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Preparing to Enter a Conservatory,
College, or University
as a Music Major: An advisory from the
National
Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Introduction
Acceptance to an undergraduate
program in music is based on many considerations. These vary
widely among institutions. For example, some have stringent
audition requirements prior to admission while others have
open admission policies, followed by thorough examinations
at some point in the program to determine whether the student
may continue as a music major. For specific application requisites,
contact NASM institutions directly. The suggestions below
indicate how you can best prepare during the high school years,
not what you must achieve to apply or be accepted. The advice
provided describes two things: first, an ideal set of knowledge
and skills goals for college-level applicants; second, competencies
needed by musicians as they practice the various aspects of
the profession in college and beyond. In brief, you should
learn as much as you can as early as you can.
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1) Take responsibility
for your own development
Each musician brings a unique set of talents, aspirations, and
abilities to the musical scene. Although you are in school and
probably studying with a private teacher, it is important to
take increasing responsibility for developing your particular
abilities toward you specific goals. Begin by obtaining the
admission requirements of schools you may wish to attend, the
earlier, the better. Ultimately, you are responsible for choices
about how you use your time to prepare for your future. For
most musicians, that future involves music at the center supported
by many other capabilities.
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2) Practice, practice, practice!
Whatever you do or intend to do in music, try to practice it
as much as possible. This applies not only to your instrument
and/or voice, but also to other types of musical work. For example,
composers should practice composing, prospective teachers should
try to observe and gain teaching experiences under appropriate
supervision, those interested in music scholarship or criticism
should practice writing and speaking on musical topics. No level
of knowledge or skill that you can attain will be too high.
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3) Perform alone and with others
Performance ability is essential for all musicians. You should
be a competent performer on at least one instrument or with
your voice whether or not you intend to have a performance career.
Keyboard ability is important for the life work of most musicians.
Students with keyboard skills have a head start as music majors.
Ensemble experiences of all kinds should be sought. Work in
large and small ensembles develops different kinds of musical
skills. Fine ensemble playing comes primarily through practice.
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4) Master the basics
Be sure that you can read both
treble and bass clefs, and that you know key signatures, the
major and minor scales, and how to write basic notations. Knowledge
of musical terms and usage is important, as is the ability to
recognize intervals and basic chord types. |
5) Develop your ear
Take every opportunity to train your musical ear by taking courses
or studies in musicianship that include sight-singing, ear-training,
sight-reading, rhythmic and harmonic dictation, and so forth.
Developing the ear is a lifetime job. The earlier work is started,
the better. |
6) Hear as much music as you can
You need to be familiar with far more
music than what you perform. Try to hear as much music from
as many historical periods and cultural sources as possible.
Ask your teachers to recommend a listening list for you that
covers the various solo, small, and large ensemble repertory
in your performance area. Try to make sure that you have heard
the major works of all types in the particular area of music
that interests you. Listen more to learn the breadth and depth
of the repertory than to enjoy what is already familiar. Whenever
possible, follow the score as you listen. |
7) Learn how music works
Take opportunities to learn the basics
of musical structure, including studies in such areas as form,
harmony, counterpoint, composition, and improvisation. Like
so many other things in music, this knowledge is developed throughout
a lifetime. Those who are able to get started early have an
advantage. Work with your music teachers, enroll in an Advanced
Placement music course if it is available in your high school,
take classes at your community music school, and otherwise explore
opportunities to gain initial acquaintance with this material.
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8) Become a fluent, effective speaker and writer of English
As a musician, you will communicate in
music, but you will also rely heavily on your ability to communicate
in words. Everything from rehearsals to teaching, writing grant
proposals, negotiating, and promoting your musical interest
relies on fluent English skills. Focus attention on learning
to speak and write effectively.
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9) Study a foreign language or two (or three!)
Musicians practice their art internationally. You are likely
to perform music with texts in foreign languages, and to work
with musicians from all over the world. Significant musical
scholarship and criticism are in foreign languages. If you seek
advanced degrees in music, reading fluency in one or more foreign
languages is often required. Since foreign languages are difficult
for many people, you should begin acquiring knowledge and skills
in at least one foreign language as early as possible. Consult
with your music teacher about which languages are best for you
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10) Get a comprehensive high school education
Music influences and is influenced by
other fields of study: the humanities, mathematics, the sciences,
the social sciences, and the other arts: architecture, dance,
film, literature, theatre, and the visual arts. For entrance
into college-level study, you are encouraged to gain a basic
overview of ancient and modern history, the basic thought processes
and procedures of math and science, and familiarity with works
in as many of the other arts disciplines as possible. Most professionals
who work with music comprehensively develop a particular sensibility
about the connections among music, history, and the other arts.
Understanding the basics of math and the sciences support future
work in music technologies. Social studies are related to understanding
the context for various musical endeavors. |
And finally, think of everything you study as helping you
to become a better musician.
The best musicians continue
to learn throughout their lives. They are always studying
and thinking, always connecting what they know about music
with their knowledge of other fields. Since you never know
the direction your career will take, it is wise to spend your
high school years gaining the basic ability to understand
and work in a variety of fields beyond music. Keep music at
the center of your efforts, but accept and enjoy the challenge
of gaining knowledge and skills in other areas that will support
both formal studies at the college level and your music career
beyond.
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