<p>FSU is certainly not the only school that doesn’t guarantee teacher placement. There are threads on this forum about kids at conservatories being disappointed in not getting the teacher they want. I sensed a bit of frustration with you in the response from the department. Please be careful. Teachers will not go out of their way to get you into their studios if they find you annoying before you get there. Keep your attitude in check when you deal with these schools in making any request.</p>
<p>Musicmanjdb,</p>
<p>That is one possibility but, unless you know more about the situation than the rest of us, it is also possible that you may be reading more between the lines than is there. That the OP received a full ride scholarship (if I am reading the initial message correctly) means that someone at the school was quite impressed. Full rides for out-of-state students applying to state-supported schools are not a very common occurrence, particularly when states are looking for every way possible to cut expenses. It would be a shame if the OP jumped to the wrong conclusion based on a casual analysis of a few lines out of what appears to have been a much longer interaction. And, as cartera45 notes, there could be some frustration going on with the way the OP has presented their appeal.</p>
<p>I have a couple things to add to what -Allmusic- said:</p>
<p>One thing about practice rooms at MSM: one of my friends is doing his MM (piano) at MSM right now. He usually has difficulty finding practice rooms at MSM and goes to Juilliard (where his friend lets him in) to practice! I’m pretty sure not everybody is doing something like that, but I think it shows you how hard it is to get practice rooms there. If you plan on practicing a lot in school, that’s something to think about too.</p>
<p>Also, Allmusic said :“if you happen to be one of the best pianists, you could get a lot of accompaniment or pit work, which often yields quite a bit of money. That would probably not be true at MSM” I agree to what Allmusic said. MSM already has a huge collaborative piano department, so they only select about 5 solo piano major students for accompanying (My aforementioned friend (masters student) is in the program. I don’t know if this is even going to happen to undergrad students.) He said he only gets paid for accompanying in lessons and masterclasses, and not for rehearsals or recitals (if I remember correctly). So either way it’s not much extra money.</p>
<p>I don’t know what your family’s financial situation is like, but regardless, $200K for 4 years is a lot of money. Maybe the number is not sinking into you realistically. Just think of how many years you’ll have to work to earn that $200K. Why not be a little adventurous and take FSU’s deal for one year and find out who your teacher will be? It will be nice if you get into your desired studio. If not, you can apply again to MSM for tranfer. What have you got to lose? It’s free and you might learn many things that you haven’t expected during that one year (even if you don’t get placed into your desired studio). It might be a good idea to try out FSU for one year before committing to paying $200K.</p>
<p>Reasons to calm down:
- FSU is definitely not the only school that does not guarantee teacher placement. For example, IU which most years is either the first or second largest music school in the US does not generally guarantee studio placement until fall. IU has hundreds of top-notch students. Most of them end up very happy with their teachers. Even at schools that do let students know in April who their studio teacher will be, there is always the proviso that nothing unexpected happens (e.g. a single teacher moving or becoming ill within a department can create a domino effect for the students of all the teachers in the department; the demise of an administrator may force a studio teacher to reduce their student load in order to take on administrative responsibilities etc.). Even if you get a particularly good teacher guaranteed for you first year, there is no guarantee that they will be there for your second year: they might move, retire, take a sabbatical . . … It happens very frequently! The position you are in is not enviable, but it is common.
- There may be internal politics or personal dynamics in the piano department that affect what they can do or say. If this is the case, it is frustrating, but there is nothing you can do about it.
- You should have some other options. I am hoping that you do. Most auditioners apply to at least 4 or 5 schools because they know that a variety of factors can lead to unexpected and undesirable results. Even the very best musicians for whom admission is almost a certainty usually apply to several schools: they know that they may not get the financial aid they need, they know they might not get the studio they want, they know that they will gain more information which will make certain schools less desirable and others more desirable. There are literally dozens and dozens of excellent top-notch piano faculty in the US and they are spread out among many different kinds of schools. If FSU and MSM are your only options, then I would probably choose one for the next year and hit that audition trail if you are unsatisfied after your first few months.
- You should be thankful that you have plenty of information. This information will help you make informed decisions about your future. You were good enough to get into MSM, but not good enough to get merit aid. This gives you an idea as to where you stand in the piano pecking order.
- Many if not most serious music students go on and get one or more graduate degrees or diplomas. Getting the perfect teacher or school for one’s undergrad education is, therefore, not as crucial as it was in the days when relatively few musicians did grad studies.</p>
<p>Music is not easy. You will face many more bigger setbacks, disappointments and frustrations in the future if you remain in music study.</p>
<p>Also think of the nice piano you can BUY with a fraction of your savings-- put it into an off campus apartment and your potential practice room troubles are solved. By the way, congratulations on your acceptances and offers. You should be very proud, of both your academic achievements and your musical accomplishments. Not all musicians have the ability or discipline to get such good grades and test scores, as you must have done. Your academic scholarship is something to be VERY proud of. I would agree with pianist87 that you have nothing to lose by trying out FSU. MSM and other conservatories will still be there for graduate school. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>S is graduating from FSU this year- a theatre major, but we also have 2 other sons who pursued performance degrees elsewhere. One of the most important things that I haven’t seen addressed here is that teacher/student relationships don’t always work out.
You might think now that there is only one who will be a “fit” for you but life has a way of surprising you. Our oldest S went to a large well known university strictly because of the trumpet teacher there. He was a great guy, wonderful person but even though S had the greatest respect for him they did not click. He ended up transferring after his sophomore year. Look at the school as a whole. We had a great experience with FSU- communication was excellent, S got a fabulous theatre education- will go to grad school in London next year.
FSU is a big state university- keep that in mind when you are
looking at it. Of course there are politics etc but I know that happens at the private schools too.
Also re: MSM- I know from our youngest’s (the jazz guitarist) experience with some friends at MSM- the most well regarded faculty there are also working musicians. Many are gone for long periods of time. There is no guarantee at any school that your favorite teacher won’t take a sabbatical right in the middle of your 4 years! It happens.
Look at the school, look at the finances. Make sure your undergrad experience is just that- there are lot of things that can wait for grad school if you’re so inclined.
I noted on another’s post above about travels to Julliard from MSM in order to get a practice room- quite a distance and inconvenience. That says something too I think. I’m sure you’ll find the right answer for you but part of the whole college experience is learning to be flexible, to adapt to new and challenging circumstances. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.</p>
<p>thank you for the posts everyone!
after reading ALL of it, i think i have made my mind
REALLY, thanks everyone!!!</p>
<p>jp0701, don’t leave us all hanging! Please come back and post your decision when you’re ready to, and best of luck to you.</p>
<p>^Yep. Curious to see where you go. Of course, as an FSU alumnus I think FSU is the best option. :)</p>