<p>b4ssfl00t, As the parent of a conservatory trained professionally performing musician I’m going to offer my perspective, and a preface as well. </p>
<p>First, I suggest you give your post a day, maybe two on this forum, and contingent upon the responses, I’d urge you ask a moderator to move it to CC’s <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/</a> (or cross post there yourself). While the posters here are extremely knowledgeable, insightful, and you will get a myriad number of thoughtful comments, there are few here that are familiar with the specific aspects and nuances required in selecting the right private instructor and music program. The music major forum is full of parents having been through this (some with multiple kids), at a wide range of programs, and a few have masters level students at or on the verge of professional careers. They’ve been through the grinder, they know the odds, they know the level of competitiveness.</p>
<p>Without knowing a bit more about your musical background, years of training and experiences, your instrument, the program you left, the program you’re in, and the program you’re considering, I have no idea of your level of talent or potential. I assume you play flute, one of the most competitive instruments. If you decide to go the music route, please understand that you will be up against tremendous talent and artistry at every level, from grad school, through ROPA and ICSOM auditions. Chances of nailing a chair are slim, even for the most dedicated and talented. Please take the time to read this <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html</a>.</p>
<p>Also, I’d suggest reading this [Peabody</a> Institute - Conservatory Admissions: The Double Degree Dilemma](<a href=“http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree]Peabody”>http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree). It may help you categorize yourself in relation to how much you “need” music. This is often difficult to do.
You may be “Jennifer”, you may be “Howard”. You may be neither. Unfortunately, only you can determine that.</p>
<p>One of the most critical aspects of selecting an undergrad music program is the right private instructor. Did you have sample/trial lessons, previous experiences or if nothing else anecdotal comments about your current instructor prior to transfer? The instructor/student relationship must be compatible, and should be a mentoring process. Teaching styles, philosophy, personalities must mesh. The best matches often become lifelong associations, both professionally and personally. The right instructor can bring you to levels of talent you’ve never imagined yourself capable; the wrong one can make you sell your instrument and abandon music entirely.</p>
<p>Having an instructor that does not believe in you is self-defeating. If the instructor does not feel you have the talent, dedication, or potential to succeed, some will give up, and suggest other avenues. They may be poor teachers, they may be excellent pedagogues, but are they right in redirecting you? </p>
<p>Herein lies the rub. The wrong instructor can lead you on, give you false hope, and tell you that you have the chops. The right instructor can crucify you and still make you feel good, yet drive you to become the best you can be. Honestly, integrity, an unbiased professional assessment is often hard to swallow, and you personally have to believe the source of input. If there are underlying issues that make you doubt the source, then a second or third assessment MAY be needed. Realize also that valid input is available from other faculty sources including other instrumental instructors, ensemble directors, and dept chairs. The structure of most programs gives them insight into your abilities and potential. Current grad students and doctoral candidates at your institution are another valid source of assessment, contingent upon their level of experiences.</p>
<p>Don’t fool yourself. If you feel you have it, go for it. A new instructor may work wonders. Within a state’s program, I’d wager most of your credits will transfer (not always the case, especially with music performance and theory credits, even among top flight peer institutions). It’s really a personal decision, and you have to balance your goals and define your need for music, and how you want to live. If you do decide to transfer, PLEASE look at all aspects of a program, including ensemble opportunities, overall strength of program and faculty, where and how many students end up in top MM programs, how many are performing professionally. Current peer level is critical. You need musicians of equal or better caliber around you, in all instruments. They are almost as important in your development as a musician as is the instructor. The good tend to get only better when surrounded by the best. Finally, consider your finances and debt. Do not overextend yourself as a student, especially a musician considering an MM pursuit. </p>
<p>Is there any chance you can work with the potential instructor over the summer? Do some lessons, some reading sessions perhaps? It would give you a feel for fit and mesh, and may well help in assessing what you need to make a decision. I’d also suggest seeing if you can arrange a participatory playing opportunity (orchestral, ensemble, or even just a studio session) with the new school and get a feel for ensemble and peer quality. </p>
<p>Hopefully you’ll get more input. Take mine with a grain of salt, but be honest with yourself. Some need to do this. Others cannot understand it. Only you can make that decision. </p>
<p>And remember, a BM is a four year degree. It’s grades and LSAT scores that will get you into law school. You would not be the first. You can continue to play avocationally should you choose.</p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>