Need a "safety" choice -- accomplished with the oboe

nycm
Sun, 10 Sep 2006 09:53:46 +0000

I was a bit surprised by some of the comments in response to this question. First, your friend should inquire about the number of oboe openings at any of these schools. There is no such thing as a “safety” if there are only a very few spots available (example: last year Julliard and Eastman each had over 70 applicants for 3-4 spots, and Julliard only accepted “in house” pre-college students (as far as I know). Curtis had no oboe openings last year. I would be surprised if Eugene Izotov accepts any students during his first year in Chicago. At many top conservatories, the limited openings include freshmen, transfer and grad students, further reducing the possibilities. U of Mich, one of the top ranked music conservatories in the country, only accepted 3 oboists (out of a pool of over 30 who auditioned and an unknown number of others who applied but did not meet the SAT/academic cut-off). So the statistics make these schools even more selective than the Princetons Yales and Columbias …all of which, by the way, would welcome an excellent oboe player with a strong academic background. (contact the orchestra conductors for a chance to play for them at those schools)

As for money being no object to auditioning, you should also know that time is an problem. Auditions are scheduled from late January to early March, and having been on the audition trail with my daughter last year, I can say that it can be quite grueling even if it is possible to fly comfortably and stay in nice hotels. And even if this is prime “senior slump” time, missing many days of school can take a toll…and teacher good-will may be one of the first things to go.
So, fall is a good time to do serious research, and serious visiting, including lessons with the teachers at each of the schools. Then plan very carefully where to send applications and where to audition.
good luck!