My son explained to the U of M cello professor that a live audition wouldn’t be possible (we live in Arizona) so that his recordings would have to suffice. Now he is rethinking that decision, especially since he will be auditioning at Northwestern and U of M is only 4 hours away. He thinks it will look bad to recontact the professor and say that he would like to schedule an audition after all. Plus, how bad would it be to try to schedule that audition to work around Northwestern? Is it acceptable to explain that he’ll be auditioning for Hans Jensen and that things worked out to visit U of M? Thank you.
It may be worth talking to the admissions department about trying to schedule a live audition, though it may not be possible to get a live audition at this part. I can’t speak for U of M, but if they have a lot of auditions scheduled it may be hard to find a way to fit you in…but you will only know if you contact them. I would contact the admissions department and ask if it is possible and what you would need, and maybe get the professor involved if they need a nudge or something. Up to you, contacting the professor may work as well:)
I would contact the professor, and perhaps if you cannot schedule a formal live audition, you can arrange a sample “lesson” that would basically serve as an audition (you also would send recordings).
I don’t think you need to specifically mention NW if you contact the cello professor, just say that you are adjusting your travel plans or your travel plans have evolved. And as kayleighpearl says above if they can’t fit you into an audition slot it would be worth trying to see if you can have a lesson and meet the professor.
FYI. I live near U of M and I have been to Northwestern. It is at least a five hour drive and if chicago traffic is bad and can be longer. I would hate to have you late for an audition if you were going from one to the next.
In good weather and with little traffic and no stops, our drive from the far west suburbs of Chicago to UMich is just over four hours. However, conditions at this time of year are rarely ideal. Traffic, accidents and snow are all issues. My husband drove D back to school a couple weeks ago and roads were poor, even though there was no snowfall that day. Drive took an extra hour.
Lake effect snow caused a 100+ car pile-up on the interstate east of Ann Arbor last week -made national news and shut down all lanes in both directions for hours. Best to keep a cushion of a few hours in your plans, and realize that a major snow may require more flexibility.