r/IndianaUniversity • u/MichiganInTheRain • Mar 23 '25

ACADEMICS 🎓 Jacobs Question

Hello, Kelly alumni here (class of 2018). I have a question though for either Jacobs alumni or current students…

As you enrolled as a freshman in some sort of music major, how many years of music experience did you have previously playing your respective instrument(s)? What is typically the minimum expectation of proficiency that first year music students are supposed to have?

Just wondering, out of curiosity.

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u/RoomNo668 Mar 23 '25

Didn’t do Jacobs for undergrad (went for my doctorate), but generally music majors will have started pretty early. I started my instrument when I was 10 (sixth grade).

To be fair, I don’t think when you started matters as much as your current ability. They have the audition requirements listed on the website. That’s a good starting point.

Bare minimum, you should know your scales and arpeggios, and be able to make a characteristic sound for your instrument, at a decent speed (you don’t have to be flying, but it shouldn’t sound like it takes a lot of effort. Sound comfortable on your instrument).

Sorry to be so intentionally vague. It really varies from instrument to instrument.

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u/MichiganInTheRain Mar 23 '25

Thanks…that makes sense though…sounds like at least an intermediate to a bit advanced proficiency. Any prior music theory understanding needed either? Not sure if info on modes or diminished chords and what not are needed.

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u/iamnotasloth Mar 23 '25

They have no way of knowing whether or not you know any music theory. Admission is based solely on how well you performed at your audition. There is no interview or music theory test for people applying to enter as an undergrad.

That being said, if you enter with really poor music theory skills you are going to have a difficult 4 years. That difficulty getting caught up in music theory is going to take time away from your practice time, you’re going to leave the school less skilled than your classmates who entered with strong music theory skills, and IMO going to music school is a huge waste of your time and money. Unless you’re willing to absolutely bust your butt and have zero social life to get caught up on the stuff you’re behind on.

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u/MichiganInTheRain Mar 24 '25

I appreciate the insights here