Theory and University courses

Hey everyone. I'm 18 and starting to think about university. I'm for sure going, but exactly what I'm studying is still up in the air. I love music, have been playing guitar for years, and I'm thinking that music is probably the logical direction for me. Skill wise I have no problem. I focus mainly on the acoustic side of things, although I'm no stranger to the electric guitar. I play percussive fingerstyle music like Don Ross and Justin King. I'm completely self taught and have a very basic knowledge of music theory. (thanks to 2 years of piano lessons)
My question to those of you who have been through post secondary music studies is, what should I do in preparation for these courses? I have the summer to catch up, but where exactly do I have to catch up to? Also, what are some ways I can do this, excluding taking lessons.
Thanks
-Dave

If your self taught and you plan on taking music courses in college, you should probably prepare yourself for ear training. Matter of fact some colleges will hold you back (or not except you) if you have poor scores in this area. So if you have neglected this area, I'd suggest getting into it before applying. There are tons of programs you can download, or books you can look into.

Here are areas to focus on.
* Recognize and name intervals from unison to major sevenths when played.
* Recognize and name all four basic triads (major, minor, augmented, and diminished), along with the dominant chords when played.
* Recognize the four scales used in western music (major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor), plus the whole tone scale when played ascending and descending.

If you get at least an elementary level on those, you should do just fine. It should give you a headstart, cause ear training on a college level is probably the hardest course.

Ok, thanks. Ear training isn't a super big deal for me. I've done some in the past and it's always just come naturally to me. What about stuff like sight reading? Should I worry about that end of things at all?

Originally Posted by: Mr_notfishOk, thanks. Ear training isn't a super big deal for me. I've done some in the past and it's always just come naturally to me. What about stuff like sight reading? Should I worry about that end of things at all?

Yes. You will be expected to read music quickly enough to read along with a piece.

Interesting... That could be a problem.

It's daunting, but it's not as difficult as it seems. It merely takes practice.

That is true. I started learning to sight read awhile ago, but I just got bored with it. Is there anything I need to know for composition type courses? I live in a tiny town in northern B.C. so I've been rather limited as to musical education.

Originally Posted by: Mr_notfishThat is true. I started learning to sight read awhile ago, but I just got bored with it. Is there anything I need to know for composition type courses? I live in a tiny town in northern B.C. so I've been rather limited as to musical education.

Most theory courses will ease you into composition by teaching you first how to harmonize. You'll probably end up harmonizing many examples and observing harmonies in various different pieces before you ever get to melodic compositions. I think you'll just need a knowledge of basic rhythm and note-reading.

Ok, thanks alot. That eases my mind somewhat.

does anyone by chance have a good sight they like for ear training?

Originally Posted by: ScottMoneydoes anyone by chance have a good sight they like for ear training?

It's actually pretty easy to do it on your own with a piano if you can find one. Make sure it's in tune.

I have a piano but it is definitely out of tune in spots. I trust digital midis for such cases because you know those are accurate, anyone have a favorite site they like

I haven't been there in awhile so I'm not sure if it has exactly what you want, but www.musictheory.net is very nice. Has a bunch of trainers for various things.