<p>Newbie here. Learning about the college process for a friend's son, who is a jr. in hs, wanting to get a Music Education degree, to eventually be a Band Director. (I have a 7th grader in middle school that plays French Horn, started with 6th grade band; so hopefully can use the info for us one day.) What is the process? From reading, it looks like you audition----then apply to the college itself? Do you pay for the audition? Please educate me and give me the specific steps. W is in TX and is thinking will have to attend an instate public college, due to financial reasons. W will be doing a summer music camp at Baylor. I am very research oriented and have sent W's mom several links; especially this website (awesome). I saw the link for financial aid for Baylor and the amts that may be given. I think they have visited one college. Does he need to visit other schools NOW---and not wait until fall of this year (starting his senior year)?
Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>This thread is the best place for anyone to start (the first page is essential reading): <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html?[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html?</a></p>
<p>I actually auditioned for performance this year, but had some friends that did music-ed auditions…hopefully I can be of help! I would DEFINITELY advise visiting other schools at the latest during the summer before senior year. Visiting a campus really lets you get a feel for the environment, and it’s best to do that before you apply, not as you’re applying (which I assume would occur mostly in the Fall). The process really depends on the school. Normally, you apply to the school first, and then the school notifies you about an audition date. Sometimes, certain schools (usually conservatories, or very prestigious large university music schools) will ask for pre-screening recordings, and then determine whether or not they want you to audition on campus based on what they hear. As for the on-campus audition, there is usually a theory test; some schools do this online, others in person, and some schools not at all. It usually consists of written and aural portions, and includes assessment of sight-reading through singing. Sometimes there is also a piano placement test. These tests are only for placement and have no impact on your admissions’ decision, so don’t fret too much about them! You’ll then do a performance of some sort for some of the faculty, and I believe generally music ed applicants have an interview, in which faculty ask the applicant something along the lines of why they’re choosing music education, or what inspired them (again, depends on the school). Some schools do ask for an audition fee, but normally it is to pay an accompanist if you need one. Also keep in mind that if your friend’s son will be needing an accompanist, you are rarely given time to practice with that accompanist before the audition. I was lucky enough to be able to rehearse prior to the audition at a couple of schools this year, but most schools ask you to bring your music and you’re out in the hall 3 minutes before your audition, setting tempos with the pianist. So be prepared for that, if you will be in that situation! Hope I’ve been somewhat helpful. Good luck to your friend’s son! :)</p>
<p>Good advice from both posters above.</p>
<p>In sum:</p>
<p>Yes, start visits ASAP if student is currently a high school junior.</p>
<p>Start research ASAP. This can all be done online via the schools’ websites. Consult the university websites AND the school of music websites within those universities. He needs to find out which schools have the sorts of programs he’s interested in. Right size, location, feel, fit, etc? If instrument or vocal performance is a possibility, then most importantly, which schools have the best-match instrument/voice teachers for him?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Apply to the university/school of music. Lots of times, this is one application – apply to the SOM, and you’ve applied to the university, or vice versa. But other times, there are two applications – apply to the university AND apply to the SOM within that university. The websites will tell all. (Application due dates most typically fall between Nov 1 and Jan 1. But there are definitely exceptions.)</p></li>
<li><p>Submit prescreens, if necessary. The SOM websites will tell him if it’s necessary. (Prescreen deadlines most typically match application deadlines – most often between Nov 1 and Jan 1.)</p></li>
<li><p>Wait for notification regarding auditions, if applicable. Some SOM’s will require him to schedule his own audition. Others will schedule his audition for him. Websites and ensuing emails will tell all.</p></li>
<li><p>Audition. May include theory and/or aural skills testing. (College auditions most typically fall between early Jan and early Mar. Early Decision and Early Action schools often have an Early Decision/Action audition date or two in Nov or Dec – only for those who choose to apply Early Decision/Action.)</p></li>
<li><p>Wait for word from admissions. Acceptances seem to most typically arrive between mid-February and April 1. Some schools send notice earlier. Early Decision/Action decisions can arrive in November or December! Financial aid packages will either come with acceptances or will shortly follow.</p></li>
<li><p>Choose a school and give notice prior to the National Decision Day – May 1 for undergraduates.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Best of luck!! :)</p>
<p>Newbie - A quick way to start making your music ed school list would be to look at the acceptances thread on CC for the past couple of years and see where the music ed students have been applying. And then if you wanted some tips about any potential school, you could PM the appropriate person on that list after you do a little research and determine it has possibilities.</p>