My daughter (current junior) is applying to Yale EDI. She’s been playing the harp for 10 years, but does not want to pursue it as a career/major/minor. However, she would like to take a trial lesson and submit an arts supplement. How should she go about scheduling that trial lesson? Ie. does she offer to pay beforehand? Does she use the teacher’s Yale email or her regular email? Can she play the same thing she’s going to play in her supplement? Any wording to avoid? Thanks a bunch!
Others may have some variations, but this is my general advice for trial lesson scheduling and etiquette.
Your daughter can schedule through whichever contact email works. Fine to send to both (same email sent simultaneously to 2 addresses)
Always ask the lesson charge and method of payment up front in the email. It is awkward to have this unclear during the lesson. Most teachers will take an electronic payment after the lesson.
It is fine to have your daughter work on what will be sent as a supplement, or other repertoire. Really the trial lesson is for the teacher and student to get to know each other in terms of goals, teaching/learning style, communication and so on. Whatever your daughter decides on should be well prepared.
Good luck and have fun!
My daughter contacted the music department chair and that person put her in contact with the applied teacher on her instrument.
You would need to check at Yale, but I believe often a non-major would be taking their lessons with (a very accomplished) grad student. Those students change every year…so it’s very possible that having a trial lesson will not be with the person you eventually take lessons with.
Yes, to submitting a music supplement.
And the good news is Yale has multiple ensembles for undergrad students! Good luck.
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Some undergrads do study with a teacher from the School of Music at Yale, depending on talent level.
What is the purpose of the trial lesson? Does your daughter want to meet and evaluate the teacher, or is she thinking a trial lesson would be helpful with admissions?
As I remember, my kid met with the department chair at Yale but mainly relied on the music supplement (video/recording, music resume, music letters of recommendation). Maybe it’s best to ask admissions how to contact a teacher for a trial lesson.
There is an excellent music majors forum her on CC. You don’t have to plan on majoring in music to benefit.
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Thanks for the response! She’s thinking a trial lesson might be helpful with admissions/give her a better sense of what to submit for her supplement.
not sure if she is still checking her account but @RussianMom has a musician at yale
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@applicant6, @helpingthekid73 is correct, I have a musician Yalie, she is a Junior and a member of YSO, taking lessons throughout her undergrad years and music/music adjacent courses as her schedule allows. Your student will not be taking lessons with the YSM faculty members, but their grad students. Trial lessons are pointless, but your applicant’s portfolio will be reviewed by the band or orchestra director, musicians, in other words, not admissions officers. Definitely submit one if student displays high level of achievement in their instrument. My daughter reviewed her admissions file her Freshman year and felt like her music performance portfolio had a positive impact in admissions process. Please scan and later join one of annual music admissions threads - they are very helpful and members support each other through the process, share resources. Feel free to DM me!
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Sent you a private message (upper right).