How do I interpret this interaction with professor?

Because of a conflict, my son had to submit a recorded video audition. An hour after he submitted it, he got an email from the chair of that instrument department asking if he had any other videos. Thinking he had somehow messed up the recording, he sent links to YouTube videos where he was the guest soloist for a local (adult) orchestra (this wasn’t an option for the recorded video). Yesterday, we got in the mail a package from this professor with three of his CDs, but no note. What does this mean? My husband thinks it’s a recruiting pitch but I’m just a little baffled.Thanks for any insights!

No one (except the professor) knows his thoughts. So…don’t try to figure it out (easier said than done!).

But we DO know that a professor is contacting him. That’s a good thing usually. Why would a professor spend the time if there were no interest? Also you can’t assume that a request for another video means the first was bad. It could mean it’s good…or he wanted to see more to determine level. Regardless the professor wanted to see more…so again there is interest and that’s good.

I would try to let go of “figuring it out” and have your son simply communicate with the professor. I would suggest that he contact the professor (by email is fine) and thank him (like you would thank anyone for a gift). He could listen to them first and make a brief comment or two if he’s comfortable with that. He could also ask the professor if there is any other information/videos he needs from him. Simply communicating politely is all that’s needed right now. Time will tell the rest.

Ah, the old “three CDs and no note” gambit. This has a very specific meaning in traditional music admissions tea-leaf reading. It means your son is to submit three additional recordings, each consisting of third movements of concertos from three different eras.

I’m joking, of course. I think your husband’s guess is as good as any, the prof is potentially interested in teaching your son and wanted to give your son insight into how he plays and approaches repertoire. That, or his spouse told him he has to get those CDs out of the garage this year, finally.

Or maybe he wrote a note and forgot to put it in. Aren’t professors supposed to be notoriously absent-minded?

Lol to the above…particular the wife making him get rid of some of his CDs. If the professor is anything like my sister in law (prof but not music) you’re lucky you didn’t get a dirty sock in the packet too! I think your husband is probs right too…but again just treat it like any “gift” and go from there. It will make it less high stakes and he can enjoy communicating with an absent-minded professor.

LOL @NYCMusicDad !!!

You guys are awesome, thanks for the advice and humor! Think I’m just overthinking things.

I’ve been offered CDs by two professors after my live audition. I think of it as somewhat of their audition for you—they want you to listen to their playing and decide whether you want to emulate them. Since your case was a recorded audition, there couldn’t be a live exchange. (Though when the professors gave me CDs there wasn’t much of an explanation either. Just “here, take this.”)

My daughter received a CD at an audition. Later she was accepted. Her friend at the same audition who was not accepted did not receive a CD.

@LaurelVDW Great that your D was admitted! But I’d be hesitant to extrapolate from that experience.