7 Things to Consider Before You Apply

We often talk about what music schools and conservatories MISS (like, putting your unique skills in context, showing you a range of options for careers, helping create a balanced state of well-being, or prepping you with business or career skills))...

But they're wonderful for intensive immersion in technique, ensemble, rep, theory, history, audition performance skills. It's also a fantastic place to make lifelong friends and explore and expand your love of music.
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​Here are some thoughts over the past 20 years of working with aspiring musicians, and my top 7 tips for those who have your heart set on attending a conservatory or music college

7 things to consider when applying to music school

After 20 years of being on the selection side of the application, screening and audition, here are a few things I hope you find useful as you prepare your application!

1. What you did in high school (or in your undergrad) makes a difference! Getting a broad and diverse base of knowledge, familiarizing yourself with musical styles, performers and teachers can go a long way. Study with a great private teacher. Listen to a lot of music, live and recorded. Play in as many ensembles as you can Perform as often as possible. Be a leader in your organizations. Learn piano and music theory. Attend summer camps and courses.
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2. Get clarity in what you want in a program. College is a time of immense discovery and self discovery! What type of school excites you? Large v. small. Big city v. little. University v. conservatory? Do you want a liberal arts background? To be academically challenged? Where will you thrive? What's the studio culture? What range of classes can you opt to take?
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3. Consider a double major! Having another skill set is incredibly valuable, not to mention learning things outside of music makes your music making stronger! It also helps to pay the bills. (One of my clarinet majors has an English dept assistantship!) You'll also benefit from an expanded community and networks. If you are organized, up for a full schedule and have a true interest outside of music, this is something you should seriously think about!
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4. Make lists! There's a lot of information you need to sort through in this process. From requirements, deadlines, and repertoire to prospective lessons, campus visits and travel booking, you don't want anything to fall through the cracks. What recommendation letters do you need to ask for (with advance notice please!)? What scholarships are available? Get organized! Here's a list you can
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5. Represent yourself well. Yes, your essay or personal statement is something you'll put attention and detail into... but don't forget you present yourself in other ways. Your written communication, emails, phone calls, presence in the screening video or zoom, and how you connect in your in person audition... these are all ways you create rapport and relationship. Even if you don't get in the school, you might imprint a lasting positive impression for let's say, grad school auditions or future interactions.
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6. No one is expecting perfection. Your grades don't have to be perfect. Your audition doesn't need to be exactly right. You don't need to re-polish that essay. Instead, allow your ideas, musicality, artistry and personality shine through with positivity and open-mindedness!
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7. Take time to rest and keep a good perspective. This process can be physically and emotionally draining if you lose balance. Recovery, rest and relax. Take time away from your instrument. Also, realize that any one audition doesn't define you. It's the beginning of a long and winding road, so enjoy the process, know what you can and can't control and hey, you're auditioning them as much as they're auditioning you! Rejection may happen. It's all part of life steering you in the right direction. So, choose sleep, nutrition, to be around supportive people, and have fun.

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I've been getting some inquiries to talk about the college audition process. If YOU would be interested in joining a workshop or short-term cohort, comment below!

If you're interested in the college audition organizer, also comment.

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The world needs passionate, talented and dedicated musicians and teachers - not just to bring up future generations of music makers, or to instill a life long love of all kinds of music. But it's important for so many of the skills music teaches us, from determination to teamwork, to beauty and connection. So, yes, the world needs YOU.

Always in your corner, helping you each step along the way.  <3 

Ixi