Fall Cycle 2010 Audition Experiences

College Majors Music Major
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<p>Did anyone reading this board happen to attend one of the info sessions at Juilliard? I’m trying to confirm whether teachers are made aware of the student’s teacher-preference, and also whether second-choice teachers are likely to be at auditions. I attended a session where I remember being told that teachers were not told of student choice. But perhaps I remember incorrectly.</p>

<p>In my daughter’s case, she is auditioning, following her present teacher’s advice, for a studio which is very hard to get into. She was given an audition date to accommodate that teacher’s presence. She liked her second-choice teacher a lot, however, and we are wondering if we should request a change of audition. If her second-choice teacher is not even at her audition, we wonder if that will severely diminish her chances for admission to the school. Thanks in advance for any advice. Sometimes it feels as if we are playing a very high-stakes game in which we have not been told all of the rules.</p>

42

<p>The Juilliard online application states on the bottom of one of the pages something to the following effect: Teacher preference are not shared with instructors and remain confidential during the entire audition and application process. </p>

<p>Given that this is so clearly stated in writing, it would seem that those listening to auditions are not made aware of any teacher preferences.</p>

43

<p>Re. places to stay near Eastman. Decide to spend the extra money and make your reservations early at The Inn on Broadway. It’s only a block and a half away from the school and is a safe walk,something I won’t say for the trip from the two hotels on the river. The Strathallan is a better choice than the other two, but you can’t walk from there to Eastman. The weather is notoriously terrible here in February so bring the winter garb and be prepared to hang onto it while your D or S is off doing what they are there to do.
Don’t get hung up about the Theory/ Ear Training test at CIM! Yes, it’s hard- that school has one of the most difficult theorys sequences of all of them- but it is only used for placement and does not have any bearing on your chances for admission. Of course, be prepared to do your best, but almost no one ever tests out of first semester theory there.
It’s always wise to get to the schools as early as you can as things can, and often do, go wrong. While schools are sympathetic, ultimately, it’s your responsiblilty to be where you are supposed to be, ready to go.It’s not unusual for schedules to be running ahead because some students cancelled, so being early can only help you. That being said, if something goes terribly wrong, don’t wait, call the school and see if they can help by finding someone to assist you. Remember, smaller cities such as Clevlend don’t have cabs cruising the streets like they do in NYC, and those that are there are usually tied up at the airport! Plan ahead, but know that the staff at the schools are on your side, so ask for help if you need it!</p>

44

<p>Our first auditon was at CIM and I have little to add to the excellent comments already posted. We too stayed and enjoyed Glidden house with the CIM audition rate of $119. As my son was a composition student I can add that perspective for those that might follow. The interview with son was relaxed, helpful, and included a visit to the Electronic studio with Steve Kohn. There was a nice parents chat with Dr. Fitch and Steve Kohn at noon where every question the student and parent had was answered. We found out that they are only accepting 2 students this year, last year there was room for 7. I believe 30 sent prescreening materials and maybe 15 asked to audition, but don’t quote me on that. We will be auditioning at CCM next. If you are auditioning there be sure to schedule it the same day as the Cincinnatus Scholarship day where students are evaluated for some hefty scholarships if they have the grades/scores to be invited. We had originally scheduled for a different weekend and then DS was invited to attend Cincinnatus day, so I called and actually spoke to Joel Hoffman - head of composition who was incredibly accomodating and agreed to reschedule our interview date for Feb. 5. We leave after son’s school jazz concert Feb. 4th and then need to be back Feb. 6th for son’s Gala Benefit concert with CYSO. Pray for good weather!</p>

45

<p>We stayed at the Strathallan in Rochester, and the bathtub…actually the entire room…was filthy. The front desk people had no ideas or recommendations for restaurants, and we ended up driving around trying to find ANYTHING decent (and that was a challenge). I would not recommend this hotel, and it isn’t at all close to Eastman either. For audition day, I prefer being able to walk, since the weather is always unpredictable (we were there in the summer, so there were no audition or weather worries).</p>

<p>In this respect, the Oberlin Inn wins for the convenience factor (if not for the tired and worn facade). My son could visit with friends at night and wander back to the hotel with great ease and safety, even if I had gone to sleep.</p>

46

<p>Violindad, that’s what I’ve thought all along. But my daughter’s teacher who is the TA of the famous teacher, said something to the effect that was the opposite of what I was told. She could be mistaken, or it could be that the admissions people are not correct in this assertion. (This is my third child, although first to conservatory, and one thing I’ve learned is that what is said or printed by an admissions staff is not always 100% accurate, for whatever reason.)</p>

47

<p>Glassharmonica: Yes, regarding whether or not the auditors know a student’s preferences: I have read enough contradictory statements on websites about the admissions process, that I am sceptical of whatever I read. Policies change and websites/admissions forms do not get updated. People in charge forget about clearly stated policies (my workplace is a prime example of that this week). It is frustrating.</p>

48

<p>My wife and son who has an audition in Houston tomorrow morning are presently stuck in an airport with a flight delayed so that he is going to miss his connection (and there are very few flights going in the right direction). We live in a semi-arid area that rarely gets any snow, fog, or rain, so flights are almost never delayed leaving, but the incoming plane was delayed elsewhere in an area that developed its once-a-year fog this morning. I think they will still make it tonight, but probably about 8 hours later than expected. As it was, they were tense this morning when I dropped them at the airport. An adventure. </p>

<p>We have planned to arrive at least a full two days before each of our northeast auditions after all the horror stories I have read about weather and auditions there.</p>

49

<p>Violindad, we actually called the admissions department this morning and they did confirm that teachers are not informed of teacher choice. They told us to write to a specific email address to learn if teacher #2 would be present at the audition, but when my daughter did this, the email generated an auto-response and I wonder if it will be read at all. </p>

<p>They were very nice at the admissions office and assured us that even if her #2 choice isn’t there, he can still see her audition scores and determine if he wants to take her into his studio… but something doesn’t quite add up in my head. How will he know if he is requested if he doesn’t know he is requested? I guess the best answer is to take some Advil and try to think positive thoughts! :)</p>

50

<p>Violindad, oh how worrisome and stressful! This is exactly the kid of scenario I’ve been wondering about. I hope your son and your wife are holding up and I hope there’s decent food in that airport!</p>

51

<p>No food at all, not even indecent food: once you are through security at our airport there is nothing other than water fountains. Security also frowns on some food items being taken through (we have had oranges and grapes confiscated at times–we don’t argue). At least the carryon policy changed yesterday morning: for the past few weeks we haven’t been allowed to take carryons on flights from Canada to the US (although there were exceptions for musical instruments, diaper bags, canes etc.). And both my son and wife neglected to take Tylenol with them: I could foresee headaches coming on even before we knew that there was any possibility of a delay so I told them to buy some Tylenol in the airport before going through security. Their plane is off the ground now just over 2 hours late departing.</p>

52

<p>I don’t fully understand the sequence of the admissions/teacher placement decisions, but I’m guessing that teacher #2 would only know that your daughter has requested him once auditions are over and she has been formally admitted. I guess the problem is that in some schools, I understand that students can’t be admitted unless there is a teacher willing to take them. So when the teacher is making a decision about whether to take a students, that student is not yet admitted. One would presume that the teacher who is being shown scores understands that the student had probably requested him. Catch 22.</p>

53

<p>I have not been able unearth past stories about jazz (specifically guitar) auditions at the following schools and would love to hear more: New School for Jazz, Steinhardt NYU, USC Thornton (studio/jazz guitar, which is different from jazz studies), UCLA. </p>

<p>I have read Raadad’s posts about USC’s popular music audition, but studio/jazz guitar is a completely different faculty and audition. We’ve been informed by NYU that the audition includes playing with other applicants and/or students–how does that work exactly? I know SJTH’s son loved his New School audition, but it would be great to know why.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

54

<p>Re: Eastman
I agree with Mezzo’sMama about the Inn on Broadway. They are very friendly there and you can walk to Eastman no matter what the weather. It is only 2 1/2 blocks away. The Eastman website does not include this hotel on it’s list of recommendations but they do have an Eastman discount. You have to call to make the reservation and ask for the Eastman Family rate. It is mostly business people staying there during the week but it can get a bit noisy on the weekends since they have a ballroom and have weddings there. Ask for a quiet room. They have 2 suites and some rooms have kitchenettes. It is not fancy but it is clean and friendly and the rooms vary in size from small to very spacious. They also have a great steak restaurant on site if you are too tired to go to one of the local places but it is expensive. Parking is free and there are several good places to eat within walking distance. No problem practicing in the room as long as it is at a reasonable hour. We had a horn player next door and a violinist down the hall. </p>

<p>As far as audition day goes, I found it very organized and friendly. Finding a practice room should not be a problem, you just need to know where to look. My S had the advantage of having a friend there who took him over to the Annex building to find a practice room but on audition day you should be able to get in and find a room. Some students leave their stuff in the rooms but my S says that if they don’t come back within a reasonable amount of time then he just goes in and uses the room. </p>

<p>There were events scheduled all day, first a meeting for students and parents, then the theory test for placement, a parent meeting while testing is going on where parents can ask questions. I can’t remember if there is a listening test also at Eastman. Then there is time for warm up and then the scheduled audition. There are also group interviews scheduled with an admissions officer, 3-4 students in a group. Different instruments had studio meetings later in the afternoon. S was finished at about 5PM. </p>

<p>And there is Java’s next door, THE place to hang out. Great coffee and a little place to get sandwiches. Both the Eastman building and Java’s have wifi so you can keep yourself occupied while waiting. Dress warm!!</p>

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<p>Jazz/shredder, my son loved the New School audition, because it was EXACTLY as described online (and, sadly for jazz, was the ONLY one that did so–everyone promises a rhythm section, and hardly anyone actually provides one–be prepared.) He did audition with a rhythm section of good musicians–combo of upperclassmen and teachers/pros, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. New School runs their audition days with military-like precision. Your audition time will be your audition time, and someone (admissions person) will give you a little follow-up info afterwards. Though he wasn’t the only drummer during his time frame, it also wasn’t the case that all drummers were coming at the same time–there were many different instruments represented, which was good from the nerves standpoint. It was simple and to-the-point.</p>

56

<p>Just finished my 4th audition in 8 days (Eastman, Boston U, Oberlin, Northwestern)! All were regional in New York, so I only spent an hour or so at the audition. Learned more than I expected from the advisors/video recorders there; they were very helpful. Unfortunately, 3 of the places didn’t have the greatest pianos, so I had a bit of difficulty adapting. Oberlin was at Steinway Hall, though, so that was really good. It’s a great feeling knowing that those auditions are done (even though I still have two more for UMich and IU).</p>

57

<p>No one has mentioned Rice. It’s a beautiful campus and the audition process was well-run. Gotta love that Southern weather! I also auditioned at Colburn and North Carolina School of the Arts- great schools that should be looked into.</p>

58

<p>Violindad’s experience is similar to ours. On way to Cleveland, typically a 1 hour flight which our family has done countless times as D goes to Oberlin (not music, art history!), we hit fog. We took off late with no explanation, then circled for almost an hour near Cleveland then finally landed in Detroit. I rented a compact car and drove over two hours. As my son had committments day of travel ( that really in retrospect could have been skipped) we were scheduled to land in Cleveland around 9PM. Instead we rolled in at 1:45 AM. Luckily as a composition major he didn’t have to audition. Adding time is great, if you can.</p>

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<p>88fingers, I have heard many stories of delays at the Cleveland airport. I have had flights to Cleveland delayed and canceled And I even once spent the <em>entire night</em> at that airport because of weather delays elsewhere in the country. Even though we live 450 miles away, I plan to drive to my daughter’s audition. Of course, the other worry is snow-- last year there was a freak snowstorm on I-80 in Pennsylvania and travelers were stranded in their cars for days in the middle of farmland. :/</p>

60

<p>My son auditioned/interviewed at DePaul and Jacobs School of Music (IUB) for their recording arts programs this time last year. Hope some of this info might help current applicants.</p>

<p>For DePaul, we stayed downtown and used the CTA to get to campus. Very easy to do. However, it had snowed about 6 inches the night before and the walkways from the station to the audition were not shoveled. My son was in dress pants/shoes - might be a good idea to bring boots, or at least a change of shoes. We were also lugging a snare/stand and other drum goodies - we ended up using hotel trash can liners to cover the snare bag in case it wasn’t waterproof.</p>

<p>We arrived 45 minutes before his audition time, checked in and were escorted to a large table-filled room. Coffee, tea, juice, water, donuts and bagels were on offer. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Within minutes of sitting down, my son’s name was called. Someone had not shown up, and they moved the schedule up. This caught my son a bit by surprise.</p>

<p>He was escorted to a warm up room. Then he moved into the audition room. Then he went next door to a small room where he was interviewed by the four professors who heard his audition. I was escorted to this room and was present for the interview. The important point is that during the interview, the next candidate could clearly be heard warming up in the audition room, and the professors were obviously listening. So, be aware that the audition probably begins before the professors are in the room!</p>

<p>After the interview, my son took the music theory exam.</p>

<p>For Jacobs, we stayed in the Memorial Union/Biddle hotel and that was great. It is in the center of campus and about a 10 minute walk to the MAC. And there is a Starbucks/food court in the same building. We walked the route the night before to time it and acclimate ourselves. That night and the next morning, the hotel was filled with the sounds of lovely music as the candidates staying there practiced in their hotel rooms. Such talent!</p>

<p>The next morning my son walked to his interview in the bitter cold - I think the high that day was 11. He was interviewed by about 5 professors and asked very specific questions about his pre-screening portfolio. The questions were probing, but friendly. Later that afternoon there was a parent/student meeting outlining the program. Several upperclassman showcased their work. We were told they had over 120 applicants, and were interviewing about 60 to fill 12 slots.</p>

<p>Looking back, both experiences were positive - stressful, sure, but great memories, great bonding times with my son. FWIW, he was accepted into both programs and chose Jacobs.</p>