How do I know I’m good enough to study bassoon in college? BACK
First things first. Ask yourself why you want to study bassoon at the college level.
•Do you want to perform in a professional symphony orchestra or chamber music group?
•Do you want to teach music to other people?
•Do you want to study another major that requires you to play a musical instrument (such as music therapy or recording and production)?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you should consider auditioning for college.
But are you good enough?
This is a very complicated question and the answers will be different wherever you go.
Consider a few things:
•Do I believe that music is what I truly want to do?
If you cannot imagine a life as a musician, music school is not for you. However, if you go to school for a non-music course of study (sociology, perhaps) but are also a skilled bassoonist, you may be able to earn extra funding for school by playing for your college/university’s ensembles. Contact the directors and ask about it.
•How long have I been playing?
This is actually less important than you would think. The real question is “How dedicated am I to playing?” Many bassoonists start much later than their other instrumentalist peers (clarinet, piano, etc.) and do just fine in college and in professional careers. It is not because the bassoon is easy, though. Successful late-starters are successful because they are dedicated to playing and improving.
•Have I been taking regular lessons?
Having regular lessons with a good teacher from the very beginning puts you at an advantage when it is time to audition for college. Skilled teachers insure that you are using proper technique, playing appropriate music, and developing adequate musical skills. If you have not been taking lessons regularly, do consider it. It will be money and time well spent.
•Have I been successful in my lessons?
How have your lessons gone? Do you and your teacher feel that you have been improving? Do you regularly put in adequate amounts of practice time? Do you enjoy your lesson times?
•Have I been successful in competitions (such as solo and ensemble)?
Basically, do people who do not care about your feelings think you are good at playing the bassoon? Have you received good marks and comments at competitions? Have those marks improved over the years?
•Have I ever been accepted into an honors band or orchestra?
This is very similar to the previous question. Being accepted into honors groups implies that you have yet again impressed someone who probably does not know you--a good sign. The higher the caliber of ensemble, the better. Acceptance into state or national groups is very impressive on a music school undergraduate resume.
•What do my music teachers think?
Ask your music teachers what they think. If they are a good teacher, they will be honest with you. Teachers can also give you great advice for what schools you should look into. Parents are good to ask as well, but you have to admit, most of our parents think we’re great no matter what we do!
•Where would I like to go to school?
Some schools may be a better fit than others, depending on your skill level and goals.
•What are their standards?
Check out the schools’ admission requirements. Are your grades good enough? Do you feel that you can prepare the required audition music (and scales) in the time you have?
•Is that school’s bassoon program competitive to get into?
How many other people will be auditioning for the schools you are considering? Ask your teachers for their opinions on this and also about how you may stack up against the competition. Schools such as Juilliard, Manhattan, Curtis, and Colburn are extremely competitive and only take a handful of the top bassoonists each year. Some years, they take none at all.
In the end, deciding to audition for music school is your choice, so if you have a true desire to pursue bassoon at a college level, then by all means give it a shot. The worst that could happen is that you may not be accepted--in which case you get to move on with your life.