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The previous post "One audition done,4 to go"
was getting a bit 'scrolly'.
I hope it's OK that I start a new one with the more up to date subject line.

FINALLY, our son has finished his 6th (and last) music performance audition. Last weekend was his marathon '4 auditions in 3 days' insanity weekend. We didn't really TRY to arrange it that way in case anyone was wondering....many of his schools basically sent letters advising when to come, with little room for negotiation.

Of course, he was most dissatisfied with his performance at the audition for his first choice school. I'm hoping it was just nerves.
Mostly, I am glad this phase is over and he gave it his best shot. Whatever happens now is beyond his control. Just wait for those envelopes.

How is everyone else faring with this process?
I would love to hear the good news that others have (and even the disappointments, since we might have a few too).

Best of luck to all!

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 10:24 am: Edit

Thanks for starting a new thread. We are waiting also. It is insane what these kids have to endure from gpa to auditions to hs being difficult to teachers not understanding absences.
Just glad and relieved it's over and realize that out of all these schools, the kids will be admitted and hopefully get some merit awards.

By Jenniferpa (Jenniferpa) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 12:15 pm: Edit

Well my D still has one more audition to go (UNC Asheville). For some strange reason it's not until April 10th!

Jennifer

By Massdad (Massdad) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 01:00 pm: Edit

We have one accept, waiting on the other two (CMU and McGill).

By Lamom (Lamom) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 02:04 pm: Edit

S has one more this Saturday. It is not a first choice and he is in at Redlands but we thought that a. he made a commitment b. if he wants be a professional he will audition all his life. c. he is 17 he might change his mind between now & May.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 02:42 pm: Edit

I'm with you, Lamom.
Our son asked if he could drop one audition (of 6) after he got an acceptance from a school higher on his list. I actually insisted he complete all his pending apps. Lots of work has already been expended on each one (all those essays!!!); audition experience is invaluable; honor your commitments and then there IS that 17 year old factor here too!
Turns out that this school he wanted to drop has some merit award $$$ they will be giving out. This was a pleasant surprise to our family and one we wouldn't have learned of had he cancelled out. What a great lesson that will be should he qualify for some award.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 06:23 pm: Edit

Well, I actually encouraged my student NOT to audition for the final school, when she made it into better ones. But her parents insisted she do it. What concerns me is that they might make her go there if she is offered better financial assistance there, when she's been accepted into MUCH better schools. (sigh)

Meanwhile, I'm at the other end of all this -- heard some fabulous CDs from applicants to one of my schools! Today I was told that the students were accepted into the university. Now I have to wait and see if they accept US! (I will probably call them.)

See ... we on the university side have to sweat it out a bit too!

By Shennie (Shennie) on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 07:07 pm: Edit

Hautbois - calling helps. I was very impressed when one of the teachers at one of sons schools called to speak with him. When the teacher found out my son was not available he called back the following evening. My son was going to choose that school anyway, but it sure made him feel welcome and wanted, much more so than a contact from another student would have. Hope you get the students you want!

By Lamom (Lamom) on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 10:48 am: Edit

Hautbois, I always wondered how do the schools know how many to select? Do they select the # they have spaces for and then go off a waiting list. At Redlands, s auditioned the first day and he was only trumpet, I am sure it helped that one of the professors had guest conducted his Jazz band and had been the one to encourage him to apply. I wondered if your student had done her last audition. S knows he gets to make the final choice. S is only child and since he put up with us all these years, the least we can do is give him a choice in education. Of course if he wanted to go into something like professional wrestling or? we might not be so free w/the checkbook.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 11:50 am: Edit

Lamom, the schools at which I teach aren't as selective as the ones that require auditions. But from what I've heard and what I already know a selective school has a certain number of openings for each instrument, and they fill those spots only. What I don't know is whether they fill them in the same way the whole university does -- meaning that they offer the available spots to more students, assuming that not all will matriculate.

My student has completed all auditions, but I've not heard about how the final one went yet. I have no doubt about an acceptance, though. There were only two schools that I thought were reaches, and one has already called to say my student was accepted.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 01:28 pm: Edit

Do the schools call the teachers who wrote recs? Just curious. One of D's opera teachers wrote several for her.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 02:36 pm: Edit

I wrote a good number of recs for my student and haven't received one call.

By Shennie (Shennie) on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 05:50 pm: Edit

I don't believe that any of the folks who wrote letters for my son were ever contacted by anyone.

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 10:07 pm: Edit

I'll second what Shennie wrote. None of our son's references were contacted. But, frankly, we didn't expect them to be. Our assumption was that the letters would hold their own. I would assume that most committees would only call if they had a question about the intent of a letter (perhaps the wording was such that it was not "glowing"). DS's references all gave him copies of his letters even when they had sent them separately in sealed envelopes to the colleges. I thought it was nice of these folks to do so...and it made DS feel pretty good!!

By Outwest5 (Outwest5) on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 02:22 am: Edit

My DD's music teachers did actually get a postcard from two of the schools she applied to thanking them for the letters, so some do. She applied to 9 schools, though, and only the two smallest ones (both LAC's) sent postcards. -B

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 08:01 am: Edit

Looking at some of the stats I've found on the websites and in talking with admissions staff, the admit dept usually overadmits counting on kids to have multiple apps into various schools. Example:
Vanderbilt had 90 vocalists with 45 sopranos. Their class size each year is about 50 kids. They typically have a little over 200 apply and admit a few percentage points over 40. So out of 225 they admit 110. Out of which maybe 30 to 40 vocalists are admitted. Same ratio applies pretty consistently across the board. As we get to the final days of the admit campaign, the reality of these numbers and the competitiveness weigh heavily. I don't know if D will make it into her favorite schools and have to settle for her safety. Thankfully there is spring break to take away the mind from all this waiting, wondering, worrying, anxiety, pressure, etc.

By Shennie (Shennie) on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 01:59 pm: Edit

Yeah - I don't know how it all works either, but I did once see a yield rate on my son's school and it was something like 40% which says to me they have to admit more students than actually enroll. I imagine that it varies by instrument also. In my son's instrument last year they admitted 9 students, and everyone of them enrolled! So now they have a few more cellos than they really need for orchestra. My guess is that fewer cellos will be admitted this year, but I don't really know for sure.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 10:13 am: Edit

Our son received welcome news yesterday of acceptance into the Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University) for music performance.
Not his first choice (which won't respond until Apr 1st probably) but still another very viable and affordable choice for him to consider.
He had auditioned on 2/28 and true to their word, they CALLED with the good news. It was surprising that such a large school had that more personal touch!

I was even more happy that he successfully navigated a solo train/subway trip into NYC yesterday to complete placement exams at a conservatory there. He's made many trips in with us and with friends, but never solo before. He is a bright kid, but still a disorganized and unfocused 17 yo through and through. I think he is pleased to have demo'ed his 'real world' skills to us who question his readiness to tackle NYC!

So he's at 3 acceptances of 3 received. BUT the 3 pending are reaches for him (and most anyone)....I hope he comes up with one to consider.

Hope others are hearing some more good news.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 11:22 am: Edit

Musicmom: Congratulations! ... on both the acceptance and the train/subway trip! I can't remember what your son plays, but I just hope he never does what Gidon Kremer did a while back -- he left his $3 million Guarneri del Gesu violin on the train!

Yep. Left it.

He was on his way to a performance. They say he was sleep-deprived.

Anyway, the violin was "rescued" and he got it back. But can you imagine!?

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 11:30 am: Edit

Musicmom--Congratulations on Mason Gross (Rutgers)! I am amazed that they were able to get back to your son so soon. Very impressive. Is the conservatory in NYC Mannes?

Continuing the wait....

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 12:03 pm: Edit

Hautbois:
No, I can't imagine a $3 million loss! But, then, actually, our son potentially leaving his $6,000 tuba on a train would be a financial disaster for our middle income family!

Musictoad:
Yes, it was Mannes' placement exams he completed yesterday. How did you know? Were you there? His audition had been last Monday but he couldn't fit the exams on same day.
My husband was pleased by the friendly, personalized attention our S received at Mannes on audition day. My guess is that their very small size allows such. Don't know how many tubas they were auditioning but not too many since entire school is about 300ish, I think.

Thanks to you both for your responses....I feel like I'm not alone in this parental waiting thing!

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 12:17 pm: Edit

I was at Peabody talking with a parent of a piano player from NJ who was talking about Mannes. I just guessed.
We didn't try any schools in NYC as D didn't want to be that far from home.
The longer this wait goes on, the more pessimistic it seems altho I know that's not the case. I think it's great they picked up the phone and called. Extremely impressive.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 01:15 pm: Edit

Pretty small world. Our son asked US the other night "why didn't I apply to Peabody?"
(As though there had been a discussion and it had been eliminated-not so!)
Seems as though two good buddies from Gov School last summer were applying there and he regrets not. And I get the why behind it since Peabody is another great choice. Oh well, WAY too late to expand the list.

He also is not applying to the many fine conservatories in Boston, California, etc, etc.
He amuses me! I still think that 6 schools is sufficient. I guess he forgets the 'another essay?' exasperated comments he sent my way back in November filling out these 6 apps!

I do think it's hard to make the 'best' choices so early in senior year, with so much chance to grow in knowledge later.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 07:33 am: Edit

I wish there was an easier way for all this to be accomplished rather than waiting for weeks to be notified by mail. Why can't these colleges just publish their decision via email---across the board?
This week we may hear from two more, possibly 3. But we're out of here for a week on spring break beginning saturday so we won't know until we get back. The final three--two on April 1, one on April 15.
Two admittances so far but neither is a favorite but life can change that real fast.

By Lamom (Lamom) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 10:54 am: Edit

Evil parents made s do audition #7 at the Cal St. We ran into a trombone player he had played with previously--the kind of girl I hope he brings home someday to meet us--& another girl he played with in a local honor band. The kids were told immediately if they were in or a maybe-don't know about outs. Realize that the cal st system is different but it sure was nice. S did v well & he's in, they wanted him to meet the Jazz guy right away. The lady handling the audition kept saying "they don't do that". The trombone player made it the other girl was told maybe (this was her first & only audition) We still prefer Redlands and Merit awards rec'd are nice. So I guess our big fish in the little pond can make in the ocean-he just needed a little practice in the ocean. Still waiting for more schools though. Now I have no more excuses for putting off the housework and taxes .

By Emcmom (Emcmom) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 12:22 pm: Edit

Has anyone heard from USC Thornton School of Music. My son got accepted to USC as an undeclared major, and the letter said that it is waiting for acceptance notices from the Music dept. Does this mean that he did not make it???

By Shennie (Shennie) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 12:28 pm: Edit

Emc - what it means is that he is accepted to USC no matter what, but that he may or may not be accepted to the Music School. At large universities, the decisions are seperate. If he decided he didn't want to pursue music, he can still attend USC. If he doesn't get into the Music school, he can still go to USC, take whatever classes he can in the music school and audition again next year. So you will still have to wait on the decision from Thorton.

By Emcmom (Emcmom) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 01:37 pm: Edit

Shennie...Thanks...I did call the Music School...they said they still have some recommendations to go out by April, and to wait. If he did get rejected by the music school, the USC acceptance letter would not had advised him to wait for a letter from Thornton.

By Sd_Dad (Sd_Dad) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 07:52 pm: Edit

Emcmom - My son is in the same situation as yours. He's been accepted into the University, and is waiting to hear from Thornton (Music Industry, B.S. degree). What major is your son looking for?

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 08:22 pm: Edit

Lamom-
Congrats to your son on his most recent acceptance. I LOVE your reference to your "big fish". We've thought that way about our S along the way also. Sooooo cool to watch them swim in the ocean, isn't it?

By Massdad (Massdad) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 08:50 pm: Edit

Musicmom, you may want to see if you could get a personal articles floater policy for the musical instrument. My D's violin and bow are insured against all risks. When her bow self destructed during playing one day, the insurance replaced it.

The cost is not high.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 11:12 pm: Edit

Good suggestion about insurance, Massdad.
We do actually insure our son's music 'stuff'; it's a small expense as you said.

By Emcmom (Emcmom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 02:49 am: Edit

sd dad - my son auditioned for music performance in tuba. But he wants to double major also in civil engineering. He also auditioned at UCLA, but they really discourage double majors there. UCLA just wants to get you in and out as quickly as possible.

It really irked me that my friends and my son's friends think that being a music major is a piece of cake...While their kids were through with the applications in December and kicking back. Our kids were still rehearsing and auditioning for the next 3 months!

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:24 am: Edit

emcmom-
Another tuba playing son! Seemed like we had the only one....
Yep, our music kids have a pretty tough app process. Is it to challenge their commitment to a challenging career?

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:42 am: Edit

emcmom---very good observation. everyone just thinks D waltzs in, sings and she's in. easy admittance. not so. they have so many sopranos trying out everywhere it is insane. roughly 1/3 get selected and many auditioning have never been in plays or sung in a show choir. it is extremely competitive no matter where any musician winds up. D is hoping to hear from Lawrence and Rhodes this week before leaving on spring break.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 09:18 am: Edit

The admissions process for my younger child also will be quite different than for the older one. The younger one not only has to have great grades, essays, and scores (for some schools on her list), but will have to audition singing, dancing AND acting. The admit rate to many of the programs she is pursuing is in the single digits! Some take only ten kids or so, some just ten girls, etc. The process will be more dragged out and much more involved, including returning to every school to audition. One must be able to dance, sing, and act....a lot to prepare. I am talking of musical theater by the way.

Susan

By Lamom (Lamom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 11:31 am: Edit

S (trumpet) wants to double major in Music performance and math. Looking at the schedules I don't know how he will do it unless he "lowers"(his thoughts) himself to BA in music. We are just going along for the ride, at Redlands he can at least teach k-12 w/the degree. The schedules I have seen seem to allow only 1 elective a semester. The oh "just a music major" comments bothered me months ago, now I am just happy he is going to major in something he loves. Also, come check writing time-sure will love that merit talent $$$.

Congrats to all the kids and parents. Boy this was a ride I never excepted when DS chose Music Performance.

By Wnydancemom (Wnydancemom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 11:59 am: Edit

Same thing with dance majors! First, to many people, she's "just a dance major." People have NO idea what we went through to even FIND good non-ballet and non conservatory modern dance programs. There are no real guides, just narratives about each program. (the quality of the ballet programs seems to be more well known) Meanwhile, the auditions continue into late March, and at some schools, she's had to return for a SEPARATE dance scholarship audition! The expense!
Plus, people have no clue how competitive BFA programs are in dance, and think she can just decide where she wants to go.
I did have her apply to a (less competitive, no audition required) BA program (Goucher College) and also 2 rolling admission programs. So early in the fall, after getting into Goucher EA, she knew she could dance in college....and now she is choosing from UMich, probably UCSB, and Goucher (turned out she really liked it!)
WHAT a process! And, I have a junior in high school who goes next -- but luckily she's a "normal" kid and NOT a performing arts major!
Judy

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 12:16 pm: Edit

I forgot about the expense. Even with free tickets from 6 years of flying, it still cost over $1000 to audition at 5 schools. plan ahead dance and music parents!!! But we did eat well--K Paul's and Emeril's in New Orleans was the best! Mighty fine food--not to forget about the place right by Peabody that was somewhat like a cafeteria but very upscale. food was great.

By Bookiemom (Bookiemom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 12:26 pm: Edit

Lamom: We have a friend who double majored in music performance (violin) and math at Indiana. She graduated in four years too! She has carved out an interesting career: first as a private violin teacher, then as a computer/math person at a math software company, now teaching violin at a music school. Lucky for us, she was my D's private violin teacher and also tutored my D in math!

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 01:01 pm: Edit

Judy....a girl from our studio who was in my D's repertory dance troupe is a freshman at Goucher (actually a couple kids from our studio are there now). This girl was valedictorian of her class. Goucher certainly is well known for dance.

As far as U Michigan, my fifteen year old will be applying there too. It is one of the top musical theater programs in the country (dance is connected program).

As far as the expense, I am concerned cause there are all the college visits (some involve flights) and then returning again for the auditions. Cause of my younger one's relatively late start in the process cause of this recent decision to graduate high school a year early...we can only fit in three college visits this spring and will have to do about six more in the fall....then return next winter to them for auditions. I suppose if she gets in ED at her first choice, that will save money, lol.

Susan

By Jenniferpa (Jenniferpa) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 01:34 pm: Edit

Whydancemom: I had my daughter do the same thing, apply to a couple of non-competitive schools, one of which was was Goucher! She's a music major though, not dance. She's visiting in April.

Re expense: I can relate. Just this final round of visits to make a decision is costing well over $2000. I wonder if this is a valid deductible educational cost? Probably not.

When this whole thing is over, I think we should start a thread called "What we did, and what we would do differently".

Jennifer

By Sopranosmom (Sopranosmom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 02:18 pm: Edit

Musictoad and Jenniferpa -- We haven't totaled up the expenses yet but I'm sure we're up over $2000. That includes the first round of visits and sample voice lessons last summer at 8 different places -- some near and some very far. Then, we had to go back again in the past six weeks to the ones D liked and have auditions. When all the decisions are in, I'm sure D will want to visit AGAIN to decide where she wants to go. One such visit is scheduled over spring break. Yes, we've had some good food along the way -- in Boston and Chicago -- and even Appleton, Wisconsin!!! The application and audition process really takes its toll in $, travel -- and stress for D and parents! Hopefully, for all this time and effort, D will have a few choices and be well-informed from visits and auditions as to where to make her final commitment. Not that it's over for her parents -- we have to then foot the bill!

By Shennie (Shennie) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 03:33 pm: Edit

Yep - we had the same problem with flying places to visit schools and then going back for auditions. And as far as being "just" a music major - my son at Eastman practices 4-5 hours each day, has 2 hour orchestra rehearsals 3 times a week, practices with his quartet at least an hour each day as well as playing in other ensembles occassionally, and then has to figure in his classes and homework. On Wednesdays he leaves his room at 8:00 AM and doesn't get back until after 10 PM. At Christmas break he rode home on the train and ended up sitting next to a pre-med Chemistry major from UR who was complaining that no one had to work as hard as folks like her. But when they sit down and figured out committed hours and homework time, he had about 25-30% less free time than she did.

By Wnydancemom (Wnydancemom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:44 pm: Edit

Sopranosmom,
I'm AFRAID to total up the expenses! With 2 trips to goucher (one yet to come), one (aborted due to weather!) to rutgers, one to UMich, one to UCSB, and one to Muhlenberg (all flights!) and then a driving trip to UMass and Kent State; all with hotels, dinners, etc! My husband is freaking out!

Jenniferpa,
We loved goucher! Plus, D will get merit money there ($8500/yr!) and maybe even dance money (audition is in 2 weeks)

Anyone know anything about the dance programs at UCSB and UMich? Gonna be some tough decisions!
Judy

By Wnydancemom (Wnydancemom) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 05:45 pm: Edit

Sopranosmom,
I'm AFRAID to total up the expenses! With 2 trips to goucher (one yet to come), one (aborted due to weather!) to rutgers, one to UMich, one to UCSB, and one to Muhlenberg (all flights!) and then driving trips to UMass and Kent State; all with hotels, dinners, etc! My husband is freaking out!

Jenniferpa,
We loved goucher! Plus, D will get merit money there ($8500/yr!) and maybe even dance money (audition is in 2 weeks)

Anyone know anything about the dance programs at UCSB and UMich? Gonna be some tough decisions!
Judy

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:07 pm: Edit

For instrument insurance ... I just want to warn any of you who have students who are already making money on their music ... a homeowner's policy won't cover the instrument any more. The minute you make money you need to investigate insurance. (Musicians' insurance can be VERY expensive because they lump the rock artists in with us classical folk. Or at least that's the reason I've been given.)

I only write this because I did go professional in my second year in college, and that may very well happen to some of your kids as well. Often teachers at universities can get kids into the profession a bit on the early side, or they might just land a job (that's what happened for me) while still in college.

The expense of music never ends, does it? I think of all my colleagues who fly from audition to audition. I'm glad I have my positions and don't have a desire to go any further! Then there's the new instrument we always have in mind and, for me, reed expenses. And then all that music we buy! Quite costly. (For some reason, thoughk, it's very difficult to get my university students to purchase the music I require -- I doubt they give their other profs the bad time they give me about this! Sigh.)

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 07:29 pm: Edit

The most hilarious comment I heard during our son's audition process came from the PE teacher at our school who had been a recruited athlete out of high school. He asked "don't the schools fly you out for your visits?" There were three of us with student applying and auditioning for arts programs (theater, dance and music). We just laughed out loud!! We thought we had hit the jackpot when a potential trumpet teacher gave DS a free lesson. Our son's way of handling the whole process last year was to do as many auditions early as possible. Unfortunately, the schedules didn't line up as well as he would have liked. He finished three auditions before December break. The other four were in February. He was done by the end of February last year. I will say that four auditions in one month was hectic, but at least they were in only two cities. While auditioning for college DS was also still auditioning for high school festivals and concerto competitions. It was a very hectic year all around. We spent a lot of nights in hotels (and the management in all of them found DS a room so he could practice trumpet...we thought that was pretty nice). I will say, after the auditions, we didn't have to scurry around to see schools again once acceptances came in. DS did go and spend a day at the school he is now at, and that was well worth his time. But when everyone else was spending April vacation revisiting schools, he was done as he had already been everywhere twice. I second Shennie's comments. DS practices at least three hours a day (he's home now...). He plays in two school ensembles, plus chamber music, and then his studio class, AND his private lessons. He is taking a ton of courses, most meeting two to four times a week, and many having only one credit. He is taking one two hour a week course...NO CREDIT...mandatory for all freshmen. This is the nature of music studies and thankfully DS loves it.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:24 am: Edit

Well, our S is STILL waiting for word on his last 3 audition results.......it's excruciating.

He did receive an email from the low brass professor at his EA school. This school is high on his list if not not necessarily his first choice. They have already given him a chunk of merit $$.
She offered him a free lesson which he will likely pursue. His acceptance to this school is from December and it seemed she was trying to feel him out on the status of his apps.
In any case, it was a personal and warm note; appreciated in this awful "holding pattern" period he is in now.

Hope you all are doing well!

By Sopranosmom (Sopranosmom) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:40 pm: Edit

My D heard from Lawrence today. She was admitted to the 5 year BMus(voice)/BA 5 year program and got a very nice 5 year music merit scholarship based on her audition. She (and we) are very happy -- Lawrence is a real 'sleeper' -- a great LAC with an excellent conservatory as well.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:45 pm: Edit

Sopranosmom...congrats to your daughter! May all her dreams come true...
Susan

By Shennie (Shennie) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 07:48 pm: Edit

Sopranosmom - Congrats! Lawrence is a fine school. The son of a close friend is a piano major there and really likes it. I don't think your daughter could go wrong by going there.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:09 pm: Edit

Wonderful, Sopranosmom! So is this her first choice? is it all over for you now? ... the waiting, I mean ... surely "it" (paying for schools, fretting over auditions, wondering what a music profession will bring) never ends!

By Sopranosmom (Sopranosmom) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:21 pm: Edit

Shennie & Hautbois - Thanks for the congrats! Yes, I don't think she can go wrong by going to Lawrence - but no final decisions yet. She really likes the double-degree option they offer. She's also in at Ithaca for vocal performance but we're waiting on 4 more places -- all auditions were completed two weeks ago. It's just nice to know she's been accepted at two places she really likes and would do be happy at. Good luck to all -- the waiting is difficult....

By Lamom (Lamom) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 05:57 pm: Edit

Hautbois, curious- which school is your student thinking most about? I remember your post UCI vs UCLA and am curious.

Also anyone w/info on San Diego & UCB-no auditions so I wonder what they are like.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 07:12 pm: Edit

Can't say where my student is leaning yet.

UCSD is known most for their contemporary music scene. UCB is okay, not as strong as other UCs.

All in my little opinion. As always, much of the decision depends upon the private music instructor.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 08:02 am: Edit

sopranosmom--we've just gotten back from vacation and there was a notice fedex dated 3/15. did lawrence send it fedex or ups or regular mail? congratulations. wisconsin is a beautiful state and lawrence is an awesome school. double praise on the merit award--it sure helps!!!!

By Sopranosmom (Sopranosmom) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 10:46 am: Edit

Musictoad - D received her Lawrence acceptance in a large packet sent in a big white envelope -- regular first-class mail. Included besides the acceptance letter was the merit award letter and housing info, calendar, map, Lawrence magazine, etc.. I don't know where you live -- we're in PA -- they may mail differently to other parts of the country. GOOD LUCK!!!!

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 05:44 pm: Edit

Well, since I was in the local Barnes and Noble bookstore this afternoon killing time while my daughter music shopped, I thumbed through "Somebody or Others College Guide 2004".
What a mistake!

My son is still awaiting those last 3 decisions from his reach conservatories. The fact that Juilliard accepts 9% of applicants is hard to see in black and white. Knew it was highly competitive but could have (should have) avoided facing that actual number while he's awaiting results!
Of course, it doesn't break it down into disciplines so hard to know if voice, dance, instrumental is more or less competitive.
Yep, just need to keep waiting.
Makes me so very thankful he has a few acceptances already.

My son does seem oblivious to the wait....wonder if he's less calm inside than his demeanor reveals??

Another school posted on their website that decisions would be out "by Apr 15th".
Isn't that late? Isn't April 1st some kind of 'official' notification date?

Sorry to sound ignorant....this is our first one to apply to colleges.

Wish good results for everyone here!

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 06:17 pm: Edit

Musicmom, just to be able to honestly say, "I auditoned for Juilliard" is an impressive thing. That alone puts him in a very small minority of talented, disciplined people. And not be accepted is really like not hitting the lottery.

My friend's son was not accepted to a school where the stats were so good, they simply did not even think about rejection. They did not take into account the particular department of that school which was far more selective,nor did they consider that the rolling admissions aspect of the school made his app more tenuous since he applied later in the process. It hurt terribly that he was rejected from a school that accepts over 80% of its applicants and where everyone they knew who applied there, many with less impressive profiles, were all accepted. It put things in much better perpective, when I found out the numbers of that program which was very selective as that department was one of the top of its kind in the country and just happened to be housed in a large university with lenient admissions policies overall.

My son is going the audition route as well. He looked at Penn state last week and though many kids from PA that he knows got into the school with no probem, he is going to have a tougher time than they are since they only accept a handful of kids for their MT program. The numbers for that program make HPY's accept rates look good. I feel he should be aware of those numbers as he applies, awaits the decisions and "faces the music" with the decisions.

Congrats to your son for being so accomplished; you must be so proud of him.

It used to be that most private schools had April 1st as an early date to be notified about regular acceptance. Many schools did not let kids know till well afterwards with May 1st pretty much the universal school notification date (applicant to school). Two weeks to mull it over was the minimum time generally given and this is still pretty standard. However, in the last ten years, more and more schools are moving up their acceptances beating the clock and calendar on their posted acceptance dates causing a frenzy of thoughts. The internet and online decisions have a lot to do with this along with the popularity of the "likely" letter. Apparently, schools that notify early get a benefit in yield which is getting some schools to really jump the gun. But the HPYs and some of the other top schools are holding out to the end. And Juilliard definitely is in that crowd.

My son was so busy senior year with all sorts of issues and activities, that the school acceptances and choosing a school did not rank high on his priority list. He got into several schools early which took the anxiety out of the process and he did not sit down and really think it out until all of his acceptances were in. I have found the kids this year more jumpy than in prior years about their school choice but I don't know if this is a universal trend.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 08:33 pm: Edit

Jamimom-
Thanks for your reassuring comments!
You've helped put some of this stuff into perspective. It is a MUCH more difficult path that our children have chosen than the 'typical' college applicant. Academics, recommendation letters, essays, THEN the portfolio/audition!
And, after all that, a rejection can signify inadequate skills/talent/preparation for a particular program OR just 'we have enough tubas right now, thank you kindly!'.
It's harsh, but goes with the business they've chosen, I guess.

I have been learning SO much from the postings by and about the MT students on these forums. Even though my son is an instrumental performance applicant, the auditon process seems to be similar. Everyone's help has been invaluable!

It is as though music chose our son rather than the other way around; as though he is possessed!
It is what he eats, sleeps and dreams, I bet.
Juilliard is a reach for probably any applicant, our son definately included.
But we are proud that he has earned a chance of admission. We're pretty sure he didn't understand from the beginning just how selective some of these schools really are. And as long as he included a few matches/safties, we were satisfied to let him try. We'll see.

I am learning that some MT programs are similarly competitive, if not more so. It amazes me how FEW some admit; classes of 12 or 15? Yikes!
We live in NJ and Penn State is a popular destination for kids here but I don't know of their MT program. Is your son auditioning this year or next? I was a little unsure reading your post. What other schools is he considering?
I wish him well!

Thanks for filling me in on the notification timeline stuff also....it is difficult to focus on not missing a deadline and STILL have time to work, sleep, brush my teeth!

By Shennie (Shennie) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:42 am: Edit

I think that it is really important for music folks to remember that music admissions is extremely numbers driven. The conservatory programs are small and private studios only have room for a certain number of students, both graduate and undergraduate. If a the sophmore class has a high number of a certain kind of instrument, then there will be fewer positions available the next year. The year my son auditioned, one school only accepted 3 undergrads on his instrument. He was waitlisted. Had he auditioned another year, he might have gotten in.

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 11:54 am: Edit

Absolutely, Shennie. I knew a wonderful flute player who auditioned for a top level conservatory program and did not get in. She was incredulous to find out later that there was only one seat available as they accept an orchestra of kids at this school and no more. Also it is difficult to predict how many openings there will be because grad students also sit in those seats and kids often stay an extra year. She said that the day she auditioned there were 17 kids also there for the same reason. Her chances were truly miniscule for acceptance.

Thanks for the good wishes. My son is looking at MT programs and he will be applying next year. We just looked at Penn State and for many reasons it would be a nice choice for my son, but it looks like he likes city schools better. He is still in the process of figuring out what he likes, however, so things could change many times over before this time next year. The odds are not good at any of the programs that are recommended so there really are not any safeties. Am looking at theatre programs in a school with a good music department as another alternative. He is looking at some west coast schools, UMich, Northwestern, College of Santa Fe, DePaul, CMU, CCM, Harrt , NYU and many others. We hope to get a manageable list together this summer,

Juilliard is one of the toughest. My kids all played classical strings so we know several kids who are auditioning and who are in there. That and Curtis are the two most selective, I believe. And the overall numbers are mitigated only by the high accept of male dancers at the school but that would not help your son. I wish him well, and he is the rare one to even have the guts to do the audition at this venerable institution.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 07:12 pm: Edit

Friday, the 26th.
STILL waiting for those final three letters.
Will April 1st never come?

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 08:02 pm: Edit

Here's what I've heard for the following music schools: Vanderbilt Blair mailed yesterday. Nashville residents received today. Northwestern mailed today and online tomorrow late afternoon.
good luck everyone. Lawrence also was mailed 3/24/05 so it should hit tomorrow depending on where you live. Peabody mailed 4/1.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 05:37 pm: Edit

accepted at Lawrence.
Northwestern denied--no big deal. D just had to apply since it was "hot"--way way overpriced for my Midwestern taste.
big decisions in the month of April--to be in debt or to take scholarships.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 05:58 pm: Edit

Well, this is what I get for complaining about the wait: S received his Juilliard rejection today. Yep, we all knew it was a longshot but it still does hurt. Admission didn't seem a real possibility until he was invited to audition.
So now it does sting a bit. Mostly, I am sad to see his disappointment.

The polite form letter mentioned that he could reapply next year! Thank goodness he does have 3 very viable choices for THIS year with 2 more yet to be seen.

I know we should not be surprised given the selectivity but still it's hard to see the rejection in 'black and white'.

Thanks to all for listening!

Musictoad- congratulations to your D on Lawrence!
Yes, the decision month of April approaching us all soon! Best of luck.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 06:13 pm: Edit

Musicmom--I don't think all of the reading and knowledge can prepare us for our kids competing in the music arena. Despite us knowing that the odds are incredibly harder than just applying on a regular basis, we still think there is that one outside chance of admission. Shennie's post hits it right on the head and coupled with the baby boom and everything else, all musician kids should get a huge round of applause for their choosing to go into the most competitve field and do their best. The others who apply to regular schools have no inkling of how tough it is to be accepted into music schools. Better to have tried and failed than never trying at all.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 06:19 pm: Edit

What a beautiful response, Musictoad.
Exactly what I needed to hear today.....everyone here seems to understand just what our kids (and families) are going through.

I appreciate the kind thoughts.

By Sopranosmom (Sopranosmom) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

Musictoad -- Congrats to your daughter on her Lawrence admission. My D is leaning very heavily toward Lawrence though she still has a few more places to hear from. The 5 year double degree program really appeals to her. I'm on the same page as you re: Musicmom -- applying to music schools is daunting -- all the auditions and traveling (and getting sick just when you're going to perform!). An invitation to audition at Juilliard is an accomplishment in itself!

By Lamom (Lamom) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 07:16 pm: Edit

Congrats to all so far. This process is terrible. Good there is only 1 child, too bad I can't pass on everything I learned to another child.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 01:27 pm: Edit

Fellow parents of auditionees--D has been waiting and waiting for a decision mailed 3/26 (last friday). we still don't have it. I called the school and the person said they have another letter being sent to D in addition to the one they mailed on the 26th. If she is going to be rejected would they send another letter reminding her? Would a music school say thanks for auditioning but you didn't make it and here is why? I would think that would be awfully cruel but who knows.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 01:39 pm: Edit

Musictoad, do not know what to say but my gut reaction is that it sounds positive. If she were rejected, there are no other mailings needed, right? Fingers crossed....looking good......
Susan

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 01:44 pm: Edit

that's what i thought too but this is real nerve wracking and then, if she were admitted, how do I pay for it all? and this (i think) is her ultimate musical reach school--she never says because she is afraid of being rejected and right now is in the "I don't have any talent" mode.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 02:35 pm: Edit

I have my hands and feet and toes crossed for you Musictoad!
We are anxiously awaiting a last possible acceptance (from 1st choice no less!).
Know how you feel!
Best of luck!

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 03:29 pm: Edit

I am sitting down and completely overwhelmed. D admitted to Vandy and am so incredibly proud of her and all the hard work she did.

I am so proud of everyone's kids and their talent. I could never face being rejected like they all do. Good luck to all and pursue your dreams.

By Lamom (Lamom) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 08:03 pm: Edit

great news, thanks for sharing.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Congrats to your D, Musictoad!
(and to you for supporting her, also).

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 08:55 pm: Edit

Congratulations to your daughter, Musictoad. What exciting news!!

By Mezzomom (Mezzomom) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 02:43 pm: Edit

When things settle down a bit, I'd be interested in what each of you have learned through this process. My D is a HS sophomore who is considering a vocal performance degree (Lawrence is her top pick...this week!). Her biggest concern right now is if she's even good enough to be considering a music conservatory and a performance degree. I'd love to hear your stories...

By Lamom (Lamom) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 03:44 pm: Edit

Mezzomom good idea. I wish I knew so much more, we lucked out w/this site and some friendly faculty. Just last wk I mentioned to the band director (HS) that I wish I had known about the process so that I could have found a new instructor last yr & son could work on audition material earlier. He got music between 12/25 & 1/31-1st lesson 1/5. 1st audition 1/16. The guy actually said "that's enough time, son is talented." oh sure, and how does he compete w/talent that has been practicing audition piece since 10th grade? Things did work out because son worked hard and loves music.

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 04:19 pm: Edit

For vocalists--I would do a videotape accompanied by piano to save on the shelf if your kid gets sick. Too much flu, colds and other junk flying through the schools, airplanes, etc. D's voice was raw for Lawrence, somewhat better at the next, and finally was back in form for the last--she did 6 auditions. We should've sent a tape for when she was feeling really rotten and foregone the attempt at a scholarship by auditioning live. Her voice would have healed much faster.
Psychologically, be prepared for tremendous senior pressure---the competition is incredible, each kid vying for admittance to a "good" school. Be prepared for the gc not knowing requirements for a music school re: recommendations and paperwork. Research the school and be prepared to do it for your kid as the administrative assistant--just too much time in plays, choir, voice and piano lessons, and studying. Learn stage presence and not to be intimidated by profs asking open ended questions such as " do you think you have the capability to handle music theory here?" Don't dress like American Idol for the audition--you'll stand out too much. Identify schools early and learn their audition repertoire. Lead with your very best song. Make sure you know them all and don't let your kids confidence say they do--D hadn't looked at one until the night before and then was mad when that one was picked. You'll meet some great parents and some real pushy ones. Remember to have fun despite the intenseness of it all

By Sopranosmom (Sopranosmom) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 04:58 pm: Edit

Mezzomom -- My D is a vocalist just completing the admission process and I second everything Musitoad has said. I would also encourage you and your D to investigate summer programs in classical voice. My D went to Tanglewood one summer and then to a CCM-sponsored program another. They cemented her interest in pursuing classical voice and provided extra skills (theory, diction, scenes, coaching, etc.) as well as invaluable contacts (i.e. people who knew other people, schools, programs, etc..) Once you get down to the summer after junior year and the list of schools has been whittled down -- go visit them and try and get a sample lesson with a teacher your D may want to study with. When it comes time for applications and auditions, that teacher may be the only 'friendly' face looking at your D as she auditions! Keep up voice lessons at least weekly, check repertoire requirements carefully for each school, prepare a tape or CD (in case of illness, cancellation, screening purposes -- many schools require one before you can even audition in person!). Try to get exposed to some music theory, do recitals or mock auditions, keep up keyboard or other instrument skills, do young artist competitions. All these things will help prepare your D for the audition circuit -- it is grueling! Schedule the first audition at a place that is not high on the list -- it's a good dry run for the ones that really count! All this said, you can see that the process for preparation/application for vocalists (or musicians in general) is demanding. My D and I visited several places on her 'preliminary' list last summer and she took sample lessons. She narrowed the list down and applied and auditioned at 6 places. We are now waiting for them all to come through. She has already been accepted to Lawrence's 5 year BMus/BA program (with a very large music merit award) and Ithaca. She did not apply to any conservatories -- wanted a liberal education in addition to voice. My gut feeling is that she will end up at Lawrence.

By Binx (Binx) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 12:41 am: Edit

MezzoMom: My S is an instrumentalist. Accepted to Cinci CCM, Cleveland IM, and Juilliard (where he was ranked highest), all w/ $. Rejected at Curtis.

Best advice I got (from his teacher) was to believe in him, back him, support him. Be his cheerleader, no matter what happens. Also began looking into colleges early (Start now.) I agree with Sopranosmom about getting lessons at schools. Although we tried several times over the years, we were never successful at getting a contact with the Curtis teacher, and I definitely think playing for a "stranger" added to the nerves for S.

Something else that summer camps did for us: different teachers got to hear S, and make recommendations. In our case, the consistency of response led S to believe he stood a good chance at conservatory, and therefore, limited his applications. It also gave him more confidence than if it had just been us parents (who knew nothing about this process) and one teacher praising him.

Another thing we did, which I wish we would have done sooner, was enter as many competitions as possible. (Through the school system and community, such as All State, and through on-line searches.) The audition process is hard, and the competitions give valuable experience in performing while nervous, in practicing and polishing, and in lengthening the resume!

My S also continued piano in addition to his main instrument.

We also prayed a lot.

By Bananabean (Bananabean) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 10:07 am: Edit

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how to find a piano teacher in NYC? I don't live there, so I'm not sure where to start. I've already looked through the conservatories and will be applying to some extension programs (I will be a freshman at Columbia)--but are there any other options?

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 11:25 am: Edit

Just out of curiosity, I'd love to hear the final choice for each music student, their instrument, and what made them choose their university or college. Anyone care to share with this music instructor?

By Musictoad (Musictoad) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 12:12 pm: Edit

Vanderbilt for vocal performance

Reasons (no specific order):
Vocal Department Professors
Great, Relatively New Facilities
Located within 5 hours driving
Major city
Opera in town
Musical Theatre in town
Campus and relationship within city
Size of school
Overall reputation of school
Opportunity to perform

By Shennie (Shennie) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 05:20 pm: Edit

Son at Eastman for cello performance

The big draw was the teacher whom he adores. He also liked the supportive environment, not cutthroat like some other conservatories. Finally, he liked the opportunity to take classes at Univ. of Rochester, although it is somewhat time consuming.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 07:19 pm: Edit

My son's last envelope came today.
Wrong thickness and wrong message inside from his first choice school (dad went there; been hearing about it all his life).
Rejected at Manhattan School of Music.

Sigh.
Son actually seems OK but young men are quiet.
I have been reading of a few disappointed crying young women on this forum.....that is probably harder to bear as the parent. (Tears understandable, of course).
I just hope he really believes it when we tell him how proud we are of what he HAS accomplished in 17 years.

So in a day or two, we'll all sit down and hash out the pluses and minuses of his three acceptances and he'll decide. I am soooo happy he DOES have 3 of his 6 to select from.

Our son was very interested in staying in the NYC area. This unfortunately did make his list pretty challenging. In retrospect, I would have advised him to branch out a bit more geographically to include a few more 'matches' (if conservatories could ever be considered matches!).

Hartt seems to be his current frontrunner.
We'll soon know. Then, to locate all the pennies under the mattress!

BTW, tuba performance.

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 07:50 pm: Edit

DS is a freshman at Boston University this year. The draw there was the trumpet teacher, one who is very highly regarded by many. DS also wanted to be in a city, loves going to the BSO, loves Boston, and actually loves BU. His final two choices a year ago were New England Conservatory (which didn't offer him a nickel of aid) and BU (that offered him a very decent merit scholarship). Because the trumpet teacher at BU was great (and DS had studied with him for two summers)that is where he went. His plan is to go to a conservatory for grad work.

By Lamom (Lamom) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 11:02 pm: Edit

S rec's thin envelope from USC yesterday. Audition was way too early in the process and I know the competition was tough for trumpet. He has the option of transfer because of the legacy but it makes no sense.

We hop he chose Redlands because there is a familiar faculty face, the place is small and people kind. He really likes the community service aspect. This school also offered the most merit money.

CSULB, last audition-he could care less so he did fantastic. Staff took him to meet the director of Jazz. Merit money but cal state doesn't cost all that much. We are afraid that the rest of the school has little for him.

UCSB & UCSD options for music but he hasn't explored much.

UCI-decided against- & was admitted for math anyway.

UCLA-not accepted, was told had overall strong audition but too many other qualified didn't make it either.

Hautbois-how about your student?

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

LAmom:

Sorry about USC. Based on what you've written in the past your son will probably be very happy and successful at Redlands.

I know you're disappointed. But as my wife kept on reminding me last year--"T... is the one going to college, not you."

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 01:44 am: Edit

Lamom, my student still hasn't decided. Probably the top two are UCLA and UOP. I'm in favor of UCLA, but we'll see what she decides. UCI is runner-up, and I know she'd be comfortable there, but she'd be an awfully big fish. She has scholarship offers from all three.

By Lamom (Lamom) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 02:45 pm: Edit

Thanks Tsdad, your wife is right. I was happy at SC. Son will be happy at Redlands, parents will save money & son will get a new car probably a Scion-not sure if they are released on the East coast yet.

By Jenniferpa (Jenniferpa) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 02:50 pm: Edit

Lamom: I'm in Pittsburgh, and I saw my first Scion yesterday. What an odd looking car (although cheap)!

Jennifer

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 02:57 pm: Edit

Lamom:

I think we're going to go for the Matrix providing he keeps his scholarship. I really don't care for the Scion. If I do buy it, I'm going to have to take a week off next August to drive across country with him. I don't want him to do it by himself.

If that happens, I'm sure I'll be asking parents for the best way from DC to LA rather than relying on Mapquest.

Again, the best to you and your son.

By Wct (Wct) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 09:08 pm: Edit

Can anyone provide information about CSULB's instrumental music program? How is it compared to other schools?

By Emcmom (Emcmom) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 11:25 pm: Edit

WCT: I was very impressed when my son went for audition. Many of the instructors perform with LA Philhormonics, and students have private lessons with professional musicians, instead of with grad students. They stress helping kids learn the ins and outs of being in a music profession. I went to CSULB many years ago for grad school in a different field, and was most impressed with the faculty's interest in the students.

By Mezzomom (Mezzomom) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 11:02 am: Edit

Thanks for the input; it was reassuring for me (I seem to be on the right track as far as the "administrative assistant" duties), as well as providing some new thoughts (particularly about trying to schedule some private lessons in advance).

Since my D is only a sophomore, I'm encouraging her to look at everything and anything. When she brings up the cost of some of the schools, I tell "that's not your concern" because I really want her to dream her dreams and look for what's right for her. Although I personally would be happier (read that as "less worried") if she DOESN'T go the conservatory route, ultimately it will be her decision. Of course, as I sit here and calmly type this reasonable outlook, my stomach knots up thinking about the stress of auditions and how they will effect her...both negatively and positively. But between her music and her theatre experience, she's already put herself out there more than I could ever do...and has lived through the good and the bad with grace and polish. So I guess I just need to sit back and prepare for the ride (and budget for extra tune-ups and tires for the car once we start the "Grand Tour")!

And I won't forget the power of prayer...

Kudos to all of you students who are willing to live out your passion...and to your parents for their support.