Most Walnut Hill music majors will choose
conservatory studies, but a few each year opt for liberal
arts or double-degree programs. Musicians are fortunate to
have many viable options, ranging from small conservatories
or small colleges with good music departments to large universities
which contain both a college and a conservatory within one
school. You should apply to a minimum of four or five schools,
whether they are colleges or conservatories.
It is essential that musicians look closely at the instruction they will receive at each school. It is preferable to choose a school because of a teacher rather than overall name recognition. For example, a certain school may have a wonderful reputation, but if the cello faculty is not strong, or if there is no cello teacher who would meet your educational needs, then the school's wonderful reputation might not serve you well. We strongly recommend that you see about arranging private lessons with potential teachers. These can be arranged with the help of your principal teacher at Walnut Hill and occasionally by calling individuals directly. In sorting through these issues, you should work closely with your primary teacher at Walnut Hill, as well as a Placement staff member, and your family.
Auditions
At most conservatories, you have the option of sending in a tape or auditioning live, either at the school or in a regional audition. It is always preferable to audition at the school and, if that is not possible, to do a regional audition. Sending in a tape is the least desirable option. Be sure you know what your audition requirements are. Be well prepared. Some schools are quite inflexible on this point. If you have not prepared properly, you simply may not audition. Some schools also require that you take a music theory test and, if you are an international student, an English exam. Bachelor of Arts granting institutions do not require auditions, but it is definitely to your advantage to play for a member of the music faculty, ideally the Head of the Department or an instructor in your instrument. You may set up such interviews by calling either the Admissions Office or the Music Department at your schools of interest. If this is not possible, you may send a tape to the Admissions Office. The tape will be reviewed by the music faculty. Be sure to have all auditions done and all tapes submitted by the application deadline.
Questions to Ask
These will vary depending on your particular instruments and needs, but some questions which you might consider are listed below.
In what large and small ensembles are freshmen allowed to perform?
How many performances may I participate in during the course of the year?
Is there ample rehearsal/practice space? How often is it available? At what hours?
Do undergraduates perform in master classes?
Can students place out of introductory music theory classes? How?
Are students allowed to perform outside the school?
How does your BA/BM double-degree program work? What am I required to do for each year of the program? Are certain musical opportunities closed to me if I pursue a double-degree?
How long does it take to graduate? What is the retention rate?
