Piano Major

[kamikaz1]

I'm new to this forum and I was wondering, what level do you have to be to get accepted to major in piano performance? Is it more intense than a competition or is there actually nothing to be afraid of?

[kamikaz1]

for the intense part, I was referring to the audition.

[jlh]

You pretty much have to be at least into the early advanced repertoire to be realistic.  As far as intense auditions, every school will have their own standards, but generally if you understand what you're doing, have a grasp of the repertoire, and play it well, you should be accepted (good letters of recommendation don't hurt, either).

It get's more selective if you're competing for a scholarship to said school.  There's only so much money to go around, so you'll have to play extra well to have a shot at that.

[kamikaz1]

Thanks for the reply, but I have another question, what music career do any piano majors in this forum have, ie - teaching, performing, etc?

[kamikaz1]

I meant what careers do any piano majors have after graduating from college or a university, sorry I didn't out that on my previous post.

[jlh]

um... more school? A lot of people choose to pursue MM or DMA degrees once they're done with the first 4 years.

As far as other options:

Solo performing careers
Chamber careers (trios, quartets, duo piano, etc.),
Accompanying
Teaching (either privately, for a music school or post-secondary teaching)
Playing in a band
Hired for studio recordings
Playing for a church
The list goes on...

You could also start producing other artists or get into arts management as a career, if you'd like.

I'm sure others could offer even more suggestions as this is just off the top of my head...

[kamikaz1]

thanks for the info

[wintervind]

I meant what careers do any piano majors have after graduating from college or a university, sorry I didn't out that on my previous post.

UNEMPLOYMENT!
just kidding!
I finished my music degree last spring, and I fully intend to go to grad school. Obviously having a career in performance requires more than just being competent on the piano.
I suppose if I was motivated, I could start a teaching studio. But I'm young, and having a steady income isn't really important to me. Isn't that why we study music!