The single biggest reason I went to the college I did was to study with the composition professor. I knew since music composition was going to be my major, it was critical I found a professor who would both encourage and stretch my understanding. This professor did just that. He is retired now, but I enjoyed the way he saw my potential, yet challenged me to think of things I may have never before considered.
When looking at colleges, I looked at literally a half dozen schools. One school in particular had a professor who insulted me and my music, calling it "derivitive," sounding like others' music. Sure, I was only 19 years old and had not yet found my personal voice compositionally. He could have seen my potential and encouraged that. Instead, he lost about $80 grand for his school because there was no way I was studying with this guy whose little sample of music he played for me sounded heartless and cold.
It is important when seeking a composition instructor, that you choose a person who will not shut you out or tear you down. We all have much to learn. That is okay. But we can always use some guidence when trying to find ourselves musically. The compositon is like a baby. The composer is the mother. The composition instructor is the midwife. Together, you bring life to this music into the world.
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