<p>The USC site says that graduate applicants are “encouraged to submit submit a piece for large ensemble such as orchestra or wind ensemble .” Don’t worry about that at the undergrad level.</p>
<p>Here is the text for undergrads:
“Students are required to submit scores and recordings of three contrasting pieces of varying instrumentation. Students should submit works that best represent their creative abilities. Pieces in a popular music or jazz idiom may be submitted as an extra element of the application, but the primary focus of the USC Thornton composition department is concert music (contemporary classical music).” It also says there is no pre-screen or audition.</p>
<p>Listen to many composers, including those of the 20th and 21st centuries. But try to develop your own “voice.” It is early to do that, but basically, others are right, I think, in that an individual musical vision may be more important even than competence.</p>
<p>You need three pieces. A string quartet and piece for wind ensemble would be great. Have you looked into summer programs or other ways to get your pieces played by excellent musicians? It is late in the game but there are still a few programs with openings.</p>