Phenomenal Private Teacher

One of the most important things you can do for your musical training is to study with a phenomenal private teacher. Since you are reading this blog, you probably already study with someone who is an expert on your instrument – which is great! (If not, find one right away!) But, it’s not just about […]

School Music Ensembles ROCK!

We have reached that time in the school year when classes for next fall are chosen! It’s also a time when older teens start hearing that daunting question, “So, what are you thinking about for college?” Regardless of what degree you are interested in pursuing, having a strong music resume will be an amazing predictor […]

Med Schools Love Musicians

It might sound crazy, but medical schools are actively recruiting high-end musicians. When you think about medical students, you probably imagine recent college graduates with degrees in biology, chemistry, or even physics. So, why are medical schools so interested in people with music degrees?! It’s simple – musicians know how to learn skills. They understand […]

Big or Small Music Program?

Lots of musical teens get this advice from well-meaning guidance professionals: if you would like to play music in college while majoring in something else, go to a university with a high-end music degree program. That will give you access to world-class professors and high-end ensembles. Right? Kinda. . . Schools with famous music departments […]

Want to Major in Music? Choose a Professor!

When I was working in the Admission Office of an internationally-known music school, the biggest mistake I saw applicants make over and over was not choosing a professor when they submitted their application. Many students said that they liked the school so much, they would be happy studying with any of the professors of their […]

Virtual Auditions – Yes or No?

“I am not taking the All-State audition this year. It’s not worth it if it’s virtual.” I recently taught an audition preparation class to a group of teen musicians. A couple of the attendees told me that they are not preparing for this year’s All-State audition because they don’t want to bother if it’s virtual. […]

Concert Was Canceled. Now What?

Your favorite teen musician worked their butt off, took an intense audition, WON a spot in a high-end ensemble or festival, started rehearsals, and the event was canceled. Now what? This question has suddenly become common. COVID-19 stopped musical performances and events dead in their tracks, and teens wonder what that means for their level […]

What is a Music Resume?

Whether you plan to major in music or simply play music at the college level, every serious teen musician needs a music resume. But, what is it? A music resume is a formal account of your experience on your instrument. Through it, professors, admission directors, scholarship committees, conductors, and other professionals learn about your training […]

Music Beat Athletics

Several years ago, a student I was teaching had a big primary goal: attend college on a field hockey scholarship. She did all of the right things – captain of a winning team, high-end field hockey camps, All-Star player in her state, and played for lots of college coaches at recruitment events. Everyone knew that […]