Lene

Okay, I've been interested in music composition for years and I've composed a number of pieces. However with the exception of an experimental songwriting class (which focused on Pop music instead of Contemporary music that I was interested in) at my Community College, I've never taken a class in composition. They don't even offer those kinds of classes. I have taken theory classes though.

My musical experience has basically been limited to whatever was open while in highschool and whatever was offered in the local community college. I've never taken lessons in my primary instrument (voice) either.

I'm feeling really insecure about the application procecss because I'm not sure what colleges are expecting in an application/audition. I'm even more scared because I would be applying as a transfer student and I have the feeling that they won't be as forgiving with inexperience like they would be with freshmen applications.

Anyone have any insight for me?

WindCloudUltra

A possibility may be to attend a liberal arts school with a strong academic music department. There are usually very good composers on the faculty and they'll guide you over the four years, which should prepare you for graduate work in composition (either at an academic grad program or conservatory grad program).

piglet20

I go to the Manhattan School of Music. There are several (although not many) students in our UG comp program who had limited formal training before entering MSM. The best advice I have is to contact a teacher at whatever schools you like and show them your work. They can give you the best idea about what you need to improve. Also, find out if the school you're interested in requires an entrance exam in theory/history. MSM does.

gms5287

If you keep studying theory, the only way you'll truly keep getting better at composing is to just...compose. The more you write, the better you will get.

aLfR3dd

sorry guys...Manhattan School of Music seems to have an incredibly difficult Audition for UG students in Composition.....!? "limited formal training before entering MSM" ....could someone explain this?

piglet20

I know a few students who didn't attend pre-college programs but studied piano or theory in high school, with maybe a few private composition lessons. As I said, these students are the exception, not the rule. That doesn't mean admission isn't competitive. It is.