<p>BassDad- </p>
<p>Do colleges recognized the musical backgrounds of their students. I go to a small private school in MN - (although I’m really thankful for some of the opportunities I’ve gotten there - good writing prep, small classes, access to one of the best speech coaches in the country - the small size just prohibits the school from offering a wide range of classes) which means that I haven’t had real access to a Music Theory course, nor anything that resembles composition. </p>
<p>Thus, I have learned all my theory through a jazz camp in Wisconsin (Shell Lake Jazz camp for anyone who’s interested - profs from Indiana U and Interlochen Academy come to teach there - yes, it’s that good) where I completed their entire improv/theory curriculum (unfortunately, I don’t spend enough time practicing the sax to become good at it). </p>
<p>Bottom Line - I am going to try to teach myself the AP Music Theory course this year (it shouldn’t be too hard, I sing too so ear training is not a big deal), but ultimately I don’t think I’ll be able to answer the kinds of questions you’re talking about. I sing in the shower, get ideas, and generally know how to notate and harmonize them through my theory training). But that’s about it. </p>
<p>Any comments?</p>