Yes I can write music by hand although I don’t usually do it.
In my portfolio I submitted one new age piano composition and another composition that included different instruments. Both of them were not classical.
And I also submitted my piano performances (classical pieces). It was a separate application from the composition supplement.
I didn’t apply for a certain instrument but since piano is my main instrument I just sent in my piano recordings.
Ah I really like how you said “the work gets you the job” and I hope it’s true. None of my friends/family members does anything related to music so I really don’t know what to expect in college or in the future getting a job. Whenever I ask them they just tell me to build connections.
Yes I might consider later to transfer to one of those schools but we’ll see.
And yes, it only has a music department. I already declared my major as music and I don’t think I’m going to change it. I will just double major or minor in other things and explore then.
Yes I think music composition major will focus a lot on academic part of music. Do you think it’s worth it for me to major in music composition? Will it help me when I do computer music stuff? Because if it does help, I do want to learn the basic theory. I guess I don’t know what majoring in music composition really leads one to. I don’t know any theory so I do think I should learn it though.
I applied to UCSD and UCLA and got into both and was actually thinking about UCLA (because someone told me that I will have more opportunities to intern or whatever since it’s close to hollywood) but my dad wanted me to stay near home -san diego- to commute due to financial difficulties. And when I visited UCSD and saw the music department I really loved it and it seemed to be that they are trying hard to develop it even more. I don’t have a specific reason why I applied to UCSD but I knew that within UC’s UCSD and UCLA had the best music programs.
But yes, I now think that I should just compose on my own and see what happens, while majoring in music composition and maybe something else. That is actually why I applied to UC’s. I did want to go to a school that was “good” in general so that I can explore different things while still continuing music. I guess my main concern was if I made a mistake by not going to a music school and missing out good opportunities to build connections and receive practical education. But you’re right. I will compose on my own and explore.
Thank you so much for your reply again, helped me organize my thoughts!
oh one more question if you don’t mind, do most of the music composition majors go to graduate school? I see that a lot of people go to USC. What should I expect after graduating with a major in music composition?