Music Auditions!!!

spelmom
Mon, 10 Apr 2006 07:55:39 +0000

Dolphin 8

I assume your son is a jazz student and he must be very talented if he has already been offered a scholarship as a junior. Congratulations to you both. My S is also a jazz tenor saxophonist and we considered all the NY schools you mentioned. We did not consider Berklee. Juilliard has an outstanding faculty and was very attractive to S. However, it is a very small program; my understanding is the instrumentation for the entire undergraduate program consists of one jazz orchestra. They also require as part of the pre-screening repetoire demonstration of doubling ability so if your S intends to apply, he should be prepared for that. My S did apply, but was not invited to audition.

We also visited NYU and attended the information session. I would have preferred a university based program, but as our search progressed I came to understand that my S really wanted a conservatory experience. He felt the performance program at NYU was not strong enough and did not apply.

We did visit Manhattan on the same trip as the NYU visit, and despite my reservations about a conservatory, I loved it instantly. Other parents I know later confessed the same. The saxophone faculty is very strong, the atmosphere was energetic and warm, and every student I spoke with loved the place. While my S also applied to the New School, we never visited because school was never in session while we were in NY. What I know about the program suggests to me that it is a better environment for graduate study. One of the big draws for students is that you can study with whomever you choose; if that individual is not on the faculty the school will pay for it. However, I believe that option is only for upperclassmen. We do know a student who recently transferred there after three years at a LAC and he confirmed what I had heard elsewhere that the school does not have the strongest students. I believe they are working hard to compete for top students, however, and will award generous merit scholarship.

My S was offered a generous scholarship at New School, but after talking with all his music teachers and mentors, I think we have decided to go with Manhattan. All have agreed it is the best choice. Justin DiCioccio, who chairs the program is very highly regarded, the school draws top jazz students from across the country, particularly saxophonists, and the facilities and location are wonderful.

Your son should definitely auditon for the Grammy Ensemble next year–selected students who are seniors are automatically admitted to Manhattan, probably Berklee as well. Good luck with your search.