Academics vs. Talent

binx
Tue, 06 May 2008 11:53:11 +0000

I wonder, though, if two equally talented kids are up for consideration in the same instrument, and one has better academic stats, if that is a deciding factor?

My opinion, FWIW, is that this does happen. As some have mentioned, Juilliard uses audition primarily. They don’t require or even look at SAT scores. But they do, apparently, look at HS transcripts, and require a letter of recommendation from an English/Humanities teacher. They want their kids to be literate, and capable of contributing in the classroom. The reason I know they look is that my S was given a Presidential Distinction (or something like that) upon entrance at Juilliard, for having both the highest audition score in his department as well as “outstanding” academics.

Conservatories value academics because it shows that the student has some intelligence. Duh. While they understand that music often takes a student away from course work that might result in lower grades, they aren’t interested in giving up valuable slots to students who do not have the necessary smarts and/or discipline to pass their classes. Music school is not just orchestra and practice rooms - there are academic cores (at Juilliard it is only Humanities - but it is not “humanities-light” by any stretch), plus music academics such as history, theory, counterpoint, ear training, etc.

My D, who is double majoring, and has a significant core of academics required at her college, says music theory is by far her hardest course.

That’s the long answer to, yes, music schools will look beyond academics, but they won’t ignore them completely.