Klarinet Archive - Posting 001366.txt from 1997/10

From: dap@-----. Paprocki)
Subj: Tips for high school students in finding schools
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 22:54:49 -0500

I hope this helps high school students find a good school or rather the
best match for you and the school.
I will assume that money is no object, even though it always is.

1) Great players are not necessarily great teachers and vise versa. I have
seen great players come from nowhere school and players who had all the
"names" and "right" schools sound like donkeys.

2) Remember you're auditioning for them (the school, clarinet professor)
but ALSO they are auditioning for you. Did you like the school? enuff
practice rooms? How did you feel about the clarinet professor? etc.

3) If you're going to audition at the school, try and arrange for a lesson
with the clarinet professor (even 1/2 hour is good). How does he teach? By
fear or by positive motivation? Is his playing style in aggreement with
your idea of the clarinet. How many students arrive at a school and have
never heard the clarinet professor play or experienced his (or her)
teaching style?

4) How are the ensembles? Will you get any orchestra playing or is it
reserved for grad students? How strong is the string program?

5) Are there other notable faculty members there? Remember you will be
studying other areas in music besides the clarinet.

6) What are your goals? Playing in an orchestra or teaching high school
band? Remember be honest with yourself and your abilities. Very very few
make it into the orchestra world. If you want to be a band director look
at schools with strong music ed programs and top wind conductors.

7) Do you REALLY want to be a musician? I've seen many students who
majored in music because band was FUN and they didn't have any other
interests or know what to major in. The jobs are scarce, the pay isn't
great if you compare it with the time spent to perfect your skills.

8) Don't be impressed by big names or big name schools. Be an aware
shopper. Remember buyer beware. You will be spending 4 years (or more) at
this school and with this teacher. If the match isn't good, 4 years is a
long time.

I'm sure our other clarinet professors on the list can add to this.

Dan

******************************************************************************

Daniel A. Paprocki

Instructor of Clarinet
Kent State University - Stark Campus
Malone College

dap@-----.net

******************************************************************************

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org