Where am I at?

[xhunterjx]

Hello.

I am fifteen years old and have played piano for a little less than 9 months now.  Before I played piano I was very interested in classical and rock guitar so I could read music.

I have big dreams of applying to either Julliard or Indiana University for piano and am wondering if the pieces I am playing are way more advanced than 9 months, way easier than 9 months, or right where they should be.

I am trying to see if I even have a chance to catch up the years I missed and be good enough to get accepted into these schools.

My Current Repetoire

Bagatelle in A Minor Op. 119 No. 9 (not fur elise)
Fur Elise
Solfegettio
Chopin Prelude in A Flat Major (Posthumous, a bit more advanced)
Chopin Polanaise in A Flat Major (Posthumous, not Heroic)

and, right now i am working on Mozarts Twinkle Variations.

So, do you guys think I will be able to attain my goal, or is it unrealistic.

And regarding practice time, its usually about 3 to 4 hours a day.

Thanks,
Hunter

[donjuan]

Hi Hunter,
 
Anything is possible.  I think your pieces sound hard for someone who has only played piano for 9 months.  However, if you apply for Julliard, they will not be so concerned about what you play, but more about how you play.  And this depends on your personality (which I don't know anything about) and your experience as a musician, not necessarily a pianist, but a musician:

How long did you play Guitar for before starting piano?  If you had a good teacher, then that time spent with the guitar may not be 'missed' as you put it. 

Fact of the matter is, you are 15 and are playing the kind of pieces we see 8 year old asian girls playing with technical flawlessness.  You, like me, are a late starter and our chances at succeeding, when up against people who have been playing as long as they have been able to talk, are very small unless we have something really special to give.

When you apply for Julliard, you will find out if the world wants you as much as you want the world.  Remember, anything is possible.  I really don't know anything about you or how you practice.  Sorry for not being more helpful.

donjuan

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

Yes anything is possible. As Donjuan has put it, it depends on your personality. Which Polonaise is it because that sounds impressive.

[xhunterjx]

It is the Polonaise in A Flat Major Op. Posthume No. 13

[pianistimo]

one thing they will ask for is a list of your repertoire and probably a brief bio (at least they did at wcu).  i would take lessons for a while from your current teacher, or one that is an alumni because through them you will gain a bit of insight as to what the school requires also.  (esp. if you take from an alumni of the school - which is easier to do privately at first).  getting private lessons first is MUCH easier and that will set you up to work your repertoire list into shape (not to mention your playing).  just tell them - when you audition - what your goals are (to get into whichever school) and if they could help you attain it within 2-3 years.

getting into a school at 15 really doesn't make you look any better than taking a couple more years of lessons (2-3).  when you are 18 you'll fit in better anyway, imo.  i could be wrong.  seems that a lot is required at these schools (kind of like military school?) and you have to develop the habits that will help you - and learning to pace yourself and your class load.  one thing you'll find is that finding balance is difficult.  probably first, go to a nutrutionist and find out what is the best balanced diet you can eat (and don't be tempted for fast food).  get into an exercise regimine (daily).  i think playing piano at a high level is much like the olympics.  you need a lot of energy and mental alertness.

ps i'd also get better at music theory than most of your piano student friends.  take some classes at the community college over the summer in theory, form/analysis, even orchestration.  if you have skill levels that are high in those areas, it shows that you have a broad range of talents.  save your best work in a folder.  one class that is great fun, too, is conducting.  it teaches you a lot about interpretation. 

also, whenever your schedule allows, print up a program of your choice and perform it for the public in different places (museum, garden, church, retirement home, mall, restaurant) and then you'll have some proof of your performance abilities (that you don't get so nervous in public). 

[pianistimo]

say, i was doing some searching for you and found that julliard has a private teacher network at this site:  www.julliard.edu/college/career_ptd.html  or google 'julliard private teacher network'  (scroll down)  you'll find some teachers are students, faculty, and alumni - some will even come to your home!  you can choose.

if you don't live in the area - consider any that teach online (don't know if they do or not)

also, derek mithaug is the director of career development - but if you play online poker - you might meet him too. 

***consider a double major.  music students can make some income off performing and teaching, but good to have another option as backup.  surprisingly when you get into the career side - you'll find the more skills the more options you have.  they offer jobs at the library sometimes - and i'd think cataloging would be a fun job since you'd get to look at music.  you'd know where everything is.