<p>This summer I'm going to visit many schools that I'm interested in learning more about and you could probably call them borderline schools on my list. so, should i book an interview, even if i decide not to apply? this will probably be my only chance to interview at the school if i'm interested. also, i am interested in having music lessons, so should i make an appointment with my instrument's teacher? i'm not sure if i should audition since i plan to minor in music or just play a bit for them. also, any notes on what to expect from interviews/music auditions? also, do you have any ideas on some of the best questions to ask? also, since it's summer i am not sure how much i can get the sense of the school, so any ideas on getting the full experience? thanks!</p>
<p>You may find that many of the applied music faculty (the "instrument and voice people" will not be on campus during the summer months.You can check on their availability by calling the Music Dept secretary.They have commitments elsewhere at festivals,etc.
Unless you were going to be a performance,composition,music BA or music ed major you probably would not need to audition in the fall.Check each schools policy on taking lessons as a non major.
The audution process in the fall-winter is pretty rigidly structured and each schools website will describe the process of appointments, preparation,what pieces they expect prepared,whether they give a theory test, etc.</p>
<p>Cathymee's advice is excellent. Summer visits, while often necessary, are an awkward time to visit, and it's hard to get a real "feel" for a place when the students are absent -- however, it is still better than nothing. You haven't indicated how many schools you are visiting, how far you are traveling, or how "borderline" these colleges are to you. If you would seriously consider attending the colleges (if not accepted into your first choices) and this is the only chance you will have to visit, then you should call them and ask about their interview expectations. Each college is different. If they encourage interviews and you are there anyway and you have the time, then why not try to schedule a few? At the very least, it will give you some experience with the interview process and it may in fact be helpful should you feel more positive about the college after visiting. It's really difficult to judge a school without having seen it. However, if you are really not at all interested in attending and are visiting for other reasons (such as to please a parent) then don't bother wasting the admission office's time. </p>
<p>Regarding music teachers, it somewhat depends on which colleges you are looking at. In any case, call the admissions offices and tell them your concerns and ask if auditions are necessary or even possible. It's not a bad idea to ask about availaibility of music lessons for music minors. At some LAC's they can be difficult to schedule, especially for freshmen. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, and phoning the colleges directly is your best course of action.</p>
<p>I was surprised to find that some colleges (UVa for example) offer a music major but no minor. Also, I was surprised that some big colleges did not accept music minors (Penn State offered a music minor, but the teacher stated that he did not take minors on his particular instrument). Furthermore, I understand that it can be difficult for even majors to play in some orchestras, as seats are filled by graduate students (CMU). It would be best to assume nothing and always ask.</p>
<p>by borderline i mean that i am not sure if i will be applying to them as of now. so, it may be tough if i get there and like it but didn't arrange an interview. i hope to do an ohio tour and a maryland tour with about 3 schools, and then maybe 2 more one-school trips. and also, thanks for the music info, i was not aware of how different each situation can be!</p>
<p>If this is your only chance to speak to someone at the schools, it does no harm to schedule an appointment with one of the admissions folks. If nothing else, it will give you an opportunity to ask questions which may help you decide upon schools to you wish to apply to. I agree that you may not find the music faculty in residence during the summer. I will say that we visited schools last summer and while the applied faculty was not there, the music adcoms were. We were able to speak to folks at most places regarding performing opportunities and lessons for non-majors, something that is very important to my daughter. Also, ask about the audition process. I know that at University of South Carolina, for example, they DO award music scholarships to non-majors for instruments of need (no flutes or sopranos...). DD was strongly encouraged to audition there as a non-major...and she would be able to take lessons and play in an ensemble too.</p>