Am serious about music?

Question

I just started my sophomore year of high school, and am serious about going into music. I've played piano for 11 years, and am currently studying with the top professor at a private university. Julliard is my ultimate goal, though I know it's a very difficult school to be admitted to. I know Juilliard doesn't look much into grades, and I would like to know of some other schools that look almost entirely at musical capabilities. I don't have the greatest GPA- a B, B+ average, my high points being foreign language, language arts, and music, my not-so-high points being math and science.
I am looking more specifically into performance, composition, and improv- but not jazz.
What can I do to up my chances of getting into a prestigious school like Juilliard? Are there similar-based schools? Also, I'd appreciate any advice and/or information on your personal experience.

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

There's really not much you can do to really up your chances...it all comes down to how you will perform and work with the committee during the rigorous audition processes. Plus, I hate to sound like a downer, if you do end up going to a "top notch" school, that does little to determine what type of career you will have afterwards. MANY musicians have to work various odd jobs (including minimum wage ones) to make ends meet...it's EXPENSIVE to live on your own, or even with roommates.

That being said, when it comes time for you to apply to colleges, I would HIGHLY suggest making an "A" and "B" list. The "A" list is the top schools that you want to apply to and will go to if accepted. Your "B" list is a listing of schools that are your good back up schools. This way, you're not putting all of your eggs into one basket.

Another thing to keep in mind is paying for school. Depending on your audition, you might get a scholarship or grant to pay for your tuition/fees. Most definitely fill out the FAFSA form EARLY to determine what your financial aids needs are. I could be wrong about this, but I had heard that Julliard is not fond of their students working outside jobs because of it cutting into their practice/rehearsal times. This would be something to ask a potential school or music department.

The other suggest I have is to attend summer music camps and conferences that have teachers that you would be interested in studying with. If that's not possible, then maybe take a private lesson or two...and talk with their students (or former students/alumni if possible). See if you if you can sit in at a studio class meeting during a college campus vist or something. That way, you'll have the chance to work with them to better determine if they're are a good match for you.

Good luck

Answer 2

If you are more Jazz oriented, Berkley in MA is also a prestigious school.

If you are going for a music education degree (like for teaching) Trenton State while not prestigious - is a good school for that degree.

There is also Westminster Chior college - they have degrees for music majors how play keyboard instruments - and they are prestigious as well.

Answer 3

if you really want to go into music a great shcool would be thish school of the arts at NYU it is a great school for music and acting and stuff!!!!!