Klarinet Archive - Posting 000830.txt from 1999/12

From: Soo Goh <gohsookh@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] A little dilemma
Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 13:40:04 -0500

Hello everyone,

I don't know what I am really hoping to get out of this, but I am writing
to ask you guys' opinion about graduate school. I am an international
student from Malaysia, and a senior at Luther College majoring in both
computer science and music performance. The dilemma I've been having since
the beginning of the year is whether I should try out for grad school in
music performance or not. I mean, I like to be realistic, knowing that my
parents would be really happy if I were to just go out and work in the
computer science field. But something inside me tells me that I owe it to
myself to give grad school a shot. But what can grad school in music lead
my life to?

I LOVE playing the clarinet, and as a matter of fact, I enjoy it more than
anything else on earth (excluding reed frustrations of course!). I have to
say that I am proud of my achievements so far. I started playing in HS
back home when I was 13 (rather late, I must say), never had a teacher or
formal musical training until I came to the states when I was 19. I've
managed to somehow secure parts in Barber of Seville, Carmen, Fledermaus,
and principle clarinetist position in our state symphony back home in
Penang, Malaysia and here in college as well. I mean, I told myself that
I've come so far, so why not see how far I can get with my musical abilities?

Barring that, I need to consider whether I can afford grad school or not
(since I am an international student), not to mention if I can get into one
first! It's a struggle, and I thought about going to work for a year or
two and then do grad school, but I know it is going to be hard. Does
anyone know whether there is such thing such as deferred enrollment for
grad schools? I am kind of split between the two options. Another thing
is, this is probably ridiculous, but can anyone suggest schools that does
provide some significant aid to international student applicants? For me
or just about anyone, being able to afford it is the most important factor
among all. Of course I realized that selecting a grad school is more than
just money... .

Well, my sincere thanks to anyone who might offer me some suggestions or
advice . I'll have to make up my mind pretty soon as deadlines are drawing
near for grad school if I still want to do it. Thanks again, I sincerely
appreciate it!

Soo

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