Understanding versatile musicianship

What It Means to Be a Versatile Musician

You might be hearing a lot about the importance of being a "versatile musician”, especially when it’s time to start applying to colleges as a music major or minor. But what does versatility really mean? Let's break it down (spoiler alert: it's not just about playing a bunch of different instruments.)

I hear from very proud students and parents quite often that the student is “a great musician–they play violin, guitar, piano, oboe, percussion, ukulele, sing, and more! They can basically play anything.” That’s got to look good for college applications, right? Well, yes and no. I’m definitely not trying to dissuade multi-instrumentalists, but show you the reality of what college auditions will be like and what music faculty will be looking for.

Violins are one of the most versatile instruments--from classical to jazz to fiddle to country--and more.

Versatility is About Style, Not Quantity

While it's cool to know how to play multiple instruments, you will be auditioning on one, maybe two, instruments. Which one is your primary instrument that you truly excel at? The first thing to keep in mind is that the music faculty at a college will only care about your primary instrument or voice audition. Make sure you’re well prepared. (The exception to this might be if you play an instrument with regular auxiliary instruments. For example, if your primary instrument is Alto Saxophone, you might also know Tenor and Bari Saxophone.)

When we talk about being a versatile musician, we’re really talking about how well you can navigate different musical styles on your primary instrument, whether that's the violin, trumpet, or voice.

Why Versatility Matters

Imagine you’re a guitarist who can only play rock music. You might be amazing at it, but what if your college audition asks for a jazz piece? Or maybe you’re a flutist who excels in classical music, but you’re asked to play something with a Latin or pop influence. Colleges are looking for musicians who can adapt, who can understand and interpret a wide range of musical genres. This ability not only shows that you’re a well-rounded musician, but it also proves that you’re willing to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone—qualities that college programs love to see. 

Not only will colleges love this, but also getting gigs in the real world requires musicians to be able to perform in different styles! Many classical musicians will perform traditional orchestral music, but also be asked to play in the pit of a musical, or join a jazz combo for a gig, or maybe even learn some rock and roll cover songs. Versatility will help you get those paid gigs.

How to Develop Versatility

1. Listen Widely: Start by expanding your musical diet. Listen to genres you’ve never explored before—jazz, hip-hop, blues, folk, EDM, world music, etc. The more you listen, the more you’ll understand the nuances of each style.

2. Take On Challenges: Try learning pieces or songs from different genres. If you’re a classical musician, try tackling a jazz standard. If you’re into pop, why not try learning a complex classical piece? The goal is to stretch your skills and adapt your playing or singing to different stylistic demands. (Yours truly is a classically-trained violinist, but even I took private jazz lessons in college. It was quite the challenge, but absolutely worth it!)

3. Learn the Language: Every genre has its own “language”—the specific techniques, rhythms, and phrasing that define it. For example, jazz often involves improvisation, unusual chord structures, and swing rhythms, while classical music might focus on precision and dynamics. Study these elements and practice incorporating them into your playing.

4. Collaborate: Play with musicians who specialize in different genres. If you’re a pianist who primarily plays classical music, try jamming with a blues guitarist or a jazz saxophonist. Collaboration can be one of the most effective ways to absorb new styles and learn how to communicate in the language of another genre.

5. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from teachers or peers who are proficient in different styles. They can provide insights into how well you’re adapting to a new genre and offer tips for improvement.

How Versatility Can Set You Apart

When applying to college music programs, your versatility can be a major asset. College music faculty often look for students who bring something unique to the table. If you can demonstrate proficiency in multiple styles on your primary instrument or voice, you show that you’re not just a one-trick pony. You’re a musician who can contribute to a variety of ensembles, who can adapt to different challenges, and who has the potential to grow in exciting directions during your college years.

Final Thoughts

Being a versatile musician is about much more than just mastering your instrument. It’s about expanding your musical horizons and being able to express yourself through a variety of styles. As you prepare for college auditions, put some focus on developing your versatility—it’s a quality that will not only help you get into your dream school but will also make you a more dynamic and well-rounded musician.

Feeling stressed about your college search? Not working with me yet? Let’s chat.