Suggestions for Plan B

I have a S who plans to major in music performance (alto sax/classical). He has auditioned at both Illinois and Michigan. We’ve let him completely control the process in identifying schools he wished to attend, and he researched both schools thoroughly. My question is this…if he does not survive the audition process at either school, what options does he have (later admission/audition process) with other schools in the Midwest? Thanks in advance.

Are these the only two schools he applied to?

BGSU has a world renowned saxophone professor, and is a huge hub for new music. Also they have a late deadline.

Can you clarify? Are you looking for a school that has not yet closed the application and audition process?

Yes. Looking for schools with a later admission/audition timeline.

He also applied to Jacobs, but did not get through the pre screen. Thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions.

Not in the midwest, but you might give Loyola New Orleans a call. You would have to submit a video audition before March 1 or audition in person on Feb 22.

There are schools with rolling admissions, like Michigan State, for example, that have excellent classical sax studios but be aware that rolling admissions doesn’t mean unlimited spots. They’ll stop accepting applications when they’ve filled their openings. Also, even with rolling admissions, many have deadlines if you want to be considered for any scholarships. Applying after that deadline will mean you won’t be considered for any institutional merit scholarships.

Waiting until you know you won’t get into the two schools seems way too late. They don’t give you decisions right after auditioning.

Definitely look into Michigan State. I’ve also heard really good things about Bowling Green.

Yes, don’t wait. I would start calling tomorrow.

CCPA (Chicago College of Performing Arts) at Roosevelt University in Chicago also has a Classical Sax major and they MAY still have some openings. Their priority deadline for live auditions was 1/15, but I would suggest calling the Admissions Department of the Conservatory first thing tomorrow to inquire.

There is another option you may want to consider, rather than scrambling to find a program that still has open slots and will accept them at this late date. The problem with trying to find a school now is finding a slot open at a program that has both a great program and a great sax teacher is likely to be difficult, because if a program is that good, they likely will have a ton of applicants and will likely not have any slots in their audition queue, generally if a school still has open slots it means they aren’t necessrily in demand (which isn’t always a sign of how good a program/teacher is, but is a pretty good rule of thumb), for high level schools it is more likely they have their audition plate full.

The other option to think about would be to take a gap year, and use that to work on his technique and such, a lot of music students do that. If in the end he doesn’t get into the schools he wants, and it seems like the programs he could apply to right now wouldn’t be a fit, there is nothing wrong with a gap year.

I concur with the BGSU and Michigan State recommendations, if it’s not too late to apply there. Both have very highly regarded classical sax profs (Sampen at BGSU and Luloff at MSU). The gap year idea is also one to consider if needed. FYI, I know of two very talented students who went on to top classical sax programs but who did not even pass the prescreen at Indiana.

You may want to call Iowa. I’ve been told their sax faculty is well regarded and while their website lists a deadline of February 1, it lists that as for “optimal scholarship consideration” so it may not be a firm date.

Thanks for the suggestions. I also appreciate not judging our decision to let our S handle the process. Probably not the way some parents would go about this, but we decided that our kids should take on the responsibility of choosing a school.

@king66 Whether it’s the parents or the kids who handle the responsibility…plenty of people find themselves in this position this time of year. Good luck!

Can’t believe I forgot… University of Akron.

FWIW, my son’s a saxophone player and his private teacher who, by the way, has taken my son from a 5th grade public school saxophonist to auditioning at Juilliard later this month, did his undergraduate degree in classical saxophone at Akron before going on to his masters at University of Michigan, studying with Donald Sinta. Your son could do a lot worse. They accept recorded auditions, but they’re due soon.

Good luck!

The great thing about BGSU, besides Dr. Sampen, is that it’s a HUGE program with lots of activities and events. There is a well known new music festival every fall, and lots of visiting performers and educators throughout the year. It’s a focal point for new music in the midwest. They have a rolling admissions process and auditions through April. Seriously consider applying.

Thanks for adding that, mmmarimba! Dr. Sampen is a really nice guy, too. My son went to his sax camp and had a great time. Many of the campers had been there several summers in a row and were clearly thrilled to be returning. Dr. Sampen even played basketball with the kids in the evening.

Just to update all of you who contributed…thanks for all of your input. S was accepted to Michigan where he will joyfully blow his horn for the next four years. Thanks again!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to your S! That is wonderful! My S will most likely be applying to Michigan next year for classical sax, as well.