<p>The tests for music theory and aural are for placement and the first one is not that hard. If you have very little background in theory, you will get placed in the Intensive Theory 1 class that meets three times a week rather than twice so that you can catch up by the start of Theory 2. You may want to study a bit of theory on your own over the summer. There are only two sections of Intensive Theory 1 but five of regular Theory 1 and you may have more chance of finding an opening with five to choose from. See <a href=“http://www.oberlin.edu/regist/fall07schedule.html[/url]”>http://www.oberlin.edu/regist/fall07schedule.html</a> for next semester’s class schedule.</p>
<p>If you have not already auditioned, you cannot start out in the double degree program in your freshman year. You will have to apply to the Con and audition this coming Winter and will be held to the same standards as the rest of the incoming Conservatory class. If you are successful, you can start the double degree program in second year. You may be able to start in the second semester of freshman year if you audition and are accepted in December. I would suggest that you ask Conservatory admissions about that one.</p>
<p>I would also suggest that you audition for lessons during the orientation week and ask the faculty whether they think you have a shot at getting into the double degree program from the College side. Putting together the required audition material (for Con admission, not for half hour lessons) is no simple matter. You will definitely have to work on it over the summer, but will also probably have to put hours per day into practicing during the fall semester while meeting all of your other school commitments.</p>