to give lectures (hence, another open door). I would probably get a BA in violin at USC, since an assistant I know said they would be willing to take me. I wouldn't mind being at CIM, the main problem for me is connections. There aren't a lot of connections in CIM. CIM is more of a classical world than it is for film. That's why.

Lifeofsolitude · 06-14-2012, 12:09 AM

By the way, I'm not trying to disrespect CIM, I think it's a fabulous school and I'm grateful for the scholarship and admission, but I just feel that USC at the moment might be better for me because of the current route that I'd like to go. Also, if some of you are wondering why I'm suddenly pursuing a "career" in film music, I've noticed that it has been getting harder and harder to find jobs and make a decent living in this business. Musicians need to be more versatile, and I know even some people from the Queen Elisabeth competition that can't make a living. It's just becoming too hard these days and with the use of technology now, there isn't much work in the studios as well. The use of electronics (i.e. pro tools, adagio, eastwest) has made it even more difficult! If I end up staying at CIM, I'll still pursue audio engineering, since that would also add to my "resume".

Mezzo'sMama · 06-14-2012, 01:24 AM

I don't think that anyone was of the mind that you were saying anything bad about CIM, but we know that you would be unable to gain entrance to a good composition department at this stage. Your option would be to turn down your acceptance to CIM- if you're going to do this, do it as soon as possible so that someone on the waiting list can be offered your spot- take a gap year and try to connect with a composer for some independent study. You can't possibly get into USC at this late date, and you don't have anything to offer them now. If you look at the bios of teaching composers, or even at the background of student composers, you'll find that the great majortity of them have been writing music since they were young kids, have had mentors, attended summer programs, submitted for competitions,etc. Building a competitive portfolio of compositions takes time, but there are others here who know much more about that than I.
I'm not doubting your interest in film music, but there has been a lot of "doom and gloom" in the news about music lately, and there's nothing the news media likes better than negative stories! You can try the audio engineering and see if you think that gives you enough versatility and extra marketability. You're concerned about the future and that's alright, but to be really honest, you're a violinist and you've been accepted at one of the top string schools anywhere. That degree and the contacts that you can make with it (and while pursuing it!) can give you an advantage over string players who might not have the connections and have studied with a lesser teacher. Weigh the pros and cons- make lists if you need to- and figure out whether CIM can give you what you expect from it. Try contacting Dr Fitch at CIM if you have questions related to composition ( a note or call to the Dean's office will tell you if he's around). If you really feel that USC is the better choice for you, then you'll have to talk with them and find out what they will need from you, make yourself a viable commodity to them and go through the audition process again next year, or the year after. From the beginning of your posts it's been clear that you really wanted to attend that school, but for the reasons known only to admissions committees, you weren't accepted there for violin. If you are having doubts about attending another school for whatever reason, then sit down with your family and let them know what's going on. Work on the reasons, all of them; not wanting to go so far away from all that is familiar is natural and all kids deal with that differently. That might be factoring into your feelings, or not, but talk to your parents and see what options are open to you. Just make sure that you're not fixated on USC because it was your "dream school" or because friends go there or something that has short term reasoning behind it. You need to be happy and feel that you are on the path that will bring you closer to what you want in life- you're obviously talented and the whole world is out there waiting...

Lifeofsolitude · 06-14-2012, 02:11 AM

Mezzo'sMama --- I thought about taking a gap year but I don't feel like that's the right decision. I cannot afford to waste a year and just pittle around and hope that I get into USC because the reality is, what if I don't? Then what is my backup plan? There isn't any! I'm going to CIM, I'm going to do my best, but also on the side, i'm going to send the reqs and application for USC and if they accept me, then that's great. But if not, then I feel it's my fate to stay at CIM. I've already been writing for a couple of months which I know isn't very long, but I'm just going to try it and see where life takes me. I'm not trying to put all eggs in one basket (which is what I usually tend to do), but I want to see if I have a shot at this, and if the faculty sees what I have to offer too. I don't feel that USC is necessarily a better choice, but it is one of the top composition programs and the connections are unparalleled. That's the major aspect (connections). If I had to stay at CIM, would it be possible to get an internship at a major recording studio? Even if I only have a classical background? I know this sounds crazy, but if I don't end up being some major composer, I'm perfectly fine with that. I just want to work with film music, if that means I must arrange, edit, and refine it, i'm fine. I know that I'm no John Williams, but I've always had an affinity towards film music. It's sort of like the opera of our time!

I wanted to attend USC, but I've been bitter towards it for several reasons...this classical world is very political and even though I hate it, I'm still willing to retry and audition again at USC. I know they HARDLY take transfers, but I spoke with a man that works at Thornton and he said if I'm willing to spend an extra year, send in a great portfolio, then I have a better chance. It's a really hard decision. I'm going to attend CIM, it's an open door that I could never turn down, but like I said, I'm just going to see if USC would consider taking me...it's just a thought. I'd love to be accepted, but I know my chances are quite slim

Mezzo'sMama · 06-14-2012, 02:13 AM

Erg, I forgot to put this in my last post and now it's too late to add it, so here you go. CCM has added a new major in commercial music production that might offer you another option.
For those looking to include a broad spectrum of things including theory, songwriting, composition, arranging, film scoring, media technology, etc, this looks to be a great program.
CCM Offers New Undergraduate Major in Commercial Music Production | College-Conservatory of Music

Lifeofsolitude · 06-14-2012, 02:16 AM

Thank you Mezzo'sMama, however, with all do respect, for film, I think that LA is the best place to start, at least for me since I have a couple of connections. It sounds like a great program though! I hope I don't sound cocky, but I'm kind of a network guru --- I need to be in a large city that will allow me to make connections, i.e. LA, NYC. Mostly LA since that's where most films are made and movies are scored.

Compdad · 06-14-2012, 08:03 AM

When I picked compdad, I didn't know there was a compmom, oh well. As to the topic at hand, I really object to this notion that in a year with no prior experience that a great composition portfolio can be put together. Great composition is not that easy. The posters have given the correct advice, but it all comes down to talent and hard work. I loved the tag Life of Solitude because it made me think of this violinist shunning all else and putting herself away from the world for practice and more practice. Not just for a year but many years.

Lifeofsolitude · 06-14-2012, 02:08 PM

Compdad, I picked Lifeofsolitude because I do in fact live a life of solitude. It sounds cliche but I live and breathe for music. It's true, being a musician you have to literally live in the practice room, but it's something you learn to love or tolerate I guess. I certainly understand where you are coming from, and yes, I have no prior experience to composing. However, I'm just going to try and send in a portfolio, and if I am accepted then perhaps I have a future in composing. If not, then it just wasn't meant to be. Composition is definitely not easy, especially if you want to create something as glorious as Bernard Herrmann's works. I'm going to Spain for a month and I'll be locking myself up so that I can work on my compositions...perhaps I'll get something out of it. Compdad, do you have a son/daughter that is a comp major? (that is a stupid question....probably...but where?)