Help finding a Music Gradute Program for a Student with Weaker Qualifications

<p>Options exist. It requires a general knowledge of what’s available: statewide, regionally, nationally and a bit of expertise or experiences in sorting through the labyrinth of music based admissions. Sources for post grad music ed programs are often linked off state music educator’s websites (google yourstate musiceductorsassociation). Professional associations (ASTA, MENC, MTNA) can be additional sources of info. A means of assessing fit and rep of program is important, even within the parameters of the lower GPA.</p>

<p>I don’t want to appear pedantic or harsh here, but from Rocket’s description of his friend’s undergrad career, it took her a while to “find” herself; I’m not convinced she has. Those who “know” me on this board will attest that I’m one of the last that will try and dissuade a Muse driven student to follow a passion, but I also stress the need to go in with eyes opened and well informed, and an accurate professional level assessment of both skill and potential for success. </p>

<p>It’s not being judgemental. binx, thumper1, myself all have “kids” with (at least) BM’s in performance backgrounds, MM’s completed or in process, and pro performance experience and or contracts; lorelei speaks from the standpoint of performance faculty, and KatMT has a similar background. I respect their wisdom and experience highly. We have “skin in the game”. </p>

<p>I’m pretty confident that each of us has stated in the past that one needs to WANT to pursue an ed path, and not use it as a fall back or safety position. We’ve all seen the effects of the disgruntled music teacher on students. Personally, I have no desire to add to those numbers. </p>

<p>I’m not sure the friend WANTS to be a music educator.</p>

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<p>To direct someone to a grad level pursuit if they are unsure of the discipline does no one a service.</p>

<p>A bit more background on motivation, experiences, strengths, desires (preferably from the candidate herself) might assuage my reluctance. Instrumental discipline is important, as some programs have stronger strings, or brass, or vocal areas. I’d be happy to a least point out some options if I could be confident I’m not steering someone down the wrong path. </p>

<p>As an aside to, from a CT standpoint, there’s at least one additional option (maybe more) than what thumper pointed out. Personally, I would rate WesCon as the better of the two programs. </p>

<p>From Western CT State U [WCSU</a> - Master of Science in Music Education](<a href=“http://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/degrees/musiced.asp]WCSU”>http://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/degrees/musiced.asp)</p>

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<p>Oh I do agree with Violadad regarding Western Connecticut…but I also believe admittance to their program would be more of a challenge to an underachieving undergrad than would Central. At Central, many students are pursuing a masters in the evening etc. and some as non-traditional students (bachelors in other fields…or as older folks reentering the music field).</p>

<p>Agreed FULLY with Violadad…a music education major should want that as their career. They should WANT to teach young musicians as their goal. The coursework and preparation for a music education degree (at least in CT) is quite challenging and intensive.</p>

<p>thumper1, the reason I copied the text in it’s entirety is the little “backdoor” here:</p>

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<p>There are ways in, and ways around. Pays to look deeply. But it can be a time consuming and intensive process. And finding the right fit and a program that serves the purpose.</p>

<p>I agree with violadad completely that Music Education is not a fallback:)! One must have a true passion for working with students in the K-12 educational environment to be happy (and successful) following this path. </p>

<p>I now teach in the musical theatre area at another school. In that capacity I have the opportunity to work with students in the music school. Each year there are students who came in thinking they wanted to pursue music education who after a year or so in the program realize that music ed. is not their passion, and they often switch to the BM Vocal Performance, Music Theatre, or Music Industry emphasis depending on their interests and strengths. </p>

<p>I agree that the OP’s friend will better be able to asses graduate school goals after looking at the graduation requirements at the different programs to find the right fit. Sometimes I meet students who ask about double majoring or going undeclared to graduate school. I have to explain to them the different between an undergraduate and a graduate education. Graduate school is to be undertaken when you are certain the degree path you want to follow. I do know people with multiple interests who have obtained Master’s degrees in more than one discipline, but not simultaneously… example an MM in Music Performance and an MFA in Theatre. There also seemto be a few graduate programs where you can “design” a program path in something along the lines of “interdisciplinary arts” or “performing arts”… Bennington [Bennington</a> College:MFA in Performing Arts](<a href=“http://www.bennington.edu/go/graduate/mfa-in-performing-arts]Bennington”>http://www.bennington.edu/go/graduate/mfa-in-performing-arts), and Goddard College [Low-Residency</a> MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts](<a href=“http://www.goddard.edu/masterfinearts_interdisciplinaryarts]Low-Residency”>http://www.goddard.edu/masterfinearts_interdisciplinaryarts) come to mind. These programs appear to be geared to currently practicing performing and visual artists. Not sure if they would be at all appropriate to the goals of the OP’s friend, or if the lower GPA would be a problem, but the more information on the kinds of programs available the better the OP’s will be able to clarify specific goals. :)</p>