Some of
you might be contemplating getting a degree in music. When you start your search, remember you are auditioning
THEM just as much as they are auditioning YOU. Don’t just choose a college because of its
reputation—you have to feel comfortable there and feel like their goals and
your goals are the same.
Here is
my list of things to think about when deciding where you want to study:
School:
- University vs. conservatory; advantages and disadvantages of both. A university will require general education
classes and a conservatory will work specifically on your voice. You have to
decide what you prefer and what you see yourself doing in the next 20 years.
- Consider the Location: Is it a
nice campus? Do you like the weather? Is it close or near family or friends and
do you like that?
- Size of School: Do you like a
large school, medium size school or small school?
- Class Size: Do you receive any personal attention?
- Costs: What is the tuition? What is room/board,
lessons, accompanist fees?
- Facilities: What
is available on campus, practice rooms, recital hall, workout room etc.?
- Financial aid:
How much is available, do they help you find all available resources?
- Scholarships: Are there yearly scholarships, is
it talent based or financial need, can it be renewed and/or increased per year?
Teachers/advisors:
- The Faculty—Who are they and
what have they done (performing and teaching-wise)?
- Who is Teaching
the Course—teachers vs. grad students?
- Advisors:
When are they available, are they supportive? Do they return your
calls/emails? (This is a pet peeve of
mine, but I have found that if they don’t respond when you are applying, then
they might not respond later either.)
- Career advising:
Can they help find you a job? Are they well connected with the music and
arts community?
Coursework:
- Curriculum: What’s required?
- Educational philosophy: What is their main mission? (university,
conservatory vs. liberal arts)
- Majors
available: What are the Options? Performance, education, pedagogy, therapy…
- Minors
available
- Performance
opportunities: Are there opportunities
each semester?
- Solo:
recitals, opera workshop, etc.
- Ensemble:
choirs, small groups etc.
- Large
staged performances: operas, musical
theater etc.
Students: What
are they saying? Are they happy there?
A college education gives you experience and training to help you with
auditions. Yes, you can get gigs if you don’t have a major in music, but the
degree will give a lot of opportunities to perfect what you need to do: singing, acting, movement and diction. Do your research before you decide on where
to study; it will save you a lot of time and money.
Kathleen van de Graaff
January 20, 2015
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