My D is a freshman at a conservatory and she was able to ask for her trial lessons during audition weekend. Granted she only auditioned at 3 schools and only requested lessons at 2 of the schools (at the third she had met the teacher at a summer institute and knew his style and was convinced she would like him). She wrote to each teacher at the other 2 schools and introduced herself.
For one school she asked for a trial lesson during audition weekend and was granted one at the end of audition day, after her audition was already done. It was a good lesson and she enjoyed the teaching style very much. The teacher gave no indication about his inclination to have her as a student. He said the school required him to take payment but he didn’t cash the check until after she had been admitted to the school, and in to his studio. We don’t know if that was intentional or coincidental.
At the other school, she wrote and asked for a trial lesson OR to sit in on a lesson or studio class since we were going to be in town a little longer and she had heard that this teacher did not give trial lessons during audition weekends. The teacher responded that she would like to talk to her after her audition. Immediately after the audition, as my D was leaving the room, this teacher told her to come back at the lunch break. So we did and there were several students there waiting to talk to her. She invited my D to come for a lesson in 2 days. (we were able to change plane flights for my D since we were staying with friends in the area so she could stay the extra day). At the lesson the teacher asked her how much she wanted to go to the school (top choice) and told my daughter that she was “on her list” though no promises could be made and to please let her know if she decided on another school. She refused payment.
So, in one instance it was more of an information gathering session for both teacher and my D and in the other, a more direct connection with encouragement about acceptance.
Also, there is a difference at these schools between acceptance to the school and acceptance in to the studio. She found out she was accepted to the schools weeks before she found out her teacher assignment and she refused to make the decision until she knew this information.
Financially we were able to demonstrate our need with follow-up documentation and the school was very receptive and responsive to it. We sent the additional income documentation BEFORE the audition even happened so they had all the info needed before she was even accepted. She wound up with most of tuition paid in scholarships and grants and we’re just having to swing basically R&B (which isn’t cheap but we’ll take it!).
But the best thing to do is realize that the teacher is the most important piece of the puzzle for classical musicians (my D is violin performance) and also that in lesson goes 2 ways - your student needs to feel comfortable and that it is a good match as much as the teacher needs to feel your student is a good potential fit. And also, that they are just human beings, and not to be afraid to ask. Remember that they asked for the same things when they were young and just starting out.
Best wishes for the journey!!!