I have a pretty good idea of what my music school list looks like, but I’m open to suggestions. I have one safety net school I’m fairly confident I’ll get into since I already know the teachers, study with the viola professor, and study with the orchestra conductor. But, I’m also applying to Mannes School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, and Eastman School of Music.
I’m not sure what I’d exactly like to study, but I know I want to perform. I have experience with orchestra(lots) performance and chamber music (not lots). I’m very interested in chamber music and would like to explore that further. I’m interested in a classical program.
That being said, what school would be my best fit? What is the general vibe of these schools? I’m especially curious about Mannes School of music and Eastman school of music. Does Eastman have a focused music section or is it more of a well-rounded education? Same question for Mannes School.
All of the schools you mentioned are conservatories with BM degrees, which involve 2/3-3/4 classes in music. That means 1/4-1/3 classes in liberal arts. These schools all have prescreens, I believe, that get you into an audition if you pass.
All four are top notch and very selective. Good to have a safety!
Are you ready to submit prescreens and/or for auditions?
Yep. I’ve been preparing my audition repertoire since the end of the last semester, so I feel comfortable with the pieces (which I’m sure will come in handy when the rush of nerves come right before the audition). I’m waiting for the applications to be available now. Thank you for your answer!
You sound organized! All 4 of your schools are fairly self-contained urban environments, although the course requirements may differ - you might want to review that on their websites. I wish I knew more about the Classical program, but my S’s at NEC (guitar) and there you will find a very collaborative cross-pollinating program. It is not at all unusual for Jazz, CI and Classical students to perform together in certain ensembles/concerts. He’s loved NEC’s more experimental approach. Also, his teachers have been very supportive and consistently available, even inviting him to dinner at their homes.
My son is an NEC alum and I want to second everything that drummergirl said. I think you should definitely visit the campuses. Rochester, Boston and NYC are all very different environments. And how those schools relate to other schools nearby and the happenstance connections you will make with those who are not classical music students varies because of how the campuses are physically.
I would say that for my daughter her most important factor was the private teacher. Have you researched who you might like to study with at each school?
I would suggest applying to and auditioning at as many as you feel comfortable about and can afford. The audition trip can give you a great sense of the school and city and help you to know where you feel at home.