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Hello.

I am 24 yrs, old, from NYC, and have finally decided to pursue a degree in composition. My music background consists only of private piano lessons, though most recently with a professor at one of the big conservatories. I have been studying on and off since I was five, though I would consider myself an intermediate pianist. My knowledge of theory is limited, and though I have written hundreds of popular songs, my knowledge of formal composition is laughable.

What specific steps should I take to become qualified for admission at one of the schools in my area?

Sincerest thanks,
JD

Hi JD,
Theory is a big deal. Your pop music knowledge isn't going to do you much good. You're going to need an original composition(s) to audition with - something that would fall into the category of "western art music." You may be asked to demonstrate some analysis ability of famous works (like a Debussy prelude or a Schoenberg piece).

Also consider the co-requisite things like being in a major ensemble (like choir or orchestra), and the time you must spend doing things that aren't composing. You'll have to develop listening skills to the point where you can write down dictated melodies and harmonic progressions that involve chromaticism, modulations, and atonality. Another thing to consider is the speed at which you compose. If you're a slow composer, it will place added stress on you (because you have to compose to demonstrate your progress), and you'll always feel like you're trying to catch up. There are deadlines that you must meet. What I'm trying to convey here, is that it's not just about being creative.

My advice to you is to get going with theory, compose something that you can audition with (and be able to explain it), and practice your aural skills. Get the audition guidlines from schools that you're looking at and direct your time accordingly.

I appreciate your help, Harmosis. How complex should my audition pieces be? Is a solo piano waltz acceptable? Or am I expected to be composing sonatas and concertos? Also, I ultimately would like to compose sacred music, so would a hymntune set to a psalm be appropriate, or too simple?

Lastly, any advice on theory literature and/or aural exercises?

A solo piano waltz should be fine (depending on the school you audition for). Make sure your voice leading is good. Maybe put in a nice modulation. A 4-part choral piece in hymn style would work as well (again depending on the school). Do them both. Simple is OK, just make sure your harmony and voice leading are solid.

For aural exercising, you can get a progam like Musica Practica or Auralia. Or have someone work with you. You'll probably have to take a placement exam in theory and dictation which will determine what classes you need to take. Your aural skills probably won't be factor in acceptance (again depending on the school). But, it's good to get that going now.

There are many theory books. One book I'd recommend is Theory for today's musician by Ralph Turek (McGraw Hill). It's one of many college text books on the subject.

Hi John,

My first response to your inquiry was along the lines of why would you want to do that (get a composition degree)? The life of a composer is not what it once may have been. Composing is indeed fun, but trying to make a living at it isn't. Besides, beyond a thorough grounding in theory the only course work you need is 20th century techniques and orchestration (and then a lot of practice). In the first of those two you'll learn a lot about musical techniques that are passe (but helpful to be aware of) and the second takes far longer than one semester to master. You could do those two courses while pursuing a more lucrative aspect of music such as conducting or education (certainly not piano performance). Admittedly my tongue has been firmly planted in my cheek as I write this, but there is some truth to everything I've written. My advice is go to law school.

Thanks, Steve. I understand where you're coming from, but my ultimate goal is service---I'd like to work for the church (music director, organist, composer of sacred works). Foolish as it may seem, I have no interest in money.

However, I do have an interest in academia, and will most likely be pursuing my education through the doctoral level. Why composition versus education or conducting? Simple---I have little personal interest in these areas. Is formal education the best pursuit of compositional study? Probably not, but some tough life lessons have taught me that it is often beneficial to be a highly credentialed student of a highly specialized field.

I would suggest three things:

1) Build your portfolio. It doesn't matter so much what's in it, just have a group of pieces ready so that the faculty can get an idea of your style. Go ahead and include a popular song or two. It won't show off your harmonic skills, but it will show that you have a basic understanding of phrasing and melodic writing.

2) Write something for Woodwind quintet. Get to know how transposing instruments work and how to write idiomatically for the instrument. Get an instrumentation textbook and do some of the exercises.

3) Get to know some technology. If you have some money, invest in something like Logic or ProTools, especially if you have an interest in commercial music or film music. Get familiar with Finale or Sibelius, too. It'll save you a LOT of time in the future.