<p>Well, I guess I could give my 2 cents. I’m a music performance major at NYU, but the program requirements for both are pretty much the same. I never considered myself the best violinist or even the smartest kid–at best above average. I graduated high school with a 3.38 GPA, an 1840 SAT combined score (my math sucked, too so don’t sweat it; what saved me was writing), and we’ve done a lot of the same as far as EC’s go (I was in color guard). Of course even with NYU, your musical ability comes first and foremost . Even the Music Ed students ere are highly talented. </p>
<p>For some insight, judges aren’t looking for prodigies or primadonnas. They look for potential and students who are willing to learn and who will try their best and take their study seriously. To compensate for not having a formal teacher for double base build your music theory and aural skills (all of the schools you’re looking at will test you on it). Learn your repertoire and who’s who as far as composers of top bass pieces. Prof. Bongiorno at NYU is the double bass prof. He always talks about students needing to know their orchestral as well as solo repertoire. And for someone who intends to teach music at a public school you need to have very solid theory and aural skills, especially since my high scool band teacher say nowadays most get their Master’s (we tend to forget grad school possibilities when looking undergrad schools).</p>
<p>In other words, yes you must be a decent bass player, but if teaching is you’re profession you’ll need to know more than how to bow your instrument. Just have a firm grip on the basics of everything and you’ll do well. Oh, and start practicing your scales NOW. It doesn’t matter how well you play any piece if your scales and arpeggios suck (trust me, i’ve seen good violinists denied for it).</p>