For the music student, the most important questions are:
- What is the difference between a college, a university, and a conservatory?
- Which schools have music programs?
- Which schools teach and have space for a student playing a particular instrument?
- Who are the teachers that can teach the style of instrument the student wishes to perfect?
- Is it possible to take a mock lesson with prospective teachers to determine compatibility in learning and teaching styles?
- What type of music does the student want to perform? (Classical, Jazz, Chamber, Wind Ensemble, Contemporary, Early, Pop?)
- Does each school teach, in some way, the type of music the student wishes to perform? (Most schools will require a classical music training with accompanying specialty training for those who seek it.)
- Does the student need a specific degree for a particular profession? (Is that degree available for the chosen school?)
- Which schools are focus primarly on graduate programs versus undergraduate programs?
- Would I be taking lessons with the primary professor or a graduate student?
- How many hours per week on average over the course of my education would I spend with my primary teacher?
- How difficult are the entrance requirements for each school?
- What is the audition repertoire for each school?
- Which schools offer double majors?
- Which schools offer double degrees?
- Are these majors/degrees taught at the specified school or a partner school?
- If the degrees/majors are offered at a partner school, does one need to apply to two schools?
- If the student applies to more than one school for a double program, what happens if the student is rejected at one of the schools (i.e., double programs at Harvard/NEC or Columbia/Juilliard)?
- How long will it take to complete both degrees generally?
- Which ensembles does each school have that fit with career goals and expectations?
- What are the facilities like?
- How far are the dormitories from the music school?
- Would the student be able to park a car close to the music school if necessary?
- Would the student be assigned to a practice room or have to share one? (This is critically important for those with larger instruments.)
- How many practice rooms does the school have relative to the number of music students?
- Does the school own its own instruments?
- How difficult is entrance into each school by instrument category?
- Will the student get a chance to play in an ensemble regularly?
- How does tuition/scholarship work between schools offering joint programs?
- Is financial aid available? (Is it in the form of merit, talent, loans or grants, or in what combination?)
- What is the difference between these forms of financial aid?
- How much aid is typical for a student to receive? (How much is generally awarded per instrument?)
- For students with financial need, which schools partner with national scholarship programs like Quest Bridge and Posse?
- Are there any state or community programs that could be beneficial for the student that are connected with a particular program and/or school?