<p>My D will be interviewing at several conservatories/universities for music ed. She will feel far more prepared for the audition portion than the interview, since she has more experience performing and auditioning than being interviewed. So, I thought I'd start this thread to help out the many musicians who will be facing this unfamiliar territory. Of course, we can guess at some of the questions: Why do you want to teach music?.... and what not to say: "I thought I'd try teaching just in case I don't make it as an opera star"...but perhaps some posters here can share some specific experiences or ideas? We're guessing that the interview could well make or break the acceptance.</p>
<p>One prior thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/834549-audition-vs-interview.html?highlight=interview[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/834549-audition-vs-interview.html?highlight=interview</a></p>
<p>They are trying to get a handle on what if any teaching experiences (mentoring, coaching, camp counseling, peer-to-peer tutoring in music or other fields) a candidate has, some of the observations a student may have in describing “good” or “bad” teaching experiences from either a student or instructor perspective, and maybe a thought or two on how things could have been handled differently. Perhaps the impact of a particular teacher on your student’s academic or musical experience. They might also ask if the student has any specific input about the challenges facing music educators or teachers in general.</p>
<p>I remember way back from some of son’s apps that he incorporated many of those points in one or more of his required or general essays, so if there was a music (ed) specific essay requirement, they may ask to expand or clarify a point or two within.</p>
<p>A good answer to why for many is “I want to share the joy of music by helping to develop other’s skills and passion as was done for me.”</p>
<p>It can also be a point for the student to ask any specific program related questions.</p>
<p>Besides the obvious “not” you’ve cited related variants like my parents want me to have a fallback is a likely killer. In some legitimate circumstances a student may not be sure. A good but couched answer can be along the lines of “I do intend to make music a career, and would love to teach, either publicly or privately. I have some concerns about teaching in general, or I’m torn between composition, or performance, or education… the only way I might know which is right for me is to be able to examine and gain the required skills to conceivably do both. Even as a performer or studio teacher much of the training of a music ed background will be most beneficial to me.”</p>
<p>If she’s had prior teaching, coaching experiences, and covered a lot in her essays, it should be an easy process. It’s typically more in depth for a potentially borderline academically qualified candidate, whose grades/scores or experience may not really reflect a true commitment or ability, but might have what it takes to be a top flight teacher.</p>
<p>Just curious, is it customary to have interviews for Music Ed majors?
Having been through a career-change, later in life, interview for an Ed. major (not music, though), I was asked the customary, “Why do you want to teach?”, which comes spring-loaded with all kinds of wrong answers one could come up with, such as the one listed by violadad, above, but I also remember being asked not only, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years… 10…?”, but also,“What do you feel you can bring to a classroom that would be unique” as well as “What type of school/area would you be most comfortable in?”, the latter could be another one of those “trick” questions, too.</p>
<p>From what I’ve seen and know about music ed programs and admissions, an interview is pretty standard.</p>
<p>Just to help Sopranomom92 in case she’s standing on the edge of a bridge right now…
My D had her audition and interview at Westminster in early December. When we left campus at the end of the day, her friend’s dad asked if it was as bad as she expected. She replied (I think even surprising herself) that it was a lot of fun. She said that the faculty was really focused on making her feel comfortable so they could get to know the real “Bee” (as in BeezMom). If your daughter is doing MusicEd because she really wants to, as opposed to being cautious about performance, she’ll have the right answers.<br>
Sorry - I’ve been busy helping a friend who is convinced that you need the “right” answers, and I’m convinced that the heartfelt answers will land you in the school where you belong.</p>
<p>BeezMom, you are SO right. Pretending to be someone you’re not will backfire, sooner or later, and could well land a student in a school where they will not be happy. Being honest and polite is the way to go! Who wants to end up at a school where they’ll be miserable for four years?</p>