ACADEMICS


The Universal Language


“M


usic allows us to move around those big invisible pieces of ourselves and rearrange our insides so that we can express


what we feel, even when we can’t talk about it.” Music Division Director Karl Paulnack’s words reso- nated deep within the music community, striking a chord of truth that few before him were able to articulate. And for Andy Vores, it underscored why


Composition Students at The Boston Conservatory Learn to Communicate Through Music


writing music has been an essential part of his career as a composer and educator.


Vores—an active and in-demand composer— chairs the Composition Department at The Boston Conservatory. “People need outlets to express them- selves,” he reminds us. “And some things can only be expressed in sound. Our purpose is to motivate and inspire, to expose students to new ideas, to push and challenge them and help guide them in conquering the obstacles and setbacks they’ll face while translating their thoughts into music.” When Vores joined the Conservatory a decade ago, the composition depart- ment was a modest size, with only seven students and two composition faculty members. Now the Conservatory trains 33 students a year and boasts five high- profile faculty composers. In fact, the department now enforces a rigid pre- screening process, during which a third of applicants are turned away. The remaining pool of students is invited to interview, after which only half are accepted to the program.


So what’s making the Conservatory a top pick for prospective composition students?


HSCI students HIGH SCHOOL COMPOSITION INTENSIVE (HSCI)


Composition Department Chair Andy Vores also directs the Conservatory’s HSCI, a two-week intensive for composers ages 15–18. Modeled after the school’s degree program, the HSCI is a prelude to what a conservatory education can offer and has already attracted degree program applicants for the 2012-2013 academic year. www.bostonconservatory.edu/hsci


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“The personal guidance each student receives makes this program very attrac-


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