Navigating the journey to applying and auditioning for college music programs can be a daunting yet exhilarating process.
As an aspiring musician, you’re not just looking for a school, but rather, an environment where your talents will be nurtured and your potential realized.
This article aims to help you chart your course, from deciding which schools to apply to and acing your auditions and interviews.
To get started…
One thing I find helpful for students is to break down the journey into a step-by-step process.
The very first step in your journey is researching and deciding which schools & types of environments align with your aspirations.
Some questions to think about for yourself:
- Are you drawn to the rigorous training of a conservatory or the broad opportunities of a university with a strong music program?
- Have you found a faculty member you would like to study with (especially true for performance students)?
- Do you want to be in a big city, a small college town, or something in between?
Once you’ve identified schools, it’s crucial to start preparing your audition repertoire months in advance.
If you’re a composition or music production student, then it’s essential that you allot even up to a year of preparation for your music to come to life in both scoring and recordings.
In the following sections, we will explore each of these crucial steps, providing detailed strategies and tips to help you succeed in your quest for admission into a college music program.
Decide on Which Schools to Apply to
Choosing the right music school is one of the most critical steps in your journey as an aspiring musician.
This decision will shape your education, your network, and your future career.
To make an informed choice, you must engage in thorough and multifaceted research.
So…how can you practically go about making such an important decision?
Here are some places to start:
Tours and Open Houses
One invaluable resource in your decision-making process is attending tours and open houses, particularly those offered by a college’s music program.
These visits provide a firsthand glimpse into the school’s facilities, culture, and community. You can (sometimes) meet current students, ask questions to the administration, and gauge whether you can envision yourself thriving in that environment.
Try touring a variety of schools; small conservatories, large universities, and medium-sized liberal arts colleges. These three types will give you a sense of what is out there for you to explore.
Another highly beneficial strategy is scheduling “trial lessons” with faculty members. A trial lesson allows you to experience a one-on-one session with a potential instructor.
Not only does this help you determine if their teaching style aligns with your learning preferences, but it also puts you on the radar of the faculty.
Making a positive impression during these lessons can be advantageous when it comes time for auditions and admissions decisions.
Assessing Your Skill Level
Given the competitive nature of music programs, it’s also wise to seek an external evaluation of your talent and skill level.
Having a professional assessment can provide you with an objective view of where you stand among other applicants.
With hundreds of students vying for a handful of spots, understanding your strengths and areas for improvement can be crucial in developing a realistic and effective application strategy.
This can be done by a college faculty member or other expert in the field, and could give you a good idea of where you stand vs other students applying to college for music.
Safety, Target, and Reach Schools
When assembling your list of potential schools, it’s essential to categorize them into safety, target, and reach schools.
Aim to keep your list to around a dozen institutions, though there are exceptions.
For instance, applying to multiple University of California schools – like UCLA, UC Irvine, etc. – only requires one main application (with some additional music supplements for UCLA), allowing you to broaden your prospects without significantly increasing your workload.
Engaging in real research goes beyond navigating a school’s website.
While online resources are a good starting point, deeper engagement—such as attending open houses, participating in trial lessons, and seeking professional evaluations—provides a richer and more accurate understanding of each program.
This comprehensive approach will help ensure that you choose a music school where you can not only gain admission but also thrive and grow as an artist.
Create a Prescreening Video or Portfolio of Work
Assembling a prescreening video is a crucial step in your music school application process.
This video can be the key to securing an audition, or in some cases, it may be the sole basis for your acceptance into a program.
Prescreening videos serve as the initial filter for many top music programs; after all, admissions committees use these videos to determine whether to invite you for a live audition.
Therefore, it’s essential to put your best foot forward by showcasing your technical proficiency, musicality, and unique artistic voice.
In some cases, particularly at more traditional universities, your prescreening video might be the only audition material you submit.
Schools like Harvard, Dartmouth, and Case Western Reserve offer the option to submit an “artistic supplement” in place of a live audition.
Schools like these do not conduct traditional in-person auditions for high school students, so your video must make a compelling case for your acceptance.
This makes it all the more important to ensure your video is polished, professional, and reflective of your best work.
For composers, producers, and songwriters, a portfolio of original work is typically necessary and can serve as their version of a prescreening video.
This portfolio should include high-quality recordings of your compositions or productions, scores if applicable, and any other relevant materials that demonstrate your creative abilities.
Some schools, such as the University of Miami Frost School of Music, require both a prescreening performance video and a portfolio for Bachelor’s of Music candidates.
Creating a high-quality prescreening video requires careful planning and execution. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Choose Your Repertoire Wisely: Select pieces that highlight your strengths and are appropriate for the schools you’re applying to.
- Practice and Rehearse: Treat the recording session as seriously as a live performance. Practice thoroughly and do multiple takes to ensure you capture your best performance. DO NOT edit/splice different takes together as that is a dishonest practice.
- Pay Attention to Presentation: Dress professionally and ensure your performance space is clean and free of distractions. Good lighting and camera angles can also enhance the presentation.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Each school may have different requirements for submission formats and deadlines. Carefully review and adhere to these guidelines to ensure your video is considered.
By dedicating time and effort to creating a stellar prescreening video, you increase your chances of progressing to the next stage of the application process or even securing a spot in your desired program based solely on your video submission.
How Important Is Recording Quality?
Some people swear by professional videography, and others use at-home equipment like smartphones.
Personally, I have seen both be extremely successful in the process.
As an example, I had a student once get into Curtis using smartphone recordings for her prescreening.
This goes to show that even the most selective schools, while they want presentable recordings, don’t necessarily expect you to shell out huge money for amazing videography.
Writing Essays
Writing essays for your college application is a vital opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your musical talents.
Both the Common Application – a portal for where you apply for multiple schools – and individual school applications require essays. For music programs, there are frequently specific prompts related to your musical journey.
When crafting your essays, aim to write in a vivid and engaging tone. Use a variety of sentence structures to keep your writing dynamic and avoid the monotony of repetitive simple sentences. This not only demonstrates your writing skills but also keeps the reader interested.
Your essays should not be a mere rehash of your resume.
Instead, they should tell a meaningful and personal story that offers insight into your character, passions, and aspirations.
Think about moments in your life that have shaped you as a musician and a person. Whether you choose to write about a specific accomplishment or a challenging experience, focus on making it resonate with your audience.
Remember, the goal is to make your essays memorable and impactful, giving the admissions committee a genuine sense of who you are and what drives you.
This is your chance to stand out and leave a lasting impression, so take the time to craft essays that truly reflect your unique voice and story.
Audition & Interview
Auditioning for music school is a pivotal moment in your application process, where you have the chance to demonstrate your abilities live or virtually on a platform like Zoom.
It’s crucial to prepare your repertoire according to each school’s specific guidelines. Each institution will have its own requirements, so make sure you understand and follow them precisely.
Here’s an interesting tip not enough people seem to know, in my experience.
Aim to prepare as few pieces as possible that still satisfy the repertoire requirements of all the schools you’re applying to.
Why?
This approach allows you to focus on perfecting a smaller number of works, rather than spreading yourself thin across a larger repertoire.
In addition to your prepared pieces, be ready for skill tests that may be part of your audition.
Some schools assess abilities such as sight-reading, ear training, and improvisation, especially for jazz and pop musicians.
Remember, the audition is not only about technical proficiency but also about conveying your passion and individuality as a musician.
Present yourself professionally, stay composed, and let your love for music shine through. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to make a strong impression and take a significant step toward achieving your musical aspirations.
What Else Goes Into Applying to College for Music?
The above is just a sample of what goes into applying to college; selecting schools, making prescreens & portfolios, writing essays, and auditioning.
There are many other things that go into applying to college for music.
One essential aspect is the interview process, which many schools require.
Interviews provide an opportunity for you to articulate your passion for music, discuss your experiences, and explain why you’re a great fit for their program.
Practice common interview questions and prepare to talk about your musical journey and aspirations.
Filling out the Common Application expertly is also crucial.
Pay particular attention to the activities list, where you can highlight your musical achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement.
Be detailed and specific to give the admissions committee a comprehensive view of your experiences and dedication.
Choosing the right people to write your recommendation letters is another vital step. Select individuals who know you well and can speak to your musical abilities, work ethic, and character. Ideal recommenders might include your music teachers, ensemble directors, or private instructors.
Their letters should provide insight into your musical development, accomplishments, and potential, offering a perspective that complements the rest of your application.
If you’re interested in learning more or are seeking personalized guidance, please get in touch with us for a free consultation.
We’re here to help you navigate every step of the application process and achieve your musical dreams.
