How Strong - Music EC

violadad
Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:45:50 +0000

FiddlinEcon, as an EC, it will depend on the school, it’s needs for orchestration, ensemble pairings, and what the level of the music department “pull”, if any, is. Possibly a plus in an LAC, particularly in a good, small program where strings tend to be overpopulated with violins and cellos. (This situation MAY also apply to oboists, bassoonists, euphonium players, and possibly harpists). Departments/schools with strong chamber emphasis or quartet programs may well give a nod to a quality violist (or a switch hitter capable of high level doubling) over a typically over-represented instrument. Again, it’s an additional data point, nothing more and only in specific programs.

I disagree with the music director who suggested that doubling is an edge in conservatory level admissions. The techniques, hand positions, instrument size and bow weights vary considerably between the two viols, particularly in the advanced repertoire. There are very few students who can master both effectively and be competitive on either in a conservatory level audition based admit. The argument that there are less violists, and therefore an easier admit holds no water at the conservatory/preprofessional/professional level. There is a huge gap between proficiency, mastery, and artistry. Do not confuse them.

Some side reading http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/664421-switching-violin-viola.html?highlight=viola