D25 (classical vocal performance, soprano) is applying to vocal performance majors at universities. She has taken sample lessons with professors at some schools - some in-person and some virtual. Now, my question is, is it a good idea to discuss the positive experience in the “Why this school” or “Why this Major” essays? Although the schools openly offer trial lessons, I hesitate because this whole “trial lesson” thing itself is so different from how other majors get admission - so I am in two minds. Please help. Has your child mentioned this in their essays in previous years? Did you get any insight from a counselor or a college admission staff? The colleges are both public and private schools.
My daughter who applied for voice definitely did this last year. She mentioned specific professors she had sample lessons with, music school tours, classes she shadowed, general campus visits, even specific productions or performances she attended and how these experiences helped her to see herself at a university or in a voice major. She wanted to show interest and even some level of commitment to a program above and beyond that of a typical applicant. She applied to both public and private schools and is now a freshman at IU Jacobs. My son who applied for jazz guitar performance did the same. Though do realize that an applicant might not want to get too far down into the weeds for a university’s general app because chances are there will be more in-depth essays along these lines in the music supplement application. That might be the better place for the super specific stuff and will keep your daughter from feeling like she is repeating herself.
My kid who does classical strings mentioned specific professors in the “Why us?” essays - whether he knows them through trial lessons or other avenues like festivals. It’s only dicey in the case where there are several professors at a school and you know you may not get the top choice due to him not having spots in the studio in the upcoming year. In that case so as not to offend another professor, I would not mention a name or maybe mention both names.
My D (classical bass) mentioned specific teachers that she had trial lessons with, what she liked about the lesson, and why she would like to study with that person.
I think it’s a great answer to the “why this school” question that non-music undergrads have more trouble answering.