<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I'm not sure if this has been asked before, but is it possible to attend grad school for music performance if you only have a BA in music or even no degree at all?</p>
<p>I am attending Yale next year, and I couldn't be more excited to do so. In the process, however, I turned down an opportunity to study clarinet performance at Northwestern (although I'm still personally unsure about my abilities because it's the only music school I applied to and places a huge emphasis on academics). While I certainly do not regret my choice at all (because I feel that Yale gives me more academic opportunities and is still very, very strong in music extracurricularly), I suppose (one of) my ultimate dreams is still to become a professional musician. I would like to know if it is at least a possibility for me to pursue music performance as a grad student and if so, how? Do I need to complete certain class requirements at Yale in order to be eligible for audition?</p>
<p>I'd be grateful for any information you can provide me, thanks!</p>
<p>If you had additional audition based acceptances beyond Northwestern, it might be a bit easier to gauge your current level (even though Northwestern is a top program, one audition admit is not necessarily indicative).</p>
<p>You will need to maintain/increase your skill level. Private study with a fine teacher is a must, as are performance opportunities with high level peers. Dave Shifrin, one of the best, is clarinet faculty at Yale SOM, and I would recommend that if possible arrange an assessment lesson once you get settled. He could also point you to area instructors or Yale options for high level instruction. (I did not look into clarinet faculty (if any) available for Yale undergrad).</p>
<p>You would need a collegiate level grounding in music theory, aural skill training, music history and piano keyboard skills. Even within an audition based acceptance to an MM program, any deficiencies in these areas revealed by testing would at the least require refresher courses as an entry level MM student (they could also be a stumbling block in acceptance or result in a provisional acceptance). </p>
<p>Talk to those within the Yale U music department. There is plenty of conservatory level talent there and a number who will end up in an MM program after an academic degree at Yale.</p>
<p>I’m already planning on taking some music history classes just because I’m interested in them, but I’m assuming this means it’s probably recommended that I take some history, theory, etc. classes while at Yale? I’ll ask the music department for specific information I guess.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response violadad, you’re always very helpful! And yes, I know of David Shifrin being at Yale 
I agree that it’s hard to gauge my current level (competition results are no more helpful - I’m able to win a state-level competition judged by a couple LA Phil members but I can’t get through some regional ones?), so trying to arrange an assessment with Mr. Shifrin sounds like a good plan.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>YeloPen, grad school for performance is much about the audition–so definitely you need to continue to develop your skills both through lessons, and participation in large and small ensembles at Yale. I too would suggest taking as many of the music courses as possible–even though Yale doesn’t have a performance undergraduate degree it still has the equivalent in coursework if you also take lessons and participate in ensembles. Look into taking lessons for credit–I think the auditions are early in the semester, and you will have to take music theory as well. My S going to Yale has very similar aspirations to you; so you’ll probably run into each other for sure!</p>
<p>Yes it is possible to get in to MM program without BM degree. I am an example of such instance. I graduated from JHU with BA degree. For undergrad program, I also have been accepted to Peabody and NEC but chose JHU because at the time I decided I wanted to become a doctor. But during the course of my undergrad years I changed my mind and after graduation, I applied to MM program and have been accepted to MSM and Rutgers. (out of 4 schools I applied to)</p>
<p>Your audition will be the most important. For history, theory, and ear training requirement, it would differ from school to school. Some grad schools might just make you take an undergrad survey course, but some might take your undergrad music course knowledge seriously (ex. Mannes).</p>
<p>Yale has an excellent music department, so you should be fine. Just keep practicing hard and make sure you get a good teacher for your lessons. Take music courses and participate in chamber music too if it’s possible.</p>
<p>^ Thanks for the response!
It’s good to know that it’s not just “possible” but that people have done it and been successful :)</p>
<p>^^ Hi Clarimom, is it possible for me to get in contact with your son? Facebook? I’m guessing there are things we could discuss about auditioning for lessons and such!</p>