Music schools I could still apply to... other options?

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Long story short, I've recently realized that I should've applied to music schools. I'm an accomplished flutist (unfortunately one of the most competitive instruments) with several awards on both state and national levels.</p>

<p>For some reason, I got caught up in applying to top-tier colleges because I recently decided that music was an "unrealistic" career, although up until my junior year I had always planned on applying to music schools. </p>

<p>I was accepted into Harvard (submitted a music supplement!) but never applied for the joint degree program with New England Conservatory, and now it's too late.</p>

<p>You're probably wondering why I've had such a sudden change of heart, but over winter break I attended an event for top musicians across the nation, and after speaking with people and students and seeing how many were majoring in music and the fact that I'm denying my true passion, I feel like I've done something wrong.</p>

<p>I know I can always take lessons from schools, especially if I go to Harvard and take lessons from places in Boston, but I feel like I'll always be kicking myself and wondering what had happened if I had auditioned and/or attended a top music school. So I guess my only options are either A.) Go to Harvard or another school and take lessons from a separate school, always wondering "what if", B.) Take a gap year and reapply next year even though there's a huge chance I'd never make it in the music career world anyway, or C.) Apply to music schools that are still accepting auditions.</p>

<p>Are there any other options, and what would you recommend? What good music schools still have auditions I could apply for (I know Berklee in Boston does, but what's the music scene like for flute there)?</p>

2

<p>Amplified, I think most of the competitive (audition based) programs have dates that have passed. I am not 100% sure about this. Maybe you could go to Harvard for a year and see if you could apply for the joint degree program next year? I would not take a year off. Research a little (make sure they are only programs you would love) and see what your options are. Even if it is “too late” this year, you can always apply in the future…I’d talk to admissions about your options.</p>

3

<p>I have a good friend who was accepted into Harvard, and then took a year off to study music in Europe and enter some international competitions. He re-auditioned for NEC the following year and was accepted into the exchange. </p>

<p>If you want music schools that are still accepting: Lawrence, Longy, and a few others on a case-by-case basis but you have to write the school. </p>

<p>If I were you I’d listen to Anne1389 and go study in Europe or do competitions or something or go to a strong state school then re-audition into NEC. :slight_smile: You can always audition as a spring student or transfer too. </p>

<p>Make sure you don’t just do nothing though. Study in Europe, enter competitions, or study at a reputable state school or something.</p>

4

<p>Or…stay with Harvard. Pat yourself on the back, Amplified–you deserve huge congratulations for your achievement. If you choose music as your field of concentration there you will get a strong background in music theory and music history that will prepare you well for the future. Take lessons, give recitals, perform as much as possible in chamber ensembles and large ensembles. The music world in Boston is excellent. As long as you are studying and practicing you will be preparing yourself for the next step as well as those students majoring in music at other universities are. Speaking as a mom of a student currently attending and majoring in music at a competing Ivy league school, you can still get the musical preparation you need as well as an amazing education.</p>

5

<p>You can apply to the joint program with NEC after your first year, or even later. It’s fine.</p>

<p>One of my kids is a music major at Harvard. She got into a few top conservatories, including NEC, and ended up choosing Harvard (financial aid was part of the picture) and has loved it. It was a hard decision: it took the whole month of April. Noone understood the indecision about Harvard, which is probably something you can relate to. But her decision was solid and she has been really happy with the music there.</p>

<p>Harvard has made an effort to increase the performance aspects of the music major there, and there are subsidized lessons. Have you checked the courses out? And be aware that the extracurricular performance opportunities are generally through the Office of the Arts, not the Music Department, which can confuse applicants.</p>

<p>Many Harvard students study privately with teachers from NEC and other Boston area schools. Some still study with teachers in NYC. One of my daughter’s friends has been a solo concert artist during undergrad years and travels a lot. The level of talent at Harvard for music performance is really high, and many are going on to conservatory grad programs).</p>

<p>She considered the double degree program but honestly, much the same thing can be accomplished by studying at Harvard and doing lessons with an NEC teacher. Some want the degree from NEC, others don’t want to commit to that fifth year. I think it can actually be better to spend a year at Harvard before deciding on the NEC double degree.</p>

<p>There are many performance opportunities at Harvard. See if they satisfy you. There are also some entrepreneurial efforts by undergrads: for instance, between musicians and composers. If you want to participate in NEC ensembles/orchestra, just apply for the double degree program in a year.</p>

<p>There will be many other students who got into conservatories or maybe wish they had applied, but who are at Harvard. Two of my daughter’s friends started at Juilliard and then transferred and there is one student she knows who left Harvard for a year at Juilliard. Your options are more flexible than you think.</p>

<p>Congratulations. Be happy if you can! And make sure you really understand the offerings and opportunities. Maybe visit, talk with someone and really look at the curriculum and course offerings as well as performance options there.</p>

6

<p>I know that Vanderbilt and Ithaca are still accepting applications, but you’ll have to get your apps out fast! If you’re studying music at Harvard, you should do very well. From what I’ve read, it’s a good program. There are also performance opportunities, although you would have to study with a private teacher. Good luck!</p>