Seeking advice on meetings with percussion faculty

compmom
Sun, 06 May 2018 22:22:46 +0000

When there is a conservatory or school of music on campus, and a student is not applying to the BM but doing a BA or BS, it is always good to check out whether the best opportunities (teacher and performance, funding for summer etc.) go to the BM students.

Your son could choose among many great colleges with good music departments, that don’t have a BM program on campus. Liberal arts colleges in particular.

Some schools that don’t have a conservatory or school of music, will offer lessons but the teacher is not on faculty or is adjunct or has some special, limited status.

If he is not applying for a BM he can submit a music supplement to the common app with a recording/video, music resume, letters of recommendation and programs or awards.

I think it is fine to wait until acceptance to meet with teachers, when the red carpet is out, but others do try earlier.

I would ask him to think about the other usual factors, size, location, academics, “vibe” and of course finances and then look into the music department. Look at curriculum requirements, gen ed requirements, course descriptions, faculty bios, and google grads if that info is available.

Many schools without music BM degrees have great music programs with lessons for credit and many extracurricular performance opportunities. For starters (in my state), check out Tufts and Clark U., - look up their music depts.