musical gap year

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hi --</p>

<p>My S is a junior in hs. He wants to go to music school as a performance major. He has had a bit of a slow start - he began playing violin at 9 and only got very serious in high school - he sang from 10-14 in a professional boys' choir which took up a lot of his energy and time. Everyone says he is very gifted musically, but the technical side is more challenging for him than for some others we know. If he applies next year, he might get lucky and be accepted into a top school, but he also might not. We have been contemplating a gap year where his demanding hs would not be competing for his time. This way he could work on his violin technique, sight reading skills, even take piano lessons and just slow down a little. He would not, however, have to be concurrently taking theory, voice training, composition, etc (he has done a lot of this already as it happens). He isn't sure and we're not sure about this, but I was wondering if anyone out there has had similar concerns/thoughts and whether you know of anyone who has done this. </p>

<p>He is lucky to be involved with the Peabody Prep program in Baltimore where he could continue to do ensemble work (orchestra, chamber, etc) at a high level. He could also continue to study with his world class teacher there.</p>

<p>I appreciate any thoughts you have pro and con.</p>

2

<p>I'm afraid my D (performance major at Rice) and I do not understand your post. We think he should audition until he gets in..no need to wait & see if he might get in later. If he auditions senior year, and he isn't happy with the results, then audition again the following year. The only conservatory that we are aware of that penalizes you for reauditioning is Juilliard, they only allow you to audition twice. -Perhaps someone else could weigh in on this one.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if he gets does into any of his schools, perhaps he will be happy with that choice. Or, he can transfer to another conservatory the following year after imporving. Kids do it all the time. If he doesn't get in, it is a very valuable experience and he can continue with his same teacher, working on next year's auditions. Lots of kids do that. But we are not aware of anyone that didn't audition senior year, just to give it another year to practice. You never know! Could be the audition of a lifetime!</p>

3

<p>Welcome. While you were not specific, am I correct in assuming he wants to go to music school as a violin performance major? Is he focused on a conservatory, a conservatory setting within a university, or a less rigorous program? Since you mention Peabody prep, he is probably playing at a fairly high level to begin with. What is his instructor's assessment of his skill level in terms of his peers? You mention some technical deficiencies... without knowing details, are these areas where concentrated effort and intensive focused lessons can improve, or is he maxed out in terms of his abilities?</p>

<p>Without knowing some specifics, it's difficult to judge if a gap year is worth it. If a gap year with intensive instruction can get him to the point where he's comfortable and capable of performing at a high level of proficiency and increasing his chances of acceptance at a top school, it may well be justified.</p>

<p>Some other points to consider though: does he want to be a performer? At what level? From a solo career point, while not impossible, the chances are slim if he has technical problems at this stage. If he's already a strong player needing technical direction, refinement and instruction, or needs to practice "auditioning", why not take the chance of applying to the schools he's shortlisted and wait for results. Acceptance, practicing and playing daily at a high level at a top school with a wealth of talent surrounding him could benefit him more than a year with just a weekly lesson.</p>

<p>A gap year may also change his health insurance eligibility depending on your health care plan(s), so I'd consider and research that aspect as well.</p>

<p>A bit more info might be helpful in assessing your question: potential list of schools, clarification of career goals, instructor's thoughts and evaluation, etc.</p>

<p>Can a gap year get him into Curtis? It's possible. But right now he may well make the cut for Juilliard, NEC, Eastman, Manhattan, Peabody, Rice, Oberlin or any other top school. And as a performer, a degree from any of these does not guarantee a job.</p>

4

<p>Thank you both for your thoughtful answers.</p>

<p>It is a complicated situation. Yes, violadad, he wants to be a performance major on the violin. He does not expect to be a soloist, but would like to be in an orchestra or chamber group. He is playing at an advanced level (learning Saint Saens VC, Bach Partita, Sarasate, Wieniawski, etc), but his repertoire list is quite thin and his sightreading skills are not very good. Very fast finger work is coming, but it is not as easy for him as for some. He has a gorgeous sound which is not yet always consistent. He has not studied the piano at all. He is a deliberate person who takes his time learning and I fear that, even if he were accepted next year, he would have a hard time at least for the first year just catching up on those weaknesses. A year off could give him the time to develop sightreading by working a lot with a pianist, expanding his rep. list by having lessons 2 times a week and practicing 4-5 hrs/day and just give him time to breathe. Getting through his demanding hs (IB program only) while trying to prepare to audition for these schools has already been very strenuous. His teacher feels that he will continue to improve with hard work - he has not hit any walls. While his coordination is not superior, his musicality and natural instincts on the instrument are. She says she can teach him the part he doesn’t have - can’t teach what he does have. She has a lot of experience both with her own students and others who have gone on to Conservatories and music schools. But it is clear to me that other students we have seen who have been on this track are technically better than he is at the time they have entered. </p>

<p>We have gone out looking at schools this spring and he has played for/taken lessons with teachers at U. Michigan, Northwestern, CIM, Oberlin. We have also visited MSM, U. Md. College Park and Julliard (just to see it) and we know Peabody and IU very well. We intend to also look at BU, NYU and NEC . Julliard and Curtis will not be on his list, but he would love to go to
Oberlin, IU, Michigan or CIM. He will be at the IU String Academy with his teacher in a month and will take lessons with a few teachers there as well. His teacher has set up the lessons he has had and is going to try to get some honest feedback. The direct feedback he has had has been lukewarm. They have uniformly complimented his musicality and intonation, but none have indicated that they would like to teach him (not that we've had the nerve to ask directly) and it has been my impression that it is going to be a stretch for him to get in at this level. It could be very demoralizing for him to go through the whole process and not get in. My husband and I will probably try to talk him out of going into performance if it doesn’t look like he can go to a top school because of the paucity of jobs and yes, I know that even at these schools, many kids don’t find jobs. </p>

<p>The health insurance issue could be relevant - thank you for mentioning it - if in school he can stay on my husband’s gov’t policy. I’m not sure whether they’d let him if he’s not in school….worth looking into. </p>

<p>I also worry that a year out of school will make him feel isolated and might have an adverse effect on his motivation…….it’s hard to know what to do. Maybe a few carefully targeted auditions even if just for practice. But then, if he gets in, he’ll have to go because they probably wouldn’t accept him twice…….and I'm not sure he'll be really ready.</p>

5

<p>Your reply fleshed out enough background to suggest a couple of avenues you might want to consider. It appears you have some background and done some research in starting down this path. If you haven't already done so, take the time to read <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=258796%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=258796&lt;/a>. I also suggest <a href="http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/%7Enavmusic/careerpaths/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~navmusic/careerpaths/index.html&lt;/a> and <a href="http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/787%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/787&lt;/a> for for some insights into music careers in general and some profiles as to how music fits into some peoples goals and aspirations.</p>

<p>Additionally, a fairly active current thread <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=339343%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=339343&lt;/a> is similar to your situation.</p>

<p>It appears you're on the right path and have good advice. You seem to have a knowledgeable, honest instructor who is open and communicative. You've got a nice list of a broad range of schools. </p>

<p>Some kids are late bloomers, some are torn between different interests/conflicting priorities and haven't fully devoted themselves, some just reach a level and don't progress further. The level of abilities for performance at the undergrad level at any institution repeatedly mentioned on this board is simply amazing. Our kids are among world class talents, and each finds his own niche. Just realize that particularly with the violin, the level of competition and the number of extraordinary performers versus the number of available professional orchestral openings makes even a chair in a regional per service orchestra a pipedream for many.</p>

<p>There are many careers in music without relying on solely on making it as a performer. If you haven't already started looking, perhaps now is the time to broaden beyond strictly performance.</p>

<p>My own observation for what it's worth on improving sight reading is that the best sight readers are often involved in small ensembles/chamber groups. It may be a chicken or egg scenario.</p>

<p>My thoughts in general would be to suggest your son work like a demon over the coming summer and fall at the highest level possible in increasing overall proficiencies within the audition repetoire. Make a list of schools, and audition. See what happens. When acceptances come, he's on his way. He will learn and play with his potential future competition, and begin to have a broader assessment of his own strenghts and weaknesses. Once enrolled, he can normally switch concentrations if necessary. Why "waste" a year by not knowing?</p>

6

<p>Another suggestion: a post-graduate year at Interlochen Arts Academy. Every year there are about 10 to 15 post-grads with the same issues. This extra year helps them become better prepared to audition for more competitive programs.</p>

7

<p>It definitely sounds like you are heading along your path as best as you can. I agree with violadad, practice like the dickens for fall. Pick a few schools that are interested in, perhaps a few that are a bit more safe and perhaps even look into the Interlochen program mentioned above. </p>

<p>I'm not sure what you think is involved at college level, but my D practices 6-7 hour/day (woodwind, not even a string) ..and that's outside of rehearsals and concerts. </p>

<p>Last comment, I know you want to help your child by shielding them from being rejected, I ALWAYS feel the same way, but I can tell you that EVERYTHING rides on the audition. If he can play his piece beautifully, (and with the innate musicality he has, it sounds like a distinct possibility) it could all fall in place.</p>

8

<p>I wonder if anyone out there has done/has a child who has done or is doing the postgraduate program at Interlochen?</p>

<p>I am overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of these posts and the time you have all put into answering my questions. We will chew over the various options and keep you posted. Thank you!</p>

9

<p>I'm not sure what you mean by technical challenges. If he has great intonation and tone, is it a rhythm problem? Is it something teachers are commenting on regularly?</p>

<p>Another option you might want to consider is auditioning at a few schools that might be a step lower than what you have listed. If he gets in and does well, perhaps he could transfer after a year or two. Kind of like taking a gap, but with purpose. My son's roommate this year was a transfer student. Did two years at GA state before transferring to Juilliard. The transfer set him back a year - which would put him at the same level as a gap. The "easier" school was full scholarship, so no money lost, and regular (and free) lessons, evaluations, etc. Clearly this was a good way for him to progress.</p>

<p>Another option that is really rather common is to go to undergrad at a less exclusive school, then go to a fancy grad school to polish. If you look at the bios of many performers today, this is what they did. It is also a feasible option for a late starter.</p>

10

<p>I am another who would not recommend the gap year option. Your son will find a conservatory that fits his current level, or I should say, which will fit his level next Winter. Remember he also has quite a few months to progress and work on his audition pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised. It can take a long time to progress to a professional level and it is not necessary to enter conservatory training at the highest level. Lots of conservatory grads go on to study at a graduate level and years of additional training and experience. Trying to practice and study at home is difficult. I would not think many kids would have the self-discipline not to mention the lack of opportunities for playing in groups.</p>

<p>I would guess you and your son have reached a new level of stress. Things may look different after the end of this school year. I understand you live in DC and your S is taking precollege at Peabody. My D had a similar experience during junior and senior years. Every Saturday I dropped her off for a 6:30 am train ride and two hour commute, a full day at precollege and a return trip arriving at home at 8 or 9 pm. She got pretty burned out by the end of the school year. Incidentally, my D did the precollege for fun. It was not until the Fall of senior year that she decided to apply to conservatories. Her teacher did not help her start on audition prep until October. Her teacher had an interesting perspective. She did not want my D to over-prep for auditions, be accepted and then struggle beyond her level. Apparently that had occurred with some of her other students. I suspect she had the right perspective. It is often better to be accepted to a school that fits the student's current ability, rather than work to be accepted at a school which is really more demanding than the student can handle.</p>

11

<p>Also, he doesn't need to have any piano to audition at a conservatory. Most will want him to study piano and reach a certain level of proficiency to graduate, but they don't require it for admissions.</p>

12

<p>I think if he's taking lessons with a world class teacher at Peabody that could justify a gap year for intensive study. Before I re-read your first post, I was going to suggest identifying a teacher at a top conservatory that he might want to study with and explore the possibility of taking private lessons for a year in hopes of getting into the studio as an undergraduate the following year. But you're halfway there already. Would he be happy to be an undergrad at Peabody? Does his teacher think he'd be ready for a Peabody audition within a year? I bet you could get some great advice from his teacher.</p>

13

<p>I think Skie brings up an excellent point.</p>

<p>What does his teacher say? He's the best judge.</p>

14

<p>Just to add a pro-gap year note, I DO know of musicians who have done this with great success, in particular one of DD's close friends, BUT she was already an accomplished musician, studying with a top teacher at Julliard pre-college and her goal (and that of her teacher) was entry to the Columbia Julliard program. She made great use of the year, continuing at Julliard pre-college, working on SAT prep and improving her chances for Columbia, and practicing practicing praciting for the Julliard college auditions. For stringfollies' son, I agree with many of the other posters, that the key will be working closely with his Peabody teacher. Also I wonder whether he will be at a summer program that can help him develop his skills. I think this is really key for the summer before senior year, and may open possibilities that might seem to be a reach at the moment.</p>

15

<p>NYCM - this is basically the program he would follow - he is studying with the top violin teacher at Peabody Prep and would continue for another year (he could still participate in orchestra and chamber music at Peabody) and just practise all year. he is planning to spend a month at the Indiana String Academy which is a 5 hr-a-day practise camp (his fourth summer there) studying with his year-round teacher. he will do a one-week intensive coaching with another teacher in august for the experience. and we'll see where he is at the end of the summer. but i still find the option of a free year for practising a very good one for this young person even if it falls outside the normal routine for musical training. many musicians have the benefit of homeschooling where they can practise all the time. this could give him one year to just breathe.</p>

16

<p>Taking a gap year in the hope of getting into the Columbia-Juilliard BA/MM program is a real stretch -- unless the student is well-connected at Juilliard to begin with, is a very accomplished musician already, and has a supportive teacher who believes in the program (many don't and it costs Juilliard money because Columbia pays only a fraction of the usual lesson fee). Virtually nobody is accepted into that program -- even those accepted into both Juilliard and Columbia. One student I know of who is in the program has given up -- students at Columbia usually take 5 classes a semester. Another is trying to finish Columbia in 3 years... Moreover, spending a gap year in the hope of gaining admission into Columbia, which accepts less than 9% of its applicants is quite a leap of faith.</p>

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<p>just to clarify, I didn't mean to suggest that this is a possible solution for everyone, but I did want to indicate that it IS a possible route. The student I mentioned is well connected at Julliard, quite advanced and gifted, did have the support of her teacher, and DID successfully enroll in the the Columbia-Julliard program following a very productive gap year. I agree with memenyu that C-J is not for everyone, but it sounds as though Stringfollies son has a supportive teacher and a good plan.<br>
ALSO Gap Years are increasingly common, and it may be that there will be an interesting way to complement the music during the year with a variety of related activities (community service? doing some coaching / teaching / playing in schools, etc.) There's an interesting list of links at;
<a href="http://ericg5.brhs.boothbay.k12.me.us/hsguidance/gap%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ericg5.brhs.boothbay.k12.me.us/hsguidance/gap&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

18

<p>No - my S is not striving for a joint Julliard/Columbia degree which is, indeed, not a possibility for most kids. He wants to do music, music and music!! Thank you for the link to the gap year website. I'm going to keep my eye on it for interesting projects.</p>

<p>It is my thought, too, that gap years are more and more common - we have many friends in the UK and their kids now do a gap year almost as a matter of course. After all, the homeschooled kids get a huge advantage in their preparation for music school - this would allow my S to catch up a little. I suspect we will be seeing more young musicians doing them too, but it would be a little scary being in the vanguard!</p>