Music school bound coming from a weak HS music program??

[Anonymous]

DC is very strong in music but is at a small high school with a music program that has recently become a bit watered down. The music class plays as a group with beginners mixed in with the very advanced kids. It wasn't like this in the past, but the program seems to have shifted. DC does private lessons in a couple instruments outside of school but the only ensemble he plays in is at school. (He is working on starting up a band).

DC is interested in music school for college, a couple years out, but I'm not sure how he's going to compete with public school students who are in advanced jazz ensemble (which is where he'd likely be if he weren't in private school - FWIW the private school works wonders for his ADHD in the academic subjects.) Neither DH nor I studied music, so we're trying to navigate this. DC's musical strengths - incredibly strong ear, great technical skills, multi instrument player - but there's still much to learn. I'm wondering how far along you have to be musically to be to get into a decent music program?

Thanks for any input.

[Anonymous]

He's double majoring, right? I wouldn't shell out a bunch of money for just a music degree considering the abysmal ROI. But if he stacks it with something like engineering, he could do well and still get to pursue music as a hobby.

[Anonymous]

We d outside music programs.

[Anonymous]

He should audition for competitive music festivals (all-county, all-state,etc). The music teacher at your school or his private instructors should know what is available in your area. If he’s accepted to the festival, this will demonstrate his advanced proficiency. You should also look into audition based ensembles outside of school and summer music programs. Again, ask his private instructors what would be appropriate.

[Anonymous]

I'm not in the DMV so I couldn't advise any specific, but does your area have any youth music ensembles? In my metro area there are three different such organizations, each with 4-8 different ensembles based on age/skill and instrument (strings only, woodwinds/brass only, full orchestra, jazz, etc.)

For college -- music performance, composition, education (teaching)?

[Anonymous]

Isn’t it going to be audition based? He’ll do a pre-screen (recorded, solo) and prepare an audition if invited.

In music nobody is relying on school ensembles—it’s all private lessons and/or regional/state/national.

[Anonymous]

Private lessons. We arent rich, but we have our music loving son in private lessons for this reason.

[Anonymous]

Most music schools are audition-based and not dependent on the HS music program.

[Anonymous]

Most top jazz musicians are already gigging in high school and attending festivals and winning competitions. How has he done in those circuits?

[Anonymous]

A lot of music programs have a huge drop-out rate because you need more than talent to get through the rigorous music theory classes. If he's not well-schooled in music theory and classical terminology, he may struggle.

[Anonymous]

As others have said his audition will matter most. Make sure he has an excellent private teacher on his main instrument. Start looking at audition repertoire requirements at schools where he might like to apply to see what level he needs to be at.

[Anonymous]

I would put him in some sort of audition-based outside program (youth orchestra or competition or one of the competitive summer music camps). The reason is there is a big jump between any HS music program and the type of kids applying to music for college, and it's useful to know if that is the right fit for him (conservatory or not). I am speaking as someone who also has a musically inclined DS.

[Anonymous]

It’s also possible he’ll change his mind about majoring in music by senior year. My kid did. Once his private school friends started talking about colleges, jobs and careers, my DC completely shifted his thinking. He is still minoring in music, but has a more practical major with the hopes of working in the music industry. And he plays in 2 college bands, does music production for the theater, works at the radio station.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t it going to be audition based? He’ll do a pre-screen (recorded, solo) and prepare an audition if invited.

In music nobody is relying on school ensembles—it’s all private lessons and/or regional/state/national.

This. He will have to perform well in audition videos. Festival participation (mentioned above) is a great idea. Some of the larger Canadian schools have great music programs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most top jazz musicians are already gigging in high school and attending festivals and winning competitions. How has he done in those circuits?

You don't have to be "top" to go to school for music.