I have to relate a really disappointing experience with Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music. S, a jazz trumpet applicant, put together and recorded the required pre-screening songs; and spent several hours trying to upload them, without success. The next day–which was a school day (and work day for us)–we attempted to help by trying to upload them from home. After a few hours of no success, we e-mailed the school; and received a reply from an Associate Dean at the music school indicating that we should compress the files. We did that; and the upload appeared to be a success (screen stating “upload complete”). Then, we heard nothing for 7 weeks. We assumed they decided his pre-screen recordings didn’t justify a live audition. After 7 weeks, S got an e-mail from the same Associate Dean, indicating that, because he’d never uploaded pre-screen recordings, NWern would not offer him a live audition. We e-mailed this Dean with the details of what happened, including a copy of the e-mail chain; and never got a reply. If NWern had told us earlier that the prescreens didn’t upload (contrary to what their website said), we could’ve uploaded them again.
If they’d reviewed his pre-screen recordings and deemed them insufficient, that would’ve been fine.
Very disappointing and un-classy action by NWern.
Good news–Northwestern is going to look at the application & provide alternatives for submitting audition recording. If I could amend my vented comment above, I would.
@Montane - Quality 2nd post - good manners are always appreciated! So to help you out in future emails to Northwestern and/or posts - you should use the abbreviation NU, not NW! Good luck with your son’s audition and application!