Hi. I'm a flute player and the past week, my left wrist has started to ache to the point where yesterday, when I was practicing one specific measure repeatedly, I was forced to stop playing. (for those of you who have played Prokofiev: it's THAT part in the fourth movement. Grrr)
I was wondering if people could give me advice(?) on how to prevent this from aggravating. Should I wear a wrist band or something like that? Oh, and if any of you flute players know what may be causing the pain let me know! I have a big competiton coming up in August at the NFA and I want to make sure I'm in top form.
Thanks! Much appreciated :D
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I'm a Flute player...and my wrist is starting to hurt...Advice?
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Curtis double bass
Hey guys, I have played bass for about 4 years now and I am really interested in going to Curtis. I'm in 10th grade and love to practice scales and excersizes form the Jeff bradetich technique book ( not the 200$ one). I don't really know what else to practice and what else I should be learning. The last solo I played was the bouree from the 3rd solo from bach cello suites. Could anyone give me and tips on what to practice, how to practice, maybe a solo I could start and how to get into Curtis!?
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Ba vs bm for double major
Hi, I'm starting my first year of college at a liberal arts school this september and I'm trying to figure out if I should pursue a BA in music and also get a teaching certification or get a BME. I would also like to double major in environmental science. At my school, you can double major if you choose 2 BA degrees, or you could take a 5 year dual degree track with a BM degree and a BA. I don't really want to do the 5 year track due to the amount of money it would cost. However, I am worried that if I graduate with a BA in music I will be less likely to be hired in a public school than someone with a BME. Will my future employers care if I only have a BA?
Thanks
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Performer-Composer program at CIM
Hello! I'm a prospective grad student interested in both voice performance/opera and composition. How is the performer-composer program at CIM? Does it prepare just as well for a career as a stand-alone performance or composition degree, or does it make you a "jack of all trades and master of none?" (no pun intended, haha) How are the classes similar/different from the traditional degrees? I want to be as hire-able and well-rounded as possible. Should I look into it, or would I be better off getting a voice degree and studying comp independently on the side? And overall, how's the opera program at CIM? Thanks! :-)
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MSM contemporary performance grad degree
Hello! I'm a prospective grad voice student interested in opera, contemporary music, and composition. The contemporary performance degree at Manhattan greatly intrigues me, but I notice that you only get private lessons once a month instead of once a week on your instrument (the other weeks being in a group setting) and that some key classes in the traditional voice degree are lacking. For those of you in the program, what do you think of it? And would it be realistic in terms of time and money to possibly do a combined degree in voice studies and contemporary performance? It doesn't seem practical as a vocalist to specialize in just contemporary performance because I don't want to be pigeon-holed into a specific niche at the expense of other opportunities. I want to be as hire-able and well-rounded as possible... Thanks for any info! :-)
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Winter Music Programs (like NYSOS or PMP in Sarasota)
I was wondering if there were any good music programs held over winter break. I have looked at the NYSOS, and was wondering if anyone knows about other programs like it.
Any additional info about NYSOS (how competitive it is, what kind of experience it provides) would be greatly appreciated too!
I have also heard about the Perlman Music Program Winter Residency in Sarasota. Is that open to high schoolers, and if so, how does one audition into it? The website doesn't seem to have any information about applying to it. Any info on it would also be very appreciated.
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Graduate program for voice/opera and composition/new music?
Hello fellow musicians! :-)
I'm a 22-year-old coloratura soprano just finishing a BM in voice performance this fall, and will be applying to graduate school in the coming year. I plan to pursue a degree in vocal studies/opera, but am also interested in studying composition on my own. Even though I never majored in comp as an undergrad, I have taken private comp lessons as an independent study, participated in studio class, and had several works performed by myself and others. I also feel a deep connection to contemporary and avant-garde music as a performer. My vocal technique is decently solid, but my bigger strength has always been my ears and musicianship. Since my skill set is so hard-wired for new music I’m hoping it will be a good niche to help set me apart, especially since competition is so fierce and I’m “another dang soprano.” Haha ;-) And on a somewhat related note, hopefully I can get an assistantship teaching music theory or ear training…
My overall career goals fall somewhere along the spectrum between (for example) Diana Damrau, Barbara Hannigan and Dominick Argento. In an ideal world I would like to simultaneously perform and compose opera with some concert work (again, as both a performer and composer) on the side. Realistically, I know pursuing both degrees is too much time and money, and I need to choose a primary focus to make myself marketable. Right now, I feel my best shot in that respect is a more general voice/opera degree. From what my professors have said composition seems easier to study on my own than performance. Plus, I haven’t been doing it as long so I’m not sure I’m ready for a graduate degree in that field. I’m still considering submitting a portfolio just to see what happens, though. If I don’t get into any schools for performance but I do for comp, then I guess I’ll know where God wants me... :-P
But anyway, regardless of my primary focus I still want to have room for as much versatility as possible so that if any opportunities come up that deviate from the expected path, I will still be just as equipped to adapt and take advantage of them. Ideally, I would like to find a school that encourages this sort of well-roundedness, specializes in opera and new music, has lots of opportunities for roles (so not schools with a huge post-graduate program where the masters students don’t get as much stage time), encourages performance of student compositions, and of course a voice teacher I connect well with (I know that's the most important thing!).
With that said, here are the schools I'm looking at so far. I would like to narrow it down to no more than 10 for pre-screenings (and I know that many is still rather unrealistic, haha) and 5 for final auditions, with a good mix of top-tier, middle-of-the-road, and safety schools. Let me know if I've missed any, especially some lesser-known “hidden gems.” Or which you think I should rule out…
Yale University
Indiana University
Manhattan School of Music
Mannes School of Music
Johns Hopkins University (Peabody)
University of Houston
University of North Texas
Oklahoma City University
Northwestern University
University of Michigan
University of Toronto
University of Cincinnati College Conservatory
Cleveland Institute of Music
Binghamton University
Florida State University
Also, which vocal teachers at these schools do you recommend? I know that's something I can only really figure out for myself, but I'd greatly appreciate any advice to narrow down who I take sample lessons with (especially since a lot of traveling will be involved...). The short version is that I need the studio to be a place of honesty, vulnerability, and safety. For more specifics, I started a separate thread since this is already too long, haha:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1902423-graduate-voice-teacher-advice.html?new=1
Thank you for any help you can give! :-)
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Harvard and Berklee to offer dual degree: BA/MM or MA starting in 2017
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2016/07/harvard-and-berklee-to-offer-dual-degree/
"Here’s how the five-year program works: Students pursue their bachelor’s degree at Harvard while taking private lessons and preparatory classes at Berklee during the first three years. In addition, they participate in ensembles at either institution, and pass instrumental proficiency exams at Berklee. In their fourth year, students complete their bachelor’s requirements, including a senior thesis, if desired. They finish their selected master’s program (master of music or master of arts) in the final year."
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Scholarship Foundations..
I've admitted to the Manhattan School of Music Masters.
Got a scholarship from school, but still needs some more a bit.
Is there any Scholarship foundations I can apply for?
I just founded the site called 'Scholarship owl'. Is it believable?
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New Golden Age of Jazz
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jul/08/is-jazz-entering-a-new-golden-age
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Graduate voice teacher advice?
Hello fellow singers! :-)
I'm a 22-year-old coloratura soprano just finishing a BM in voice performance this fall, and I will be applying to graduate school in the coming year. I plan to pursue a master's degree in vocal studies/opera, but am also interested in composition and performing new music. I’m looking for a school specializing in opera and contemporary/avant-garde music that will allow me to be as well-rounded as possible regardless of my official degree. I know composition and performance are both very competitive fields (especially since I’m “another dang soprano,” haha) and I want to come out of grad school prepared to take advantage of any opportunities that come my way!
With all of this said, I know that the most important factor in picking a school is a voice teacher I connect well with. I also know that's something I can only really figure out for myself, but I would greatly appreciate any advice to narrow down who I take sample lessons with (especially since a lot of traveling will be involved...). It’s overwhelming how many choices there are! Here are the schools I’m considering at the moment. I’m still trying to narrow it down to no more than 10 for pre-screenings (and I know that many is still rather unrealistic, haha) and 5 for final auditions, with a good mix of top-tier, middle-of-the-road, and safety schools.
Yale University
Indiana University
Manhattan School of Music
Mannes School of Music
Johns Hopkins University (Peabody)
University of Houston
University of North Texas
Oklahoma City University
Northwestern University
University of Michigan
University of Toronto
University of Cincinnati College Conservatory
Cleveland Institute of Music
Binghamton University
Florida State University
Also, a general sketch about me and how I learn: I'm highly energetic in a cheerful and quirky sort of way that can be over-the-top at times, and I laugh a lot. I'm a visual learner, but metaphors and images work best with me when I can also connect them to the technical aspect of why they work. I'm a perfectionist/overthinker who tries too hard (and tends to over-correct), so a lot of my vocal problems have had to do with tension. I need someone who is clearly invested in me but doesn't coddle me, sees both my overall potential and where I stand at the present moment, and lets me know very frankly when I'm successful and when I'm not. Also, I need someone who does not sugarcoat (because in all honesty, if they do I will be in danger of believing them too much and becoming complacent) but is also nurturing enough that I feel completely comfortable making mistakes in front of them without feeling stupid. I know this business requires a thick skin, and I have certainly developed that where it counts - but I see the studio as a place where that skin should be stripped away and saved for auditions. Underneath it I'm still a sensitive perfectionist, and the moment I worry about failing is the moment my technique tenses up and I'm no longer learning at my best.
To make a long story short, I need the studio to be a place of honesty, vulnerability, and safety. Sorry if that was too much info, lol...but if it brings any specific teacher to mind, please let me know! Especially if they’re at a school I didn’t list…
If you’re still reading this monstrosity of a post, thank you! :-) And thank you also for any help you can give!
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Thoughts on HYPSChi Piano Programs?
I know that Yale has a fantastic graduate music program, but I have heard that its undergrads don't have a ton of access to those professors and resources. I have even less knowledge of the piano departments of the other schools on this list, so I was wondering what you guys thought about their respective qualities. Although I'm probably good enough to make music a career, I doubt I'll ultimately go down that path, and academics are my focus. However, it is important to me to have a good piano teacher in college, so any information on these schools (specifically the professors) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Berklee acceptance average rate for this year?
Berklee acceptance average rate for this year? :-/
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Cutis and Colburn question
My son is considering applying to these programs, although he realizes that the chances of getting in are nearly zero. These programs are very small and may not have openings for all instuments in any given year. Is there any wany to knwo if they will even be considering a tenor trombone player for 2013 admission, other than to pay the appication fee and have him apply? I hate to waste money on the application if there is literally zero chance of him getting in!
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What can you do with a music performance degree?
I have been thinking of pursuing a music performance degree, but I am now skeptical about how I can get a job with it. The reason why I am considering it is because I want to become a performer (singer/musician). But besides that, what other occupations are you qualified for with this degree? Since I have been skeptical about this degree, I am falling back on music education instead, since I can get a job afterwards as a HS teacher or even a college professor. But in my heart, I know that teaching music is not my calling, instead it's truly performing! That's why I'm so torn with what TYPE of music major should I study that will be worth the TIME and MONEY? If you are a music performance major, what are the benefits of completing this degree? If you are a music major of some sort, what are some that you know that are really reliable to get a career with one day? As a singer/musician, I personally don't think this degree is needed to get a well-paying job in the music industry/field (look at the education of the most well known musicians nowadays... Beyonce, Rihanna... NO college background! Well, besides GAGA (NYU)) but then again, maybe a music degree in performance can be helpful for you personally to mold your craft. I'm just really curious on what this major has to offer! Also, I'm no way into classical music, so if you know any music schools/conservatories in CA or NY that are well known for contemporary music + a good reputation, please let me know!
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Getting in a prestigious music school for a double degree with a music major...
So I'm sure this question has already been asked many many many times, but anyways, here goes...
So first off, my current dream is to be accepted into a prestigious music university in a double major: a music major for Violin performance, along with either a computer science or kinesiology (if I end up deciding that computer science may be too much strain) major. I don't worry too much about the stress, I am a good student and get good grades with average in the 90s, have many interests and deals with a lot of stress all the time.
That aside, I started violin kind of early with private instruction, but unfortunately not as early as all those child prodigies. I started at the age of 8 years old, and am now 17. The problem is that when I started, I "wasted" 2 precious years with violin teachers with lower standards, and not many expectations. I did not do any competitions, however I did play in many concerts. Then, I started studying with a good teacher for a year, and got more serious. Then she moved away and I kept taking lessons online with her (not as good as physical, but it still worked at that level). Meanwhile, I have done many regional competitions every year and always placed first (though it was only for RCM grades 3-6). When it got more advanced in RCM grade 6,7,8, I still placed pretty well, some ups and downs, but mostly at least in the top 3. Last year, as I was getting more advanced, I found myself new very good and respectable teachers and I was able to get to provincial level competition for grade 8 and did decent with a 3rd place. I am also part of the community youth orchestra, and school string ensemble, and have played with different people and instruments in duets.
Though I certainly do not consider myself a prodigy, I have been told I have talent, and that on the musical side, my playing is unique and passionate. I am now finishing RCM grade 9 going into grade 10, and am graduating high school in June 2017. There are so many things I wished I had time to do, like auditioning for the national youth orchestra, going for the Canadian national music competition and auditioning for a solo in my orchestra with a grade 10 RCM repertoire, but I am not sure if I will have time. My technique, sight reading, theory/harmony and knowledge in general is lacking behind and I am working very hard to make up for it right now. I am expecting to finish all my theory/harmony for grade 10 before I graduate school of course.
By prestigious music universities, I mean Cleveland, Jacob's, Peabody or Oberlin, and that is my worry, I haven't done any national competitions yet, and I will not have time to get my technique up to ARCT. Is it possible to get into such prestigious universities with only grade 10 concerto pieces such as Bruch/Kabalevski, passion for music and a good musical sense? The obvious better approach would be to take a gap year to prepare, however I'd like to avoid that as much as possible. I really want to move out, and I will also have my academics to worry about to get into my second degree, and I just don't know how it's going to turn out for a gap year... Anyhow, I really don't want to waste any more time than I already have, I really want to be able to make it.
Oh how I wished I started violin earlier and made better choices...
Anyways, thanks for reading this far, you can give me your honest cruel opinion, encouragements, crush my dreams or whatever, as long as you give me valuable and useful advice.
Thanks!
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Music Composition Undergraduate Programs/Admissions
My daughter is a junior in high school. She has been composing music since she was in 5th grade, having won a few contests (national and 1 international, although I don't think this seems to matter for college admissions). She works with a private teacher, and has done several thing musically at her high school (choir, Theory classes, some band). She plays piano and composes on piano and on her computer. She has attended a couple of summer programs composition programs, and is likely to be a National Merit Semifinalist. Her test scores are strong and has taken mostly honors classes. Her grades are good, but not perfect. How important are grades for admission to the music composition programs at schools like Oberlin (5 year double major), CMU (5 year double major), Michigan, Berklee/Rochester, Michigan, Johns Hopkins, Brown, Yale and Harvard? Any past experiences with and insight into the admission processes at these schools would be so appreciated.
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Importance of grades for music majors in joint BA/BFA programs
My daughter is a junior in high school. She has been composing music since she was in 5th grade, having won a few contests (national and 1 international, although I don't think this seems to matter for college admissions). She works with a private teacher, and has done several thing musically at her high school (choir, Theory classes, some band). She plays piano and composes on piano and on her computer. She has attended a couple of summer programs composition programs, and is likely to be a National Merit Semifinalist. Her test scores are strong and has taken mostly honors classes. Her grades are good, but not perfect. How important are grades for admission to the music composition programs at schools like Oberlin (5 year double major-computer science), CMU (5 year double major), Michigan, Berklee/Rochester, Michigan, Johns Hopkins, Brown, Yale and Harvard? Any past experiences with and insight into the admission processes at these schools would be so appreciated.
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Brown U's MEME (Multimedia and Electronic Music Experiments). Harvard/ Berklee MUSIC COMPOSITION
Looking for any feedback on Brown's MEME program from people who have had experience with it. Also, thoughts on Harvard's partnering with Berklee for a dual music degree from people who've had experience at Harvard in their electroacoustic music program. From Harvard Crimson '16: Harvard College and Berklee College of Music have formalized a new dual-degree program, marking the beginning of a partnership that promises to marry Harvard’s liberal arts curriculum with a more focused, advanced degree in music from Berklee. By the end of the program’s five-year cycle, students will have earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard and either a Master of Arts or a Master of Music from Berklee.
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Yale to add more Jazz offerings for undergrads
Yale has been behind the times the last few years in its jazz possibilities for undergrads, and almost non-existent for the grad school of music. However, things are changing: http://music.yale.edu/2016/07/29/dean-robert-blocker-announces-ysm-jazz-initiative/
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