Comments on: Choosing the Perfect Grad School: Part 2

By: Marco Reist

Marco Reist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:20 +0000

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backlinks — Mon, 16 May 2011 10:27:59 +0000

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By: Joanne

Joanne — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:44:18 +0000

I am currently an undergraduate pianist applying to graduate schools. At the moment I submitted all my applications, I asked myself – why did I do this? (Maybe a little bit too late after just spent $400+…) Another problem is, I am an international student, and I am thinking about staying in the States to try to make a living and continuing my education is the only way to keep a legal status unless I find someone to marry right now. Then I thought of going to Europe to change a scene and explore, but the problems are -1. I don’t know how to speak any European languages besides English (that cut out some options) And, 2. since private teacher is one of the most important factors, I don’t know anything about the piano teachers over there. My current private teacher told me to stay in NY (specifically said NY) for graduate degree.
Now I am just confused and feel like I am on the path that most of the people take but don’t know if it’s really for me when it looks like there are not too many options ….

By: Grace

Grace — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:08:50 +0000

I find these articles on grad school most helpful! I am finishing an undergrad degree focusing on jazz. However, I entered with shaky playing skills, although good academic skills. My performing skills have improved immensely, but so have my peers’ skills. Some grad students at my university seem to lack direction and have little idea what they will do with their degree. There are others who play in no ensembles due to limited opportunties, not lack of skills. The music business course (only one offered) this semester did not even fill up. If I ever go to grad school, it will not be before I am getting a foot in the gigging world with really good musicians (I have had my share of mediocre gigs), have continued at least a year with private lessons with my excellent teacher and the work of practicing, have my own website developed with some original songs, have really learned by memory a good number of jazz standards, have developed some idea what sets me apart, have at least a year’s experience of teaching students, and have participated in a music project dear to my heart that is more about community service. There are grad students here who have these real world experiences, and they seem to benefit more from the grad school experience because they already have the skills and experience, and have a lot to give back. I would welcome the grad school experience, but I personally have work to do before I get there.

By: David Cutler

David Cutler — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:48:32 +0000

It can go both ways. The incredible resources of a good music school can absolutely help propel your career on both financial and artistic levels. For many savvy students who take advantage of their environment, the financial and time investment is often absolutely worthwhile.

But for the average student who simply completes courses, practices hard, and avoids asking the difficult questions, grad school can be an terrifyingly expensive form of life procrastination.

Everyone has to find their own path. Personally, I think every penny and minute spent in grad school was absolutely worthwhile. Best time of my life (tied with many other wonderful periods since). But I must admit, I milked those schools, and got my money’s worth…while giving a lot back in the process. 2 way street.

By: Andrew Ward

Andrew Ward — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:47:39 +0000

Thanks for writing these interesting articles. I actually find the financial consequences of attending a prestigious institution terrifying.

I have many friends taking undergraduate and graduate degrees at one of the top conservatories, and people are talking about leaving school with $100-150K in student debt.

That sort of number is terrifying enough if you’re a doctor or a lawyer at the end of it, who is pretty much guaranteed to earn a substantial income… but I find it incredible that many musicians, with very uncertain financial futures, are starting their careers with such a huge burden on their shoulders.

And as you say, an unwillingness to face up to this reality is a big part of the reason people choose to stay in school longer… which just makes the problem worse!

By: Grant Amadeus Giel

Grant Amadeus Giel — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:15:37 +0000

I enjoyed both parts of this article, really. I haven’t really been very interested in grad school because I honestly don’t know what I’d attain out of it other than the ability to willfully ostracize myself from the work world. I obviously still have some time to decide on what to do, but these articles have helped to assure me that NOT going to grad school isn’t necessarily a bad choice.

By: Valentino L. Vazquez

Valentino L. Vazquez — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:33:45 +0000

Survival of the fittest! One considers deeper questions when entering grad school. Personnel and newly formed curriculum should be evaluated.

By: jeff

jeff — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:53:51 +0000

Great series, I had been eagerly waiting for this post all week. I had recently read through downbeat list of colleges to go to for jazz, the article is mainly geared toward undergraduate jazz degrees, but it listed the important grad schools. other than the teachers and alum I looked at the ensembles, schools that had many, or unique ensembles immediately got added to my list, but schools that looked the same as everything else got dropped from my consideration.

I look forward to your unique perspective on how to go to a grad school or their website and find out if the school will enable or help you to collaborate with high level musicians, and help guide you into taking your groups out in to the real world.

Something that I might consider is going to a school that is missing something and starting it.