<p>I’m a high school student desperately wanting to get a Phd in choral conducting. I have a passion for singing and music. I get private voice lessons as well as piano lessons, and I have participated in my high school’s honor choir and junior districts, senior districts, and all-state choirs. I only started singing in eighth grade, however, when I was thirteen, and I began piano when I was about fourteen (I am intermediate-advanced at the moment, I currently practice upwards of an hour a day). I have good grades (mostly a’s and a minuses, the occasional b) and I participate in various musical theater and miscellaneous opportunities. I’ll cut to the chase- it’s my dream to go to Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Seeing as I started so late, but considering everything else, is it plausible for me to get into such a school, or should I set my sights lower?</p>
<p>It is possible, but do realize that the top music schools will admit only the best musicians (sometimes, regardless of HS grades). Also, be prepared to practice 4-5 hours, or even more, per day. But if you have the dedication, go for it!</p>