What is the procedure/timeline after picking schools/conservatories? My teen will apply to 6 picked very soon. She seeks to have sample lessons with professors. When does that usually happen? If there are six professors at the school teaching one instrument, did your child have sample lessons with all of them, or how did they choose? Do you think it is better to visit the campus and meet teachers in early autumn (2 hour flight away) and then return for auditions later, or do it all in one trip? The additional travel cost and stress of leaving a very tight school ensemble and academic schedule has me thinking that one might be more focused to use the fall break on audition work at home and rather than make two separate visits to colleges. We have already done walk throughs of Juilliard, NEC and Berklee. Also, isn’t it nice to visit a winter place in winter if climate is a great change for the student (south to north)?
If any of you have dorm or practice room information available on Juilliard, NEC, MSM, Curtis, Peabody, Oberlin or Berklee we would love to hear your stories. Additionally, any students who have experiences abroad via these schools. I am also reading through the ‘Music Major’ feed which is most helpful.
My music kid wants the big city music scene, stellar students and venues, but is not a big city dweller yet, so safety of location is a big concern. The dorms being in a separate location from the school also concerns me. Not sure they are co-ed ? My D also practices very late at night- always has, and walking to eat meals in a main building located a blocks away from the dorm seems sketchy. Sometimes it is not always easy to find a group to walk with.
We heard that some schools have great competition among students for practice rooms and mine usually practices every day for 6 or more hours. She has been in a college orchestra(asst. concertmaster) and violinist in chamber and jazz ensembles, opera and may be very bummed if not allowed to participate in her first year at the next school- Audition wise she should make it, but do grad students have a seniority? I think I read this from someone here.
I should say that she is already in college early (local music college). Has a great GPA and is that big fish in a small pond of quality students and educators, but seeks more challenging instruction, opportunity, competition and collaboration. Graduated high school at age 15, and is presently just turned 17. This will mean a transfer application, transfer credits from her present status as a junior in music ‘violin’ performance degree. Her educational goal is to obtain a masters and a doctorate (maybe), with professional performance as soon as possible, and eventual teaching . Is well versed in classical, jazz/improv and traditional folk and performance- also sings. Hopes to continue to be involved in all at the next school, obviously this will be a huge challenge if not impossible. We realize that some music credits may not transfer, but many offer a placement test option. Any advice or have any of you have a similar situation?
I am happy as long as my kid is happy, trying to do my best to help her manage her choices! I think she is starting very late on the application, but she wanted to polish her online auditions as best as she can before applying. She cannot imagine doing anything other than music and has been like that since a very young age. I would love to see her double major outside of music, but it seems too difficult. Any other college that you may think are a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Many thanks in advance! All best-
I know only some schools in your list. My information maybe a couple of years old. You have done tours at NEC, Berklee and The Juilliard so here are the information on MSM and Peabody.
MSM: About 950 students, 50/50 undergrad / grad. Undergrad students (or minor) are required to live in campus for first two years. A dorm and cafeteria are attached to school (with security and roof). About 100 practice rooms (some are super high-tech sounding practice rooms) but close at midnight. Safe area in NYC.
Peabody: About 600 students including dance students, 50/50 undergrad / grad. Undergrad students are required to live in campus for first two years. A dorm and cafeteria (6AM-Midnight) are attached to school (with security and roof). Only 40-ish practice rooms but open 24/7. Safe area in Baltimore.
Additionally, Oberlin is making a big change from this year.