<p>Programs that require an audition on an instrument will expect the composer to be able to participate in the ensembles - they want to be sure the level of playing is there. But, it won’t necessarily (or, probably) be the top level ensemble at that school. At this point your son should be worrying about his compositions. That is what will matter for acceptance. Is he attending a summer program this summer where he can get some of his pieces performed and recorded by good musicians? He’ll want as many live recordings as possible for the submissions. Most programs really only want to see one’s best three pieces. There is no need to send more, even if the option is offered. But they should be great pieces, and scored for a different collection of instruments to fully show your son’s range and aesthetic.</p>
<p>As comp mom said, there are plenty of great programs which do not require an audition at all. On the other hand, in those programs the opportunities for continuing to perform on one’s instrument may be limited. So he needs to decide what he’s looking for in a composition/college program.</p>
<p>How are you narrowing down the programs to which to apply? What criteria are you using? Did he love Oberlin’s aesthetic?</p>