<p>So, in deciding where I want to do my undergrad, I'm noticing (as most people are) that the financial aspect of this whole decision is really affecting my decision...I'm doing a double degree in vocal perf and music ed, so in all likelihood it will take me 5 years to get out. </p>
<p>If I go to University of North Texas, I have more money for grad school. If I go to Westmisnter Choir College, it's more expensive.</p>
<p>If I received scholarship plus in-state tuition (as an out of state student) from UNT, and $20,000/year from WCC, would that be indicative of my chances of scholarship at the grad level? Are there such generous scholarships at grad-level?</p>
<p>I realize that most people believe to "go where it's cheaper." But at WCC, I have a quite a selection for voice teachers, and strong faculty all around, it's got prestige, and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Phillie and NYC. </p>
<p>I'm not quite decided yet--UNT has a very strong program too, and there's more diversity among music students that I may decide I like better. I'm just trying to get a better feel on my financial situation so I can plan for my grad studies accordingly...</p>
<p>Your graduate scholarships will be determined at the time you apply for graduate school via your audition (for performance) and audition AND interview (in most cases) for music education. What you got for undergrad school has NO bearing on what you may or may not receive in grad school. A lot will depend on the schools to which you apply and the competitiveness of the applicants that year.</p>
<p>If money is a huge concern for undergrad, then go to the school that will be the better value (both of your choices are great schools).</p>
<p>Spend your money on grad school. This is just my opinion. </p>
<p>Your undergrad scholarships and grants make a big difference. I don’t recall what Westminster offered you. If it balances out within a small amount ($1,000 or $2,000) per year, then you have to make a decision. But if the amount is going to be considerable - say $5k a year or more - then do you want to be in debt for that x 5 years (or stress your parents out financially?)</p>
<p>UNT is approx. $8k a year (tuition and fees - music students pay a bit more) - then you have living expenses on top of that. That’s a pretty good deal.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it’s between your parents and you. If they are paying, they have a say.</p>
<p>I’m just trying to get an over-all feel for the availability of scholarship for grad school in both areas. Is there money available at the grad-level in general? I feel like there’s a lot of money for undergrads–is there an equivalent amount of money set aside for grad students?</p>
<p>Merit wise, top grad schools certainly have a lot of money, especially as you get on towards the doctoral area. By the time you’re in grad school, they won’t be called scholarships anymore, but fellowships. Many universities give out teaching assistantships, which usually come with a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if there is as much need-based money available in graduate programs though. My hunch is that there isn’t.</p>
<p>theantdiva - I can’t recall if you have posted your voice type before, but more unusual voices often garner more money, in undergrad and grad. At the bottom, of course, are the sopranos; then the mezzos, then the even heavier voices. Of course, there is always a gamble on how a voice will develop, but if you can add something different, that always helps.</p>
<p>D found a lot more money available as a grad than an undergrad. She thinks its due to her voice development and strong technique. She started undergrad as a lyric soprano and has developed into a strong mezzo with some very solid highs (will possibly become a dramatic
soprano(???)) She did a lot of research, before auditions, on what schools might be looking for her voice type in particular. I think that really paid off.</p>
<p>I can speak to this based only on our family’s personal experience with two kids in grad school (one instrumental music, one math). </p>
<p>In both cases, it seemed financial aid was an all-or-nothing proposition. Admitted grad students either got big bucks in the form of a fellowship/grant/scholarship, or got close to zilch. </p>
<p>Factors that influenced which music students got what were 1)timing and 2) the school’s needs. Say a school was graduating most of their horn studio. Out of the horns auditioning, it is likely the undergrad applicants would get more FA than the grads, since a nice package could ensure a full studio for four years versus two. S did quite a bit of asking around and found this to be fairly common practice. </p>
<p>As for the math guy, it was all about timing. All things being equal, the earlier you got your application in, the more likely you were to get a fellowship and stipend.</p>
<p>Again, this is just based on our family’s experiences. Others may have entirely different stories to share.</p>
<p>Also remember that most graduate schools do NOT take family finances into account as you will be considered independent for the purposes of financial aid, whereas need-based aid at the undergraduate level depends upon your parents’ income and assets.</p>
<p>You cannot count on any music grants/fellowships/assistantships being a full-ride for graduate music study, especially singers and most especially lighter soprano voices. (In the sciences, soft money, i.e.grants, funds many graduate students; in music, only institutional money is available, and music is an expensive school/college to run.) Some schools give graduate grants solely based on their casting needs, and because all those male composers wrote operas about mostly male characters, there is a real disadvantage for female singers (Title IX, perhaps?!?!) Even the best of singers will be unrewarded and not “bought” when the voice type is not needed. </p>
<p>There are jobs singers can do while they are in graduate school, teaching, church jobs, singing waiters, etc. In the same way, many fine professional singers spent years in the trenches with day jobs, waiting for their voices to mature and to get an opportunity which would showcase unique talents. It can be done, if the lifestyle is not lavish. </p>
<p>However, if a singer comes out of undergraduate study with a load of debt, the options for the subsequent years will be very limited. Just when it is time to take advantage of summer programs and casting, there will be those debts looming, and the day job will take precedence. Be wise. </p>
<p>How did your visit go, theantidiva? Did you find a good option?</p>
<p>If you are doing the Music Ed path, will your grad school path be solely for securing the necessary credentials to enter teaching at a higher level (in NY, all teachers have to have Master’s Degrees, although they can pursue them while teaching, if completed within a certain number of years)? That will have some bearing on your choice since I assume you will be “certified” and have done your student teaching when you graduate college.</p>
<p>Our S began journey believing he woukd pursue performance only. Switched to music ed second year undergrad and completed all requirements for certification in our state.
He will begin performance masters in fall. The masters will give him a step up the ladder should he teach in public schools but that isn’t his main goal. </p>
<p>He is fortunate to have been granted a generous merit award for grad school that makes it all possible. Since FAFSA considers him independent since completing bachelors, he might he able to borrow some for room/board.
I agree that availability of grad school funding seems to be based on the school’s needs at the time as well as the audition quality of the applicant.
Just one student’s path.</p>
<p>very informative discussion - thanks folks!</p>
<p>I had a discussion with the chair of a voice division within a School of the Arts, and he said that they had heard 140 students apply this year. Their administration gave them one $6,000 TA for a graduate voice student for next year. I know that many of the string players get a full ride. Singers are easier to come by than many of the instrumentalists, and administrators think that the fact that musicians do not have to buy an instrument and maintain it evens things out. So…singers, beware, and do not take those undergraduate loans if at all possible, if there are any options. You will need not to be encumbered if you continue in voice. And if you change your mind about what you want to study, you will appreciate starting from square one financially.</p>