Need some advice on colleges.

compmom
Mon, 12 Jun 2017 12:01:17 +0000

One other thing: I would say that composition is not something that can be taught. It may be true that anyone who takes some theory and plays the piano can write a piece, but there is no training that can actually create a talent for writing music. When you write that so far your school has offered exposure but not training, does that mean you have not yet written much music, or are you doing it on your own? Have you taken any theory?

I was a little confused by your post. Are you saying that you write neo-Romantic music now and want to avoid experimental and/or commercial music? How familiar are you with “new music” aka contemporary classical? Who are some of your favorite composers?

I reread your post, and realized again that you do not want to be a full-time composer. I believe you are looking at the wrong schools. I feel, from what you have told us, that you should most likely avoid schools that have a conservatory or school of music, unless you want to study piano. Composition is part of an academic music major (BA) and a BA program can lead to grad study if you so choose.

I am not writing to limit you but to help you understand you have freedom of choice here. Most any school with a good music department (as opposed to a conservatory) will have composition. This would apply to countless liberal arts colleges.

You can take 1/4 of your classes in music as a major or take fewer, targeted music classes as electives, and study composition with a teacher. This leaves room for many other subjects of study, without a need for the 5 year degree. You can consider double major or major/minor as well, depending on your other interests.

If, on the other hand, you want full immersion in music, with 3/4 of your classes in music, then certainly apply to BM programs at university music schools or conservatories. Or look into a double degree.