What I'm hearing is the audition is mainly a placement test. That if you got the money you can get in. Most the schools are like that with the costs so high.
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Colleges?
- Thread starter Icarus26
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What I'm hearing is the audition is mainly a placement test. That if you got the money you can get in. Most the schools are like that with the costs so high.
so does this mean that if i do crap in the audition, they'll still accept me, i just won't be in advanced classes? (which is perfectly fine with me, any work towards my goal, no matter where i start is something i'm interested in)
also, i plan on talking to my counselor tomorrow to find out if there are any programs that can help me out with ear training, music theory, & reading music. if anything happens, i'll post the results.
Again, that's how it used to be. Not anymore. I go to Berklee now, and it definitely isn't how it used to be with the whole "you got 30,000? You're in!" mentality. I should know, I worked auditions as a student employee yesterday, shuffling prospective students around. The new acceptance rate they like to quote is 30 percent now, which is more in line with the average for conservatory admissions. There is a placement test also when you get here, which will place you into what arranging/harmony/ear training class you need to be in. Most people, even after being accepted with the audition, get placed into the first level, however.
If you're looking to strictly play bass guitar as a profession, i'd strongly consider the Atlanta Institute of Music.
As a music major in college I have to say the life of a music major is a hard one. To put things into perspective, let me tell you a little about myself. Not that I'm the greatest example, but I am currently going through what you want to be doing.
I am a violin performance major. Before starting college I had five years of training at a music school (kind of conservatory) in Honduras, where I'm from. So I was already moderately proficient at my instrument when I got to college. I had also been playing bass on the side for a while (never having taken lessons), but upon starting college I decided I wanted to learn to play jazz. Also, my violin teacher here recommended very early on that I should pick up the viola and start playing that as well, so all of a sudden I was playing three instruments for the music department.
A typical couple of days of my school week go like this:
6:00 am- Wake up, shower, eat, check email, etc.
7:00 am- Practice (already at school)
9:00 am- Music Theory
10:00 am- Music History
11:00 am- Violin Lesson
12:00 pm- Lunch
1:00 pm- work
2:30 pm- University String Orchestra
4:00 pm- break (power nap, maybe?)
5:00 pm- Practice
7:30 pm- Topeka Symphony Orchestra
10:00 pm- Rehearsal gets done, go home, do homework, sleep.
-------Next Day-----
6:00 am- Wake up (you know the drill)
7:00 am- Practice
8:30 am- Aural training (ear training + sight singing)
9:30 - 10:50 am- University Symphony Orchestra
11:00 - 12:20 pm- Jazz Band
12:30 pm- Lunch
1:00 - 2:50 pm - String Quartet
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Jazz Combo
4:00 pm Break (maybe?)
4 or 5 pm - Start work, get off whenever we close?
This is not uncommon. To further scare you out, I live with a host family, whom I haven't seen in a couple of weeks because I leave when they are still asleep and I come back home when they are already asleep (they have normal sleeping habits). If you want to go into performance, and you want to be good at your instrument and get good grades, chances are slim that you'll have enough sleep or a social life. Just warning you, this is a very competitive field and it takes a lot of discipline to succeed. Best wishes to you on your searching.
I am a violin performance major. Before starting college I had five years of training at a music school (kind of conservatory) in Honduras, where I'm from. So I was already moderately proficient at my instrument when I got to college. I had also been playing bass on the side for a while (never having taken lessons), but upon starting college I decided I wanted to learn to play jazz. Also, my violin teacher here recommended very early on that I should pick up the viola and start playing that as well, so all of a sudden I was playing three instruments for the music department.
A typical couple of days of my school week go like this:
6:00 am- Wake up, shower, eat, check email, etc.
7:00 am- Practice (already at school)
9:00 am- Music Theory
10:00 am- Music History
11:00 am- Violin Lesson
12:00 pm- Lunch
1:00 pm- work
2:30 pm- University String Orchestra
4:00 pm- break (power nap, maybe?)
5:00 pm- Practice
7:30 pm- Topeka Symphony Orchestra
10:00 pm- Rehearsal gets done, go home, do homework, sleep.
-------Next Day-----
6:00 am- Wake up (you know the drill)
7:00 am- Practice
8:30 am- Aural training (ear training + sight singing)
9:30 - 10:50 am- University Symphony Orchestra
11:00 - 12:20 pm- Jazz Band
12:30 pm- Lunch
1:00 - 2:50 pm - String Quartet
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Jazz Combo
4:00 pm Break (maybe?)
4 or 5 pm - Start work, get off whenever we close?
This is not uncommon. To further scare you out, I live with a host family, whom I haven't seen in a couple of weeks because I leave when they are still asleep and I come back home when they are already asleep (they have normal sleeping habits). If you want to go into performance, and you want to be good at your instrument and get good grades, chances are slim that you'll have enough sleep or a social life. Just warning you, this is a very competitive field and it takes a lot of discipline to succeed. Best wishes to you on your searching.
Manutabora makes it sound pretty tough. But depending on where you go or what program you're in, any college cirriculum could potentially be that rigorous, not just music majors. From firsthand experience, immersing yourself in schoolwork that you're only doing to secure a financial future is... well no **** good. At least if you're doing it for the sake of learning music, you might enjoy some of that time.
What getfunky says is true. I guess in reality college education is what you make of it. You could potentially get by pretty easily in any major, but that would probably take you nowhere. Then again, my situation is kind of out of the ordinary, if you focus on one instruments and your finances are better than mine, it may not be so hard.
When I switched from being a music major to an accounting major I thought I would get a break from the work. I assure you I did NOT. The real difference is I went from working hard at something I loved to something that I did not.
HaViC5 says its different at Berklee now, but I other schools are mainly interested student ability to pay. A school like Berklee is a waste of money if you aren't ready for it. Better to go to community college till you get your act together then think about the upper tier music schools. A lot of community college have good music programs. Good way to save money, knock off a lot of GenEd classes then transfer to a big college or university. Talk to your counselor is good and see if they can setup a visit to a local college music department. Spend a day see what studying music is all about. Also find a good bass or music teacher to take lesson with. Tell them your music plans and to help prep you for whatever school you end up at.
Hello everyone, this thread is a godsend for me. I'd just like to explain a little about my situation as it is very similar to what the opening post is experiencing. I'm sorry if this gets a little MEMEME, but I want you guys to hear me out. 
I'm from Norway, so I'm not sure if I will call the schools by their proper names. Anywho, I started playing music at the age of 14, slowly learning guitar. At 16, I attended the music-high school and had electric guitar as my main instrument for 3 years. I was average I guess, but I was playing alot of bass on the side, along with piano.
Now, fast-forward to where I am now. I am 21 years old, and I want to major in bass (rythmic bass performance). When I was 20 I tried getting into business, thinking that it was something I would like to do, as it would give me a good-paying life. Having the bass on the side seemed perfect to me. But about 3 months in, it was pretty clear to me that I always wanted to do something else. I wanted to play bass, and become a all-rounded, good teacher. This is still what I aspire to do. I know life as a musician is hard; I am still not disciplined enough to get where I want to be when it comes to practicing. It's not really easy to shut down all the things you liked doing as a kid (relaxing, watching movies/series, playing games) but hey, welcome to the real world kiddo. Things are starting to serious up.
There aren't lots of schools offering performance major in Norway, and the conservatory at the city where I am currently studying is pretty much the countrys elite. Getting into there is impossible, I'd say. I am currently studying Musical science, which is hard but not impossible to get into. I did an audition and I am the only bassist in my class. So does my bass teacher say; he advices me to apply to another cons. in another town where they have what they call Rythmic music performance. This is perfect for me; I've recently become very interested in jazz but I'm from a rock/pop background, I would say.
The thing is, my teacher says that this is possible for me. I've really just played bass mainly for 4 years, when others that are applying have been playing since they were 14!! I am starting to feel that I can't achieve this because I didn't start earlier on. I also would love to pick up the double bass, but it is very hard for me to save up enough money to buy one at this point.
What I am really afraid of, to be honest, is that I will finish my bachelor and major in Musical science, and fail at getting into the conservatory I really wanted to attend to. Is it too late for me? I'll use the time 21-30; applying every year if I have to. I want to be a bassteacher, as I said earlier, and I want to be as good as possible so I have the experience to be a top teacher that can play a very well-rounded repetoire. I don't want to give up at this point, but I don't have a whole lot of confidence at this point. I am not too social, so if I have to "throw away" a social life to become good then I may resort to that.
Do you guys think it sounds like I am too late to the whole thing?
I would really, really love to hear what you guys have to say about this. This thread is a god-send.
I'm from Norway, so I'm not sure if I will call the schools by their proper names. Anywho, I started playing music at the age of 14, slowly learning guitar. At 16, I attended the music-high school and had electric guitar as my main instrument for 3 years. I was average I guess, but I was playing alot of bass on the side, along with piano.
Now, fast-forward to where I am now. I am 21 years old, and I want to major in bass (rythmic bass performance). When I was 20 I tried getting into business, thinking that it was something I would like to do, as it would give me a good-paying life. Having the bass on the side seemed perfect to me. But about 3 months in, it was pretty clear to me that I always wanted to do something else. I wanted to play bass, and become a all-rounded, good teacher. This is still what I aspire to do. I know life as a musician is hard; I am still not disciplined enough to get where I want to be when it comes to practicing. It's not really easy to shut down all the things you liked doing as a kid (relaxing, watching movies/series, playing games) but hey, welcome to the real world kiddo. Things are starting to serious up.
There aren't lots of schools offering performance major in Norway, and the conservatory at the city where I am currently studying is pretty much the countrys elite. Getting into there is impossible, I'd say. I am currently studying Musical science, which is hard but not impossible to get into. I did an audition and I am the only bassist in my class. So does my bass teacher say; he advices me to apply to another cons. in another town where they have what they call Rythmic music performance. This is perfect for me; I've recently become very interested in jazz but I'm from a rock/pop background, I would say.
The thing is, my teacher says that this is possible for me. I've really just played bass mainly for 4 years, when others that are applying have been playing since they were 14!! I am starting to feel that I can't achieve this because I didn't start earlier on. I also would love to pick up the double bass, but it is very hard for me to save up enough money to buy one at this point.
What I am really afraid of, to be honest, is that I will finish my bachelor and major in Musical science, and fail at getting into the conservatory I really wanted to attend to. Is it too late for me? I'll use the time 21-30; applying every year if I have to. I want to be a bassteacher, as I said earlier, and I want to be as good as possible so I have the experience to be a top teacher that can play a very well-rounded repetoire. I don't want to give up at this point, but I don't have a whole lot of confidence at this point. I am not too social, so if I have to "throw away" a social life to become good then I may resort to that.
Do you guys think it sounds like I am too late to the whole thing?
I would really, really love to hear what you guys have to say about this. This thread is a god-send.
Oratorio-
Personally I think it is never too late. If you have found your passion you will succeed. Practice as much as you possible can and you can do anything, even getting into that conservatory.
Personally I think it is never too late. If you have found your passion you will succeed. Practice as much as you possible can and you can do anything, even getting into that conservatory.
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
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This is a familiar situation. Conservatories have a very stricly defined idea of what a student musician is. Improvisation is of little interest to most of them. They want people who can play very well on an instrument that has a large solo and orchestral repertoire. Most have little regard for popular music. They don't hate it, they just are focused on 300 years of music that came before and is still living, at least from their perspective.
They also want students who have done the study and practice needed to reach an advanced level. Who can blame them? They want students who can succeed as performers, primarily as classical players. Is that what you want to be? Maybe a Conservatory is not the place for you? That is not a put down, it is a question you need to explore.
No matter the answer, IMHO you need to directly address the weakness in your readiness for more advanced study. If that means taking private lessons in ear training, harmony, piano, Jazz, and double bass, do it. School is actually not that great a place to address areas of weakness.
If you want to go to Conservatory, study double bass starting today, and prepare yourself for a long trek. Find a cheap double bass and live with it until you can get a better one. Some of the Chinese basses, like the Wan-Bernadel instruments are terrific and can be found used. Seriously, double bass is a ticket into a wider acceptance as a musician, and a much larger perspective on music. This is what a teacher must have, IMHO.
This is a fantastic answer, and I agree with most of the things you are writing here Jim. The thing is, I am applying at a non-classical conservatory - it's performance in rythmic music, meaning it ranges from pop/rock to jazz. Not really classical. This changes the perspective abit, perhaps? I really should have included that in my post. I'm so sorry. People get in as electric bassists, not as double bassists. I consider myself a "rythmic" player aswell, I try to play lots of different things. Are there no rythmic conservatories in the States?This is a familiar situation. Conservatories have a very stricly defined idea of what a student musician is. Improvisation is of little interest to most of them. They want people who can play very well on an instrument that has a large solo and orchestral repertoire. Most have little regard for popular music. They don't hate it, they just are focused on 300 years of music that came before and is still living, at least from their perspective.
They also want students who have done the study and practice needed to reach an advanced level. Who can blame them? They want students who can succeed as performers, primarily as classical players. Is that what you want to be? Maybe a Conservatory is not the place for you? That is not a put down, it is a question you need to explore.
No matter the answer, IMHO you need to directly address the weakness in your readiness for more advanced study. If that means taking private lessons in ear training, harmony, piano, Jazz, and double bass, do it. School is actually not that great a place to address areas of weakness.
If you want to go to Conservatory, study double bass starting today, and prepare yourself for a long trek. Find a cheap double bass and live with it until you can get a better one. Some of the Chinese basses, like the Wan-Bernadel instruments are terrific and can be found used. Seriously, double bass is a ticket into a wider acceptance as a musician, and a much larger perspective on music. This is what a teacher must have, IMHO.
As usual Jim is right albeit I would say that IME, the term 'Conservatory' has a wider definition. Even schools like Julliard and NEC and MSM and Eastman, etc. call themselves 'conservatories but also offer jazz programs.
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
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+1
And thank heavens they do. IME, most music departments in Universities have somewhat lower standards for performance than Conservatories, with the obvious exception of Indiana University, University of North Texas, and a number of other "Big 10" American Midwestern Universities.
IMHO, the most significant problem for young people who want to study at such schools or conservatories is a lack of traditional performance skills (with narrow music experience coming at a distant second). Most any top-level school will accept anyone who plays double bass at a sufficiently high level indicating a good chance of graduating and having a career.
The dearth of schools offering electric bass majors shows that classically oriented music schools and departments don't usually have a clear idea of how the electric bass fits into their idea of possible performance careers. I must admit I can understand that, and believe it will probably eventually change, albeit slowly. Also, as you know from firsthand experience, possessing a high level of performance skill is also essential for admission to the top Jazz programs to which you referred.
I am sure you know what follows, but feel I should get this out there for those who don't: Most of the double bass students at top schools can also play their tails off on the electric bass. Yes kids, it is true. I could tell stories of the young ones I have heard in Denton! In fact, it is rare to find a double bass student ANYWHERE in a serious music degree program who can't get around on the electric very well and with a lot of other musical skill folded in (repertoire, reading, trained ears, harmony knowledge, solid time, etc.).
And that leaves us where we began. If a young player cannot articulate music at a high enough level (defined by audition requirements, the competition, and the professor's experience with years of teaching), then that young player has no choice but to fix it, if admission to a music school or music department is the goal.
I must say this really raises the most important questions, "What are ones goals, why THOSE goals, and how much will one really sacrifice?"
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
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Not many as such, though their are lots of private non-degree granting schools that are trying to fill that void. Many of my comments are probably only applicable to the areas of my experience, mostly (but not only) in US Colleges, Universities, and Conservatories.
My advice is to get a teacher who knows what they expect and apply yourself like a demon to mastering those skills. Do not let fear hold you back. You will soon enough learn if it is what you want.
Amen brother. Knowing this, and understanding how this affected me, I made certain that my son studied and played both upright and electric. At age 10 you have I had no idea what direction he would head in but I was determine to give him the ability to pivot in any direction.
Yes indeed and the bar keeps getting raised.
Its scary how good they are.
I must say this really raises the most important questions, "What are ones goals, why THOSE goals, and how much will one really sacrifice?"
All good question but from my own experience what I would say is that if a student is behind in terms of skill, etc. but honestly has the drive and love then they should be willing to take some time for woodshedding until they do catch up. It can be done.
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
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Pedro, that son of yours is fortunate to have such a Dad. It is my experience that most of the kids who are studying at highly competitive schools (for music AND everything else) have had adults, like parents, relatives, or devoted teachers guiding them over a long period of time. Don't you wish we had that? 
Ah shucks!! Anyway, if you knew him, you'd realize just how fortunate his mother and I are.
A mentor would have made the difference between a career in a field I loved and what I do today. The one joy that keeps me going is knowing that my kids are following their dreams and hopefully will not have to make a living at something that they dislike.
