<p>hi everyone. i'm a senior and i am interested in violin performance.
i'll be having my auditions soon..
i am applying to schools such as rice and eastman...
but for eastman... i don't think i can fly all the way to new york (i live in california) due to some reasons..
i guess i'll have to do the regional audition in los angeles.
i know that schools like applicants who choose to do live auditions on campus..
how much will this hurt me?</p>
<p>There is a very good thread re: your subject. I am sure someone who knows how to negotiate this site will post it for you, or you could search it. Since my son's story is on that thread, I'll just briefly go over what we learned. First, if you are a violin (or any instrument) performance major, you need to know who your dream teacher is going to be. Hopefully you have someone in mind (and better yet, more than one in mind). My son did, after a few lessons at a camp last summer. He was determined to go to Eastman and study with one of their top teachers, who encouraged him at this summer camp. What we didn't realize was how totally crucial an in-person audition is. Do not even think about doing the regional audition (which we opted to do, for the same reason -- too expensive and my son had other musical commitments). DS auditioned and did very poorly. He was not prepared. He was told over the phone by said teacher that there was no way he'd get into Eastman. My son was crushed. After the fact we submitted a DVD of his performance of a concerto with the local youth symphony, and the teacher told my son that based on that, he would have gotten into Eastman. But, unfortunately, the audition is everything. Literally, everything. So, practice, practice, and practice some more. Also, apply to at least 3 or 4 other schools, and make sure you have met with those teachers and have had a lesson. Eastman is so competitive, I don't think most students realize how much. There are so many other great programs and teachers -- dream about and shoot for Eastman or Rice, but don't put your eggs in one basket. To just sum up my bit of advice: Be totally prepared for your audition - treat it like your life depends on it, if that is your dream. And audition in person. If you are planning on attending a school like Eastman, which costs a huge amount of money, even with scholarships, a plane ticket and hotel is well worth it. I honestly don't think they take regional auditions seriously. One last piece of advice: get on the internet (i.e. violinist.com and competition sites where you can read where the best players are going to school) and start looking at other conservatory programs, universities and colleges. Here's an example: Dylana Jensen, who was a prodigy, now teaches at a school in Michigan (one of the state universities). She has stated that if you get accepted into her studio, you can probably get a full scholarship. There are numerous other schools who have similar offers for very talented instrumentalists. If money is not an issue for you, then maybe this advice is not as important. For us, money was a big issue. We heard that 'if you get accepted to Eastman, you get pretty much a full ride'. Well, that's not necessarily true. They have an admission pecking order. If you are #1 or 2, etc. you will get a full ride. If you are admitted off the wait list, then I doubt you'll get even 1/2 of what it costs. Discuss all of this with your parents and private violin teacher and do your research, and practice the audition rep! Good luck and check back here. The parents on this site have lots and lots of experience with music school auditions.</p>
<p>thank you for your time and post, violinmom.
i'll search for the thread.
and i guess i'll have to think about live auditioning.</p>
<p>If there is any way you can audition in person at the school, try to do so. In many cases, the audition on campus is the only one where there is faculty present who teach your instrument. At DS's school, all of the regional auditions are video taped for review by the faculty of that instrument. There is a faculty member there...but you could have a brass player taping the string folks. DS auditioned at all the colleges except one...it was the only place where he got accepted but did not receive merit aid. Perhaps it was his worst audition...we don't know that...but he said he wished he had taken the time (and yes, the money) to go in person. This is one reason why I would personally suggest that those auditioning should really limit the number of schools they plan to apply to to five or six...at the most.</p>
<p>Dear S2 - it's wonderful that you are researching this sooner than later. How realistic are your chances of getting into those schools? I ask only because we now realize that as talented as our son is, he is probably at least 2 or 3 years behind most violin majors at Eastman, for example. I didn't mention that he will be attending a school totally suited for him... with a fantastic teacher, at a minimal cost. So we all win. He is shooting for grad school at Eastman with his 'dream teacher', and no hard feelings. Things usually work out for the best and the way they are meant to be. Try to keep your calendar clear from Christmas through the end of February so you can focus on auditions. Good luck!</p>
<p>I would agree with the advice above. Again, you need an honest, independent assessment of you current level. If you are close and it appears that you have a reasonable shot, then audition in person. This will GREATLY improve your chances and also, if you are accepted, you may be more likely to get a merit scholarship which will make the trip costs seem well worth it.</p>
<p>not meaning to sound arrogant or anything, but i think i have a decent (not good but not bad.. 50/50 perhaps) chance at top-level conservatories.. and i've won many state/national awards.. i'd really like to go to juilliard.. but juilliard seems out of my reach, and plus i don't have the "connections" there. but then the thing is, i dont' know any professors at eastman either... sigh*
do you know how many % of eastman students receive merit scholarship?
and how many undergrad violin students are accepted each year?</p>
<p>I don't know violinists and violin programs, so I can't comment specifically on that. I don't even know Eastman well, but my take on it is that if you don't think you're good enough for Juilliard, then make sure you have back-ups for Eastman, too. I certainly don't think of Eastman as second tier.</p>
<p>You do NOT need connections at Juilliard. My S attends there; he never even had a sample lesson there prior to his audition; had never met any of the teachers. The only "connection" he may have had was he'd already developed a bit of reputation (won an international competition), and they <em>may</em> have heard of him indirectly from other teachers -- I say indirectly, because Juilliard doesn't even require letters of reference - It's all audition. You could find yourself in the same position with your awards.</p>
<p>i'm not saying that eastman is second tier by any means. eastman is great and i would love to go there. from seeing my musicians that i know around me, it just seems to me that juilliard seems more.. competitive. many of my friends who attend juilliard have been studying with the professors prior to their auditions (from pre-college, summer camps, etc)</p>
<p>well is it a good idea to schedule a lesson before my audition? is that possible even a couple of days before my audition?
and i would also appreciate it if anyone can answer my question 2 posts above this one. thanks.</p>
<p>Do not assume that having "connections" or studying in precollege programs or at summer programs with teachers from top conservatories will give anyone an edge at acceptance at the conservatories. Re: the number of students accepted each year...that varies at some places from year to year depending on who is leaving their programs. Violin is considered a MOST competitive instrument. There are tons of violin players auditioning...and this includes many international students as well (most find a way to audition in person). Having said that...you can't get accepted if you don't apply. So apply to Eastman if that is your dream school. But I agree with others...apply to some other places as well. Where are you thinking of applying besides Eastman?</p>
<p>We always discuss wanting to study with Debost or Wincenc or Robertello or Buyse or whomever, never attend Eastman or Julliard. Our daughters private teacher has made it very clear that its all about the teacher and she has to at least met, if not study with the teachers that make our short list. Sure the top schools end up with the top teachers, I just feel uncomfortable when students talk about this school or that because they think its the place for them but they dont even know who teaches their instrument at the school, let alone have they taken a class to see if its a good match.</p>
<p>With Violin you probably have a better chance because schools take so many, but with flute we have to realize even if your top in your state, getting into any one particular program is still a long shot.</p>
<p>Applying in person at the school is always the best but always affordable or practical. Applying to more than a couple schools is highly recommended. Julliard and Eastman are comparable in difficulty to pass an audition and get admitted. Eastman is not on our short list at the moment because of the teacher, however, I believe they have some small portion of acceptance based on academics where Julliard is pretty much 100% audition, you pretty much dont even have to have attended HS. That maybe a significant difference. IF anything Curtis for many is considered the most difficult to get into. Rice if you have academic issues can more difficult yet.</p>
<p>I will try to answer your questions from a few posts above, but hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong. I am basing this on what I have discovered during my son's app. process. If you have won many competitions and awards and have been studying for many years and can master the audition rep., then you certainly have a shot at Eastman. You would be smart to start investigating the violin faculty there, all excellent, by the way, (and at other schools you are interested in). Research all of the major competitions and see who the up and coming violinists are studying with (or have studied with). My son met Mr. Kopelman at camp last summer and had two lessons with him. He just 'fell in love' and really wanted to study with him. I think that Mr. K was impressed with son, but there is an entire panel who determines admissions and even if you have a teacher who likes you, it will not secure you a slot. You have to ace the audition. Grades at Eastman are not all that important. I understand that they DO give quite substantial financial aid to students who are admitted and also if you have need-based assistance. If my memory serves me, I believe we found out they had 500+ applicants for violin and only accepted 20 or something. I may be way off. I just know it was insanely selective. One hint: if you apply as a music education major rather than a violin performance major, your chances of admission go way up. A friend of my son was admitted last year and she was not a top-caliber violinist. Also, she had been taking private lessons with the teacher during high school, which didn't hurt. If you audition in person, contact a few teachers and arrange a trial lesson. Be sure you contact them way in advance, as they are busy and they get lots and lots of emails from students. Hope this helps. Just keep in mind that there are so many great teachers, and I second the advice that it all comes down to the teacher, not necessarily the school. You could go to the trouble and expense of flying all over the country, but if you don't have a specific teacher you really really love, then it's not worth it. You could end up with someone you just totally don't click with, and then you are stuck, as it's difficult to switch teachers. One more thing to consider: there are many schools who are aching for terrific violinists and have huge amounts of money set aside to recruit those students. So one route to take is find a great teacher at a lesser-known school for undergrad (securing a big scholarship), and save your money for grad school at Julliard, Eastman or Peabody.</p>
<p>I fully agree that it comes down to the teacher. DS chose Boston University over several conservatories because of the teacher on his instrument. He has not been sorry with that decision. We travelled to each school at least twice...some closer ones three times. Once so that DS could tour, take a private lesson, and speak to the music department folks. Second trip was the audition trip. He took two additional trips after his acceptance just to be sure (luckily those were a short drive).</p>
<p>hey, to someone who has been through the college auditions process as a violinist this year (whos going to UMich as a violin performance major in the fall), maybe I can give you some advice. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>start practicing the required rep NOW. make sure you know what the required rep is. Every school is a little different. You dont want any nasty suprises 1 week before your audition. Juilliard requires 2 Paganini caprices, a concerto, bach, a showpiece, and a 20th century piece as well as a prescreening cd (one pag caprice, bach and concerto). If you think you mayyy have a chance, send in the presceening cd. It'll cost you $100 for the application fee, but if you get past that, I STRONGLY encourage you fly to NY and audition. MSM and Mannes in NY also require prescreening CDs.</p></li>
<li><p>Eastman. Do the applications and teacher recs NOW. Dont wait till last min like I did. All the regional audition slots were filled up by the time I sent in my app which was like a week before the deadline, so I couldnt audition regionally. </p></li>
<li><p>Teachers. You dont have to "know" them personally. EMAIL them and get them to get to know you, your achievements and dedication. In some cases, they may ask for a cd of your playing. Send it to them. If the school is near where you live, try to get lessons with them. Colburn, or USC are good Cali music schools.</p></li>
<li><p>Audition advice. Regional auditions, they record you or videotape you...ALL your required pieces, from beginning to end. Campus auditions-they usually stop you half way through your concerto if its really long. </p></li>
<li><p>plan out your audition times. Some people audition better when all their audition times for different schools were close to each other. Some people need to fly and need time in between the auditions to get ready.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Well, this year has been incredibly brutal for me, which got me thinking if I really should become a music major. Cuz when it comes down to it, its 10-15 min that determines if you get in or not. All the pressure got to me and it was a very difficult time for me. </p>
<p>hope this helps!</p>
<p>One more thing - and it's great advice from the audition thread on this board: Try to schedule your dream school (1st choice) audition as late as you can, date wise. That's another reason to avoid the regionals - they are usually a month or so before the on-campus auditions, which gives those students an advantage as well. When my son auditioned for Eastman (regional on west coast), it was his first audition. It was a horrible experience from beginning to end. If he had auditioned in Rochester, he would have had a few other auditions under his belt and an extra month to prepare his rep. pieces.</p>
<p>You have gotten some wonderful advice on this thread. I will say that my son recently graduated from Eastman on cello. He had lessons with the professor he wanted to study with twice, once in spring of ninth grade and once in October of his senior year. Because he had spent over an hour with the teacher in October, and because we were running into conflicts, he did decide to do the regional audition for Eastman. He was admitted to the school, got the teacher he wanted, and was awarded a scholarship as well. I don't know if the outcome would have been as good if he hadn't played for the teacher in October. His teacher did comment that he had an excellent audition. </p>
<p>So, if you can't make it to Eastman for the regular audition, it is still possible to get in under a regional audition. But I think it helps if the teacher already knows you.</p>
<p>I hope it is ok to resuscitate an old thread like this. Auditions are coming up and a review of the audition dates, money and time available for travel, etc. make regional auditions attractive. However, I have read some posts in which people wrote that they felt that some schools don’t take regional auditions seriously, and that a student who does regional rather than on-site audition could risk being offered less merit scholarship money. I have no idea if these things are generally true or were based on a few isolated experiences. </p>
<p>First, is it true that a regional audition involves going to some location in a major city at which someone from music admissions dept. videotapes the student playing all of the audition repertoire, 15 minutes of it, etc. or is there interaction with the school representative or possibly even an interview during the audition slot? </p>
<p>If the regional audition involves having you perform all the pieces beginning to end, I think it some people would opt to mail in a recorded audition CD/DVD that they made themselves. In situations where regional auditions are offered, is there also the option to mail in an audition recording? </p>
<p>I think it is good to try to visit the campus and have a live audition, but when applying to schools 1000 - 2000 miles away, have people had much success with admission and scholarship awards from 1) regional audition and/or 2) mailing in a recorded audition? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Rigaudon,</p>
<p>All good questions - I suggest calling the Admissions Dept. Ask to speak with the director - many assistants are work study and may not know the answers in detail. Your questions don’t involve “secret” info - it’s in everybody’s interest to have well-prepared auditioners. </p>
<p>That said, personal anecdotes from recent auditioners can also be enlightening. I haven’t known anyone doing a regional for several years, so I hesitate to relate experiences. Things do change and I’ve noticed that some schools that used to do regionals have stopped in the last few years. From past experience, each school had slightly different methods to their regionals - some did have opportunities to ask questions of the audition representative, not all recorded all the audition rep, etc. Ask at the music schools you’re interested in - then be prepared for anything!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Fiddlestix, I read your reply several times because the first time I read it, I regretted asking the question. Of course we would ask for information about regional auditions from the schools, but they are not going to say whether the acceptance rates/merit scholarship rates are lower from regional auditions or recorded auditions than for students who auditioned on campus. I have seen several regional audition dates posted for schools my high school senior is considering; maybe regional auditions are less common now that students are able to make high quality recordings. </p>
<p>So I guess I will put the question in a different way. To anyone who has experience with regional auditions or sending in a recording instead of auditioning on campus, were the outcomes as good as those in which the audition was on campus (in terms of acceptance/merit scholarships) or did you regret not having done the on-site audition?</p>
<p>it would be a pain if they recorded EVERYTHING from beginning to end.
It seems especially difficult for me to audition in person at schools because i’m a transfer applicant AND it would be hard for me to miss midterms/projects, etc.</p>
<p>Is the admission committee actually there? the faculty may not be there, but who actually calls the shot in admitting students? the faculty or admission officers?</p>
<p>btw, if u apply as a double major in music ed and violin performance would that be more difficult than applying solely as a violin performance major?</p>