So I've been taking music lessons that have really made me consider pursuing a music career and I don't want to have any regrets about not even trying. I'll be discussing this further with my teacher after the break. I know it's a long shot, but with my financial situation what I decided to do was to audition only to those schools that can offer me the aid that I need. If I don't get in then it wasn't meant to be. So to be blunt, I'm in the less than 10k income range so we're talking schools that can offer serious support. I know about Colburn, and Curtis, but are there any others I should have on my radar?
My teacher is an alum of Manhatten and Julliard so I we will talk about what sort of financial provisions can be made there, as well as at other schools.
Head over to the Music Major Forum. Lots of great advice there. Majoring in music is usually quite doable financially - depending on your level of ability. There’s no way to know in advance what level of scholarship you’ll be offered - it will depend on your audition, as well as your stated financial need. For someone with significant financial need, Schools of Music connected to universities, as opposed to stand alone conservatories, are often the most generous. With exceptions, of course. What instrument do you play? That may make a difference, too…
I’m still at Dartmouth hahaha but the music opportunities here are somewhat limited so I’m considering transferring or preparing to audition for a master of music or Artist diploma program. It’s tough because I really do love it here, but I also really love music!
I am confused. What year are you in? You are maybe applying for a transfer but also prepping for audition for a master/s?
Curtis is free but you have to pay for rent and food etc. It is extremely competitive. You can look at universities/colleges with conservatories or music schools: they will have the best financial aid, as someone said. Conservatories often give merit aid but it is usually nowhere near enough to make them affordable for those with certain lower incomes.
Oberlin, Bard, Rice, U of Michigan, SUNY Purchase…there are many.
But think about staying at Dartmouth, continuing lessons and practice. Get a broad education at the same time. There is no hurry. You can indeed try for grad school.
I’m planning currently on applying as a masters program or doing an artist diploma but after the break I’ll be discussing it with my teacher to see what they think about my options. I’m not opposed to transferring but I’m more concerned with the financial issues. To be blunt, I love music, but not enough to take out loans for a degree in music of all things, especially given that at Dartmouth I’m paying nothing and have 0 in loans.
Graduate from Dartmouth and keep practicing in as many settings and styles as you can (solo, ensembles… Various venues…)
As a senior, look into our future in music.