 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: shuaiclar
Date: 2011-10-03 00:32
I've been looking into different schools to possibly audition at for an undergraduate program. I have a few questions about the clarinet studios at McGill and Longy, and I'm hoping to get some help:
On McGill's website, the only clarinet teacher I was able to find was Robert Crowley in the list of woodwinds/brass/percussion. I feel like there are probably a couple more teachers? And how many undergrads (if any) actually do get to study with Crowley?
For Longy, I think it lists both Jonathan Cohler and Michael Wayne on the clarinet faculty. Do students there who study with Michael Wayne still get much attention from him, even though he's teaching at NEC and playing in the BSO?
Any comments would be super helpful! Thanks!
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Author: Joanna
Date: 2011-10-03 02:13
Hi!
I'm a second year McGill undergrad! There are actually 4 clarinet teachers: Robert Crowley (Principal MSO), Alain Desgagne (associate of the MSO), Michael Dumouchel (2nd and Eb of MSO) and Simon Aldrich (Principal, Orchestre Metropolitain).
I'm studying in Alain Desgagne's studio. It's actually pretty possible to study with Mr. Crowley. There are quite a few undergrads studying with him and in fact last year and this year he took on two new students each year. Each teacher takes about one or two new students, unless their studio is full. My advice would be to take lessons with the ones that you think you would like to work with and then decide.
McGill is a great time, there are plenty of opportunities to play. At the moment, we're about 20 clarinetists (Undergrad and masters). There are two full orchestras, a contemporary music ensemble and a fantastic wind symphony. What is great is working with really great musicians, which is what McGill has.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Joanna
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2011-10-03 13:16
Although, I did not go to McGill for music, I spent 5 years there as a grad student and played in many of the school's ensemble. I also studied with Bob Crowley while I was there.
I now live in Boston and am familiar with Longy.
In my mind McGill is by far a superior school. It provides more opportunity for you to play in many ensembles, has a large clarinet studio with many teachers (in case the one you originally pick doesn't suit you or you want something different).
Moreover it is a top academic institution in case you realize playing the clarinet is not enough to fill your life or your wallet and need to change major.
It is also more affordable and in an affordable city.
The only reason I would go to Longy would be to study with Jonathan Cohler, who although not my cup of tea, offers a teaching style and approach to the clarinet that is not primarily oriented towards orchestral playing. He is also an expert at more modern techniques such as double/triple tonguing and circular breathing.
I don't know Michael Wayne at all, but I can't think that he, alone, offsets the advantages of McGill over Longy.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2011-10-03 14:29
In my professional (comp sci, mech & elec engr) opinion McGill is in the top tier of world-class engineering schools and a real bargain, even for foreign students. Don't know about the arts areas, though.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2011-10-03 15:14
I graduated in 2010 with my Masters from McGill and I can say without a doubt there are some of the best teachers\players in the world there. The Montreal Symphony is fantastic and cheap for students (the last concert I went to I got $100 dollar seats for 12 bucks each!).
It's actually cheaper to go there and pay international student tuition than the out of state tuition at many institutions in the states.
Montreal is also the "most European city" in the Americas. Knowing French is not a requirement, and even knowing French but with an american accent won't necessarily get you very far. Most Montrealers would rather struggle in broken English than help you with your French.
I had lessons with all of the teachers except for Mike. My primary teacher was Alain Desgagne who is FANTASTIC. The studios are usually pretty full, but it's definitely worth applying.
"McGill....the Harvard of Canada" =)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-10-05 02:08
I've heard only good things about McGill. Arrange a trip and take a lesson with a few of the teachers to get a feel for the best connection. That gives the teacher a chance to evaluate you as well. You should do that with any school you want to audition for if possible. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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