Ilya Kaler at DuPaul

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>My S's teacher has added another school to his list of grad school apps (hope that's it...six is plenty, I think, and it's very late in the process). She mentioned Ilya Kaler at DuPaul. The other schools are NEC, SFCM, U of Mich, Harrt and Cleveland (although she thinks he should take Cleveland off because in her opinion they have no money for grad students).</p>

<p>I'd love to get your feedback, if you have any, on this school and how it stacks up (orchestra, level of students, etc.) to the others.</p>

2

<p>I know grad students who received significant aid from Cleveland in the past few years.</p>

3

<p>Well, perhaps she feels my S doesn’t have a shot there. He should probably take it off his list.</p>

4

<p>I don’t know anything about DePaul, but regarding what you have heard about CIM and money, take all of these stories with a grain of salt. As my son was getting ready for auditions, we read over and over that this school or that school is very tight with scholarship money. My son received a very generous offer (almost full tuition, based on merit, not need…) at one of these schools. </p>

<p>The same was true for our daughter who received a great offer from CIM for grad school.</p>

<p>Much of the information that gets relayed and accepted as “conventional wisdom” would more accurately be filed away as “one person’s experience.” With awards and appeals – and a process that will stretch into April – you can’t know in November how much money CIM, or any other school will ultimately offer.</p>

5

<p>One must consider the cost of living in the cities where the schools are located. SF and Boston are extremely expensive, Chicago can be affordable if one has room mates and is willing to live further out on the Red Line, while housing in Cleveland is quite reasonable. Look at the entire picture, including the quality of the orchestra and performance opportunitites and also find out where graduates are working/performing- that way you have all of the facts.</p>

6

<p>S transferred to Depaul this fall as an undergrad percussionist and absolutely loves it. He calls it “a real school” with people studying all the time instead of partying like the university he transferred from. He goes to the Chicago Symphony as often as he can get student tickets ($10 I believe) and last week went to the Lyric Opera for the 1st time. His instructors are in orchestras in Chicago and other cities. He definitely feels more challenged as a musician at DePaul. As far as living-he has a 320 sq ft studio that is $795 a month! No A/C either. It’s a dream location for any young person-every restaurant imaginable outside his door along with Lincoln Park and the lake! He is happy with his choice!</p>