I’m looking for advice. My daughter is currently in 8th grade. Next year, when high school starts, she’d like to make sure she is doing everything she can to ensure a good shot at getting into a music conservatory. She wants to major in performance.
I remember seeing a gentleman who had a business giving guidance to parents to help their kids get into music schools. I feel that’s what I need! Neither my husband nor I went to college, and we are finding all of this extremely daunting, confusing and overwhelming.
Any advice on where to start? Is there such a service as I described?
I appreciate any and all responses. Thank you!
Do NOT hire a “consultant” who promises to get your kid into a conservatory. Your D’s teacher is your best source of musical advice and guidance.
I assume your D does have a private teacher? Has teacher had other students go on to music school/conservatory? You could begin the conversations now. It helps teachers to know what their students’ goals are. Teacher may set up your D’s high school study years based on these goals. Conservatory as a goal could influence teacher’s repertoire choices, pacing of lessons, suggestions of competitions or no competitions, etc. Teacher may also indicate conservatory is not a reasonable goal - better to talk through this assessment now rather than later.
Many students attend summer camps and festivals. This can give the student an idea of what music 24/7 is truly like. Some places are better than others. Best to talk with D’s teacher about who good short term teachers might be or what experiences Teacher thinks D can benefit from. I’m posting a link to harp summer camps. https://harpcolumn.com/summercamproundup This may be illegal. If taken down, I googled “harp camp” and a number of references appeared.
Many students participate in local youth orchestras and chamber music programs. This can be fun and a way to spend time with other serious musicians. Conservatory applications may ask about this, but membership or lack of membership in chamber or orchestra programs will not be a deal breaker or maker.
Is the high school orchestra director aware of your D? Harp is not common in all programs - she may have to introduce herself to be included in school programs.
Some of the aspects of conservatory entrance are the same as regular college. You can start looking at what conservatories and music schools require on a high school transcript now. Look at admission requirements from a range of conservatories and schools. ACT or SAT may also probably be required. In general, grades and test scores can be lower for high level music majors than for other applicants, even at selective universities/colleges. Grades and scores must still be decent, however!
It is very early to think about college and career goals. Many kids change during high school. With music it is hard because early preparation does help. But young people need to love the time they spend, work hard, and always know that it is a choice among many.
I would suggest reading the Double Degree Dilemma essay posted near the top of this forum. Know that there are many paths to studying music, including a BM, double degree or a BA, with major in music or something else, lessons, and extracurricular performance. Also double major or major/minor within a BA.
Summer programs are important, though after 8th grade she would not have to do a longer, intense program.
Another resource is conservatory prep, if there is one near you. Otherwise, yes, the teacher is an important guide. And youth orchestras.
The best thing you can do for your kid: Get her a good, experienced teacher that she likes.
A consultant won’t make your D play better. An experienced teacher will. The teacher is the “consultant” in most cases for music…helping your D prepare for conservatory…if her interest continues. My D’s private and high school teachers provided guidance based on her musical skills which they understood well.
If you want to hire a consultant in late junior or senior year to help with essays or keeping your D on task with applications…go for it. But here is the secret to music school acceptances:
The Audition…play well at it. The teacher helps with that.
A good teacher is the key to walking you through the next few years!