For Piano Teachers: Getting Students Ready for College Auditions

[vcasted]

I am currently 17 years old....its my senior year. after preforming for THE first time in front of more than just close friends/family my counselor asked if i ever considered going to a musical college. He got my head filled with dreams. I checked out the websites to see what the requirements are for the auditions, And now I feel sick. I have always played the piano by ear. I can hear my way around a piano. I cannot site read but have taught myself to read notes 1 at a time.

[cedarvillemusic]

@vcasted

Thanks for writing. Yes, music programs require a lot of background even to get admitted.  Typically, students who major in piano or instruments have five to ten years of experience. Whatever you choose to do in college, I would encourage you to get with a teacher who can help you learn to read music. It would like trying to be an author without knowing how to read and write. It opens up a wonderful world of musical discovery.

[cedarvillemusic]

@cedarvillemusic

Sorry. That was not clear. I meant to say that doing music without being able to read music is like trying to write stories without being able to read words.

[vcasted]

@cedarvillemusic I am "illiterate" in the music world. I tell stories but only through pure sound. I wish i had discovered the musical world 10 years ago. There wouldn't be barriers in the way. It crushes me to hear that I cannot make it in any time soon, but i suppose the more challenging it is for me the more i will get out of it.

if you ever had the time, could you tell me what its like to be a professor of piano? -thanks for writing-

[halenfansarah]

Thanks! I am also a student, and I find these tips very helpful!

[cedarvillemusic]

Thanks. I hope you choose cool stuff to play.

[cedarvillemusic]

Thank you. I am thinking about doing one concerning playing two voices in one hand, such as one encounters in Bach all the time.

[classicsnut]

Wonderful video! I am not a teacher, but as a student these were great tips as I chose my repertoire this summer. Keep the videos coming!