Thinking About College

I don't know about you, but I started thinking about college, as in which colleges I would apply to, when I was a freshman in high school.  Looking back, that was somewhat ridiculous and I didn't really have a thought process in my school selections.  I sort of just said, "There is a music program? Great." and I wish I could go back.  By no means do I regret going to Notre Dame.  I only wish I had put some more thought into the other schools on my list and much more thought into the schools that were not.

So, knowing what I know now, and having grown up quite a bit, here are my recommended considerations for all flute-playing or musically-inclined high school juniors (the more appropriate age perhaps) as you begin to think about college.  The most important thing throughout this process is to be completely open and honest with yourself:

1)  Note that when you are looking at colleges and music schools/programs, you are actually looking at who you would be studying with primarily.  So in the case of a flute performance major, the flute professor is key to your search.  If you don't know anything about the flute professor, do some research on their websites and Youtube (they may have recordings!).  Things to consider: Do you like their playing?  Does their resume match what you would like yours to look like?  If you are interested in new music or baroque music, are they known for their performance of new music or baroque music?  Do you think they will be able to offer you the opportunities or connections you want to have?

As you begin to narrow down your list, contact the flute professor and see if you can schedule a lesson with them.  It is important to know if you and the professor have a connection with each other as you will have a relationship with them for the four years you study with them.  Do you work well together?  Are you comfortable with them?  Do your personalities mesh?  Does it seem like you and the professor have the same general goals for your future?

Many great and well-known flutists teach at universities.  This offers a great opportunity but may lead you to disappointment.  There is a small chance that your favorite flutist (to listen to on Youtube, etc.)  may not be the flute teacher for you, for whatever reason.  Try not to despair!  You can still listen to their recordings on Youtube to inspire you, but maybe you take lessons from someone else.  And that is okay.

2) Figure out if you want to go to a conservatory or not (taking a lesson and visiting the campus/shadowing a current student for the day may give you a good idea if you don't already know).  This is where you really need to be honest with yourself.  A conservatory lifestyle may not be for you, and guess what?  Not going to a conservatory doesn't make you less of a musician in any way, shape, or form.  So relax.

It is not just that living in a practice room may not be for you.  Maybe you want to double major and your second major is not in music.  Majoring in something other than music also does not make you less of a musician.  But if you are going to major in Math or German, you should probably go to a school that boasts a great music school and a great Math or German program.  Makes sense, right?  And the amazing thing is that there are many universities that are well-known for their music schools that aren't conservatories.

3) Location. Location. Location.  Not into small towns? Want the opportunities of a big city?  These are things to think about as you make a list of schools.  You don't want anything to distract you from focusing on and getting the full college experience.  If you won't be happy where you are living...you simply won't be happy and it may effect your success in school.  Again, be open-minded.  You may think that you simply would not be able to stand a small town/college town, but you might be surprised.  You can't know everything.  Take the time to visit any schools you are considering so that you can see the environment you would potentially be thriving in while earning your degree.  Be honest with yourself.

Finally, as you start compiling a list of schools, make a spreadsheet of audition requirements. The more overlap, the better.  You will be taking an audition tour and it will be a lot less stressful if you are playing the same music at each audition.  The audition music shouldn't really influence your choice in school as much as you should just be aware of the load you are taking on for these auditions.  Be realistic with yourself - don't bite off more than you can chew...it's no fun.

Besides the specifics of this short list, what you really need to remember is to be open, honest, and realistic.  Without a doubt, that is the best way to get where you want to go.  Later this week I will have another post concerning preparation for college, so stay tuned!  And for all those going through the college search/application/audition process, relax and good luck!