<p>I've heard a lot of debate about whether or not you should take a private lesson with an instructor before you go to an audition and I was wondering what you guys thought about the issue. When should I go take a lesson, September, October, November, or December (I'm a senior this year if that helps)? How do you usually go about requesting a lesson, phone, letter, or e-mail (is that too informal?)? And how many schools would be ideal to take private lessons with? Is three too many?</p>
<p>I know its alot of questions but if you could answer one question that would would be great, thanks so much!</p>
<p>Be sure you are truly interested in the school itself before you ask a teacher for a lesson; their time is valuable and their energy not limitless, and if every student asked for a lesson, the whole system would necessarily shut down. </p>
<p>Set up your lessons as soon as you are well prepared. Bring in polished, already performed pieces and have something else you have learned well, but perhaps not performed. Bring things which show your best abilities, not which reveal your limitations. Some people will bring a piece with a particular problem they would like to address, but most teachers will not try to "fix" anything, the thinking being that it is unprofessional to interfere with what teacher is currently doing and that it is not possible to have a lasting "quick fix". </p>
<p>What is your instrument/voice? If you are a singer, some schools will not let you be heard until spring your senior year, thinking you need the extra physical maturity. It matters more for a singer than an instrumentalist. </p>
<p>Lorelei has given you excellent advice. I strongly recommend lessons with teachers who you are seriously interested in. Do not go in unprepared, but it is OK if the piece isn't perfect. Remember that part of this process is for you to determine if you really want to study with this person.</p>
<p>When my daughter set up vocal lessons, she generally asked the admissions people first as to the preferred procedure for making the arrangements. In all but one case, she was directed to contact the chair of the music department (these were all smaller LACs). Most of it was handled through e-mail; in the cases where she was doing a campus visit for schools out of our area, she gave them my cell number if they needed to finalize anything by phone during the day. </p>
<p>Be prepared to pay for your lesson; this is one of the questions my daughter asked in her initial e-mail to the department chair (I think she phrased it something like, "Is there a preferred method of payment for a lesson?") We actually only had to pay for one of the lessons; the fee was waived at all the other schools, but by asking the question the way she did, we not only knew what the fee was going to be, but if they would accept a personal check.</p>
<p>My daughter is pursuing a BA in music, but she found the lessons very helpful in getting a sense of the music (vocal) approach. Even though she knew it was unlikely her lessons were with the professor to whom she would be assigned, she did get an idea of the teaching methods used. And an unexpected fringe benefit was that it boosted her confidence before auditions; the professors were willing to tell her that she had what it takes to be in a vocal program...one professor (the chair of the department) told her that her lesson could serve as her audition and offered her a scholarship on the spot!</p>
<p>We considered lessons (or at least some prior experience such as a masterclass or summer camp program) essential to try to figure out where my D should apply. These lessons served a number of purposes. First, they can give you a reality check by giving you some feedback on what you are doing. Are you on target to pursue a performance degree (and hopefully a career)? Do you need to work on something important to have a shot at being admitted to this school? Is this school a reach or a safety? Second, this is your opportunity to "audition" the teacher. Do you like this professor and his/her style of teaching? Some teachers are incredibly detail oriented and take a highly technical approach to playing and teaching. Others can be more laid back and relaxed. Some are highly critical, others more nurturing. Can you see yourself working closely with this person for four years? Is the teacher able to communicate clearly what he/she wants you to do? A lesson or meeting also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, like what are the teacher's former students doing career-wise? Finally, this is your opportunity to make an impression before the audition, hopefully a positive one. If the lesson doesn't go as well as hoped, you can still incorporate the teacher's suggestions in the audition, which is always a good thing.</p>
<p>As far as the logistics, every teacher is different. Some we contacted by phone, others email. My D did most contacting, but I did make one initial call. If you can't get the contact info through your current teacher, then first get in touch with the music admissions office. The most selective teachers may be unavailable, but you will probably find the teachers at less selective schools more receptive to a lesson. I'd recommend a lesson sooner rather than later. If you really connect with a teacher, you may be able to schedule a follow-up lesson, too. The number of schools is not really important, but you should be seriously considering applying to these schools before trying to get a lesson.</p>