My daughter is looking to apply to college Music programs in Music Production/Sound Technology etc. She has broad interests in the Music Industry but also wants to keep playing her viola. She has mostly focused on BM degrees in order to keep up with her viola playing. My concern is whether her level of playing will discount her from these tech majors? How important is performance in these tech/industry programs?
Also, her audition piece is challenging. Is it better to play an easier piece well or show your ability to try the harder one?
I have some questions about your post and your daughter’s intended journey!
Is she seeking a BM degree in performance (ie Viola)? If she wants to pursue the tech route, I don’t know if she would be auditioning so much as possibly submitting materials and then interviewing. Others please weigh in- I am only (somewhat) knowledgeable about Oberlin’s new Recording Arts & Production major, which does not require an audition.
Do other schools’ tech programs have an audition component?
I am sure she can continue to play viola and get lessons (probably taught by an upper classperson or grad student) at most schools if she’s not majoring in viola performance.
Might need some more details in order to help with your questions.
I’m pretty sure Temple’s Music Tech program requires an audition. They place all music majors (Performance, Tech, Ed) in ensembles. My kid’s freshman roommate was a Music Tech major who played trumpet and sang in the choir.
Thank you! I just went to their website- they do have to submit an audition recording of performing on the instrument of their choice, plus work samples. So no live audition, but they do need to show at least proficiency on an instrument.
I do not have a lot of experience with music technology programs. However, if it not too late to change her audition submission, my opinion is that is better to play an easier piece well. Reviewers are looking for good tone, technique, intonation, etc. if the piece is a struggle, the basics are lost. Always a good idea to play something that you perform well, although it does not need to be perfect. And even better if it is a piece that you really enjoy which allows your joy to show in your playing.