<p>I visited Deerfield recently and was able to talk to the music director there. He said I should send him some recordings of me playing and he might be able to recruit me. I really liked Deerfield and I was wondering how much this would help my candidacy and how the recruitment process works. Does anyone have any experience with this?</p>
<p>A lot of it depends on what instrument you play and how well you play it.</p>
<p>What instrument do you play? Deerfield is serious about it’s music program (they even have one PG in music this year, which is pretty unusual) and “recruiting” means the music directors can get a certain number of people in each year IF they are otherwise qualified, and that they can get them FA-- again, if they qualify for FA. It does depend somewhat on what instrument you play, just because, like any school, they have certain needs and will try to meet those needs before accepting someone who is just generally good at music (although they still like those people as well-- just may look FIRST to fill certain needs). They are having chamber/ orchestra concerts at 7:00 PM on Nov. 12th and 13th if you’d like to hear the results of the music program. That’s not always convenient, but make sure you try to either hear a concert or attend a class or rehearsal for any schools you’re looking at if you’re interested in music. You’ll find some real differences between programs-- whatever they look like on paper.</p>
<p>I play baroque recorders which are specifically needed for the brandenburg concertos and many other baroque pieces. But I would also take up the oboe. I was told that they need another good Oboe, and they wanted to play the Brandenburgs. I will be working on some recordings to send in. </p>
<p>To build on the advice already offered, in addition to how good you are and what instrument you play, a music director will most likely also take into account how deep his/her bench is in your instrument. You could be the next Evgeny Kissin, but if the music director already has Van Cliburn, Vladimir Horowitz, etc. and they are all sophomores, s/eh may not need you that year.</p>
<p>But baroque recorder sounds fairly niche, so if you are any good, I would definitely send some recordings in. I also encourage listening to a concert at whatever schools you are interested to see if the reality lives up to the press.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend that you send in some recordings. It cannot hurt your chances. I’m not sure what the recruitment process is for Deerfield, but if the music director requested you send in some recordings, then I’d say it could sway your application into being accepted.</p>
<p>WOW Nicolel !! That’s not even close!! Deerfield is actively growing the music dept. true but, don’t get overly excited!! Deerfield is a top academic institution!! Playing music helps here- if you are coming from Conservatory-willing to go to NEC. Still you have to do be able to do the school work the sports and all the rest-ALL applications are scrutinized top to bottom !!</p>