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The Prospective Horn Student's FAQ

Inquiring MindStudents and their parents often ask me about what it takes to continue playing horn at the college level. Whether you plan to major or minor in music, or you want to continue playing while you pursue another degree program, there are a number of steps you can take right now!  Below are some commonly asked questions about music programs, and some additional resources to help you prepare.

Is a music major right for me?

This is probably the most common question from students and parents alike.   To answer this one question, ask yourself a few more:
  • Am I dedicated to my music studies right now, and willing to practice even when it sometimes means I can't hang out with my friends?
  • Am I achieving success in my current activities, such as high placement in regional, state or national competitions?
  • Am I now studying with a qualified teacher who has told me that I stand a good chance as a music major?
  • Is there another interest of mine that I also feel strongly about pursuing, to the point that it might interfere with my practicing?

A music major (with either a performance or an education concentration) takes a uniquely high degree of commitment.  In addition to classroom study, you will have to spend a good deal of time in the practice room to sharpen your skills, even if it means occasionally missing out on social activity!  This means not only your horn-playing skills, but also piano, ear-training, sightsinging, and theory skills that must be drilled regularly, and you will also spend a significant amount of time in ensemble rehearsals.

Though it's not the only litmus test, your history of placement in competitive auditions can be a good indication of your future success.  If you consistently place highly in auditions for regional, state or even national ensembles, then music professionals have already given you some encouragement!   Finally, if there is a field of study in addition to music that you feel has serious career potential, you should consider carefully how well you'll be able to juggle the demands, and if you would be better suited to one of the programs described below.

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I'm not sure I want to major in music, but I definitely want to keep playing the horn.  How do I know if college-level music study is right for me?

If you've come this far on the site, you obviously have a real interest in the horn, and a strong desire to continue your studies.  There are many opportunites for ensemble playing at UD, so you're sure to find one that fits your skills and schedule.  Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester for the major ensembles and chamber ensemble placement is determined by personnel needs and consultation with the ensemble coach.  Private lessons are available to non-majors, but a sufficient level of preparation is expected in line with the performance goals we determine together.

I love to play, but I'm not the first chair player in my high school band.  Do I have a chance in college?

This can be a tough call, since not everyone develops at the same pace musically.  Your band or orchestra director would be a good person to ask, and if you have access to a qualified private instructor, he or she can guide you in the steps you need to take to play at the college level.  Another good way to determine this is to have a sample lesson with me during a visit to the UD campus.  Together we can determine the best course of study for you, and which playing opportunities best fit your needs..  
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What Music degrees are available?

The University of Delaware offers a number of music degrees,  including a Bachelor of Music in Applied Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music with concentration in another area, as well as the opportunity to declare a music minor to complement another degree program.

What's  the difference between these degrees?

The Bachelor of Music in Applied Performance is geared toward the student who intends to pursue a performance career, either as a soloist, chamber musician, player in an orchestra or military band, as a freelance musician, or in ways that we can only imagine today!  A performance major is expected to devote the majority of his/her time perfecting musical skills and to gain experience with a wide repertoire of solo and chamber works, orchestral literature and a comprehensive program of technical studies.  Performance majors are held to a very high standard of technical/musical achievement, which will be demonstrated by frequent performances on and off campus.

Bachelor of Music Education students are held to essentially the same standard as performance majors, but they also pursue an intensive course of study to prepare them for careers as teachers or administrators  in public or private schools at the elementary and secondary level.  Part of this training includes courses in educational theory and trends, practical exams to test general aptitude and knowledge of music pedagogy, methods courses where students learn to play all of the orchestral instruments, and a semester spent as a student teacher in an area school.  Obviously, this extra work involves extra time - some students elect to spread their study over a five year period, though it is certainly possible to complete the degree in four.

For students who want to combine their musical study with another discipline, the Bachelor of Arts degree is a good choice.  One program at UD allows a student to complete a B.A. and M.B.A program in Music Management, but a student can combine music with a wide array of liberal arts disciplines.  B.A. students are eligible for private study for four semesters, and are expected to demonstrate musical and technical skill in line with other music majors.

A music minor is geared toward the non-major student who wishes to continue with music study while pursuing another major, or for a music major wishing to study another instrument.  Admission to the program is based on the instructor's permission and through audition.   If this type of situation interests you, it is best to contact me directly when you apply so I can plan for your participation.
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How much practicing will I be expected to do?

All day, every day, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Well, almost!  There really isn't a set number of hours for practicing according to degree program, but generally performance majors are expected to devote the most time to practicing, followed closely by education majors then by BA and minors according to their performance goals.  By practice, I refer here to individual practice, apart from large and chamber ensemble rehearsals, which should adequately cover the technical and musical issues discussed in our weekly lessons.  So, the bottom line is that all students are expected to practice as long as it takes to accomplish assignment objectives.

What kinds of music will I be playing in college?

One of the great things about UD's music program is the wide array of ensemble and repertoire possibilities.   Ensemble choices include marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra, symphonic band, brass choir, horn quartet, horn ensembles, woodwind and brass quintets, jazzz ensembles, new music ensembles and a wide array of mixed or unusual combinations.  The style of music available to you is just as varied, from the more traditional Baroque, Classical and Romantic repertoire to the best in contemporary, electronic and experimental pieces.  Our strong composition program allows students to collaborate with emerging composers in the creation of new works as well as the insights provided by visiting composers, conductors and pedagogues.  Basically, the sky's the limit, and of course students are encouraged to cultivate their unique performance interests in innovative ways.
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Do I need to have my own horn?

The short answer is yes.  You will need to have an instrument for your exclusive use available for your lessons, rehearsals and individual practicing.  The Department does have a collection of instruments, but these are primarily for use in the methods courses.  If you need help in selecting a horn, please feel free to get in touch with me, and I can give you some suggestions to fit your needs and budget.

Do I have to take an audition?

The Bachelor of Music (Applied and Education) and the Bachelor of Arts programs do require an audition as a part of your application.  We have a number of dates set aside early in the year where you will perform for the brass faculty.  In some cases, we can arrange an alternative date for a live audition, or in extraordianry instances we can hear a taped audition, but it is always best to schedule a live audition when possible.  A live audition allows the committee to evaluate your playing more thoroghly, and allows you to present yourself at your best in person.  For entrance in the 2009/2010 academic year, we will be holding auditions on the following dates:
December 6, 2008
January 10, 2009
January 24, 2009
February 7, 2009
I urge students to consider a December audition if at all possible!

What will be on the audition?

The Department website lists the audition requirements, which you should use as a guideline.  The pieces listed represent the level of playing you should demonstrate, and your selections should include contrasts in style and tempo, for example a flowing, lyrical selection like the Franz Strauss Notturno and a more highly articulated selection such as a Kopprasch or Gallay study.   You will also be asked to sightread a short piece and play a few major scales at least two octaves.  If you have specific questions about the audition material, don't hesitate to contact me!
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Can I take a lesson before the audition?

Absolutely!  I highly recommend a "sample" lesson  prior to your audition, and I am happy to arrange a time for you so we can get to know each other a little better.  Time can be arranged up to a day before the audition, but a session some time in advance will help us determine the best audition plan.  Feel free to call or email to arrange a time.
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Department of Music Horn Studio | 308 Amy E. DuPont Newark, DE 19716
302-831-4945 phone | 302-831-3589 fax | Email Me!