<p>Hey,</p>
<p>I wasn't expecting this to happen but I just got a last minute e-mail from a teacher I wanted to study with.
They initially had no room in their studio, and I had been accepted in other studios that I wouldn't have left my current school for, but I guess now they have a spot for me. The thing is that the soonest time I can see them teach and talk to them is 04/25, but my answer is due in two days. Also the school had said they would try and match another school's scholarship, but I didn't appeal because I wasn't going to go so there seemed like there was no point. I'm not really sure what to do. I'm very interested in studying with this person, however the school as a whole isn't so great. On the other hand the school I'm at right now is great, much much better than the other if it weren't for that one studio. It's a tricky situation because I don't feel like I have enough information to make a decision. I would like to hear other people in that studio and know whether or not they would actually match the money or not. Thoughts?</p>
<p>Well, I’ve heard you can ask for an extension…but the thing is if you don’t let somewhere know by April 15, you might lose a shot of going anywhere…</p>
<p>It’s my feeling you need to meet the deadline at either of the schools to reserve your spot–unless somehow you can get an extension at both schools.</p>
<p>You could do this: reserve your spot at your current school. Request an extension at the other school. Go meet the teacher on 4/25 and if it truly seems a match made in heaven, then you can accept and lose your deposit at school No. 1. And someone will gladly take your spot on the wait list. </p>
<p>I’m reading between the lines and I’m hearing that you are really happy where you are now. And you’re not so impressed with the other school even though you think this studio could be good, but you’re not sure. So you are going to go take a lesson (but it’s just one lesson). Just repeating back what I think you are saying. Go with your gut when all else fails. Don’t try to talk yourself into something if it doesn’t feel right.</p>
<p>I can’t say that I’m really happy where I am right now or that I have a gut feeling. I am at a conservatory and I would love to go to a university and the other school is part of a large university. My school is also pretty small and I would love to be in a bigger, more anonymous place. I also would think that the level of the other studio could be higher that the level of the studio I’m in right now, seeing as how I was not the teacher’s first choice as a student. They had one opening and I was second on their wait-list. It would be very exciting to be in a studio where most people are stronger players than me. On the other hand the fact that two people turned out the spot makes me re-think this, since it seems like the strongest accepted students do not in fact choose to attend. </p>
<p>Honestly I don’t think I have any option that feels absolutely right at this point, it’s mostly a matter of which would turn me into the best player, and where would I have the best career opportunities. In some ways, the school I’m at right now would clearly have the best opportunities, as far as working with specific conductors, getting principal experience, teaching, chamber music experience, networking, etc… but the other teacher is principal of a big orchestra, and their top students have been known to get to sub with them, which would be the most invaluable experience by far I think. Some of their top students have jobs I dream of, while I’m not sure I can say the same about my current studio, although the few recent graduates I’ve kept in touch with are doing fairly well with their freelance careers and pretty good orchestra jobs, or at least making ends meet. Thoughts?</p>
<p>I think glassharmonica’s advice is great and that is what I would do. Is there any chance you can get to the other school before 4/25? It would be worth the visit and sample lesson at the other school if you are not happy with your current teacher and especially since as you say you don’t feel like you have enough information to make a decision. </p>
<p>So…curious to know–what did you end up doing?</p>
<p>I’m staying at my school. Ultimately, I could not afford the other school. The director of admissions told me that they were sorry I did not appeal the FA earlier because at this point their budget is sealed (they only review appeals once the week of April 1st, and I suppose do not re-allocate funds). In contrast, the scholarship that my school offered was very generous, and they are also giving me an instrument of quality, which as an important factor for me since my family could neither afford tuition nor a professional instrument this year. I also hope to get a teaching job and an assistantship that would offset living costs, and otherwise already have an orchestra sub job, gigs, etc… I would not have those at the other school. Moving to a new city also means getting new furniture, perhaps paying a broker fee, etc… Even if money was not an issue, I think that I would have stayed at my school. For many reasons including simply location, I think it’s one of a handful of schools that could potentially enable me to develop a successful chamber music career somewhere down the road. It seems to me that there are many places one can go and learn how to win an orchestra job, but trying to become a chamber musician too can be a more delicate endeavor. Anyways thanks to everybody for their help!</p>
<p>Gradschoolbound1, bravo for thinking this through so wisely and maturely. You have a good head on your shoulders. It sounds like the school will offer you a well-rounded preparation for a career in music. All the best to you!</p>