Hartt School of Music wanting the Vaughn Williams?

[TubaJerry1]

The Hartt School of Music in CT, I read, requires the first or second movement of the Ralph Vaughn Williams Tuba Concerto, for undergraduate applicants. I haven't found any college that requires one certain piece, but the problem is the difficulty. I have only been playing for 4 years, I am a junior in high school, and I do have a copy of the music; but my high range is not good at all. I am working on it, but the majority of the piece is at the top of the staff or well above it, and I can barely maintain a middle c. I expect that I only have a year before I begin auditioning, and this is stressing me out. Any advice or suggestions?

[Antontuba]

How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Do the work, ask questions, and never, never give up.

[PMeuph]

Record yourself regularly. Listen back and criticize specific sections. Don't just start playing from the beginning every time you are going to practice. Certain practice sessions will be run throughs of the piece, some should only be on several chunks. Break up the piece as much as possible short chunks (no more than 4 bars) and practice those in isolation. no more than 5 at a time minutes per chunk (time yourself).

Use drones, use a metronome, a mirror, use a tuner... play along with recordings....

Practice daily.
_____

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outliers_%28book%29" target="_blank

[Nick Pierce]

I played both of those movements on my college auditions several years ago. The only horn I had available was a BBb tuba owned by my high school. I got in, and received a scholarship as well, so it can be done. Practice hard, practice smart, take lessons from a local pro, and it is entirely possible to achieve. Best of luck, you will grow immensely from the experience of learning either or both movements.

[roweenie]

Most everything said above is excellent advice.

One thing that I don't think I would do is ask if I could play something else. That is basically admitting defeat before you step one foot into the audition room. However, having a lesson with the teacher well in advance of the audition in order to "feel him out" might be helpful in this regard.

With that said, I've got to imagine (hope) that the audition committee is looking for potential, as well as at your present abilities. If they're not, then frankly, they are not doing their job as teachers. Remember, this is an audition to study and improve, not for a symphony orchestra gig (however, I would practice for it as though it were). After all, if your playing is perfect, then why go there to study at all?

Perhaps they'll be able to tell how much you will have worked on it, and still be impressed enough to offer you a position...

+1

Work your *** off, and it will show (not your ***, that is )

[CA Transplant]

Since you have a year to prepare, it should be an excellent reason to develop your high register. And now for something completely different: Here's a kid in Japan playing one movement on a sousaphone, just for inspiration:

http://youtu.be/P5Cw70T-IeE" target="_blank" target="_blank

[roweenie]

(copied from the above link supplied by Bloke)

10. Remember the Purpose of Your Audition.

"Finally, remember that while you are auditioning for admission and scholarships, the initial audition for a college or university program is usually not competitive in the sense that you are auditioning for chair placement or otherwise determining your place in the 'pecking order' at that school. Your goal should be to give a favorable but accurate demonstration of your playing and knowledge, showing yourself to be a capable, curious, and ambitious student with the desire and ability to grow as a musician and contribute to great performances during the course of your time in the music department. Do that, and both admission and scholarships will follow." (emphasis added)

Excellent advice, indeed.

One more thing that I would add - during the audition itself, try to be as personable as you possibly can. Remember, your potential new teacher is also thinking about spending several one-on-one hours over the next few years with you, and you don't want to come across as an asshole on your first meeting. (This is actually common-sense, but I add it here for the sake of completeness).

[pgym]

One more thing that I would add - during the audition itself, try to be as personable as you possibly can. Remember, your potential new teacher is also thinking about spending several one-on-one hours over the next few years with you, and you don't want to come across as an asshole on your first meeting.

But if he works his *** off, as you suggested upthread, won't that leave a big *** hole????

[vd8m9]

Hey thanks for posting this thread. I'm kind of in the same situation and everything that helped you helped me as well. I like what you are doing, as it is the same type of thing I've always done, which is to set really high standards and work as if it's possible.

[eupher61]

What a stupid requirement. VW for incoming freshman? Utterly ridiculous.

Absolutely no sarcasm intended.

[Mark]

What a stupid requirement. VW for incoming freshman? Utterly ridiculous.

This is a conservatory and Scott Mendoker is the tuba instructor. The first two movements of the Vaughan Williams seems reasonable to me.

[scottmendoker]

I understand the anxiety. But, I should also point out that the VW is a requirement for PERFORMANCE MAJORS. Here's what's on the site:

Each of the following:
One Bordogni melodic study
One Kopprasch or Blazhevich technical etude
All scales
Orchestral excerpts such as: Wagner, overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, (Letter J to the end) and "Ride of the Valkyries" or similar orchestral excerpts
Performance majors must also play the Vaughan Williams Concerto (mvt 1 or 2); all other majors must play the Edward Gregson Concerto (mvt 1 only) or other similar solos from the standard repertoire.

As someone mentioned, this is a conservatory and students majoring in performance are expected to play at a high level. Having said that, I want to hear you play something GREAT. These audition requirements aren't absolute. You want to come and study with me at Hartt? You want to play something other than VW? Contact me and let's talk. I usually call the candidates and offer a free session if they can make it to me.

Hope this helps and good luck!
Scott Mendoker

[brendanige]

About five years ago I auditioned for Professor Mendoker. I tried to fly out to him from Hawaii but got stuck in Atlanta. I ended up auditioning by video. He was very supportive the whole way and very accommodating. If you haven't got in touch with him, I would strongly suggest it.