 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ClarineTEX
Date: 2010-08-07 17:11
I'm looking around at doctoral programs in clarinet performance with the eventual goal of a university teaching and/or professional performing position. I'm looking primarily at large cities as that's where I'd like settle after graduation.
I'm looking for a place to hone my playing and teaching skills, and also explore technology and production and possibly make some freelance contacts in the area I end up.
So far, NYU, USC, and U of Michigan are on my list. Does anyone have any others to recommend?
Thanks!
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Author: William
Date: 2010-08-07 17:42
LOL. No matter where you go, you will be standing in a long line of other DMA clarinet candidates with similar aspirations. If I were searching for a school, I would pick the one where I could make the most professional contacts, not necessarily the city/area/region that I want to eventually live in. You may wind up living "where-ever" just to get a job. The professional network that you develop will help your future just as much--and perhaps more--than your doctorial studies & eventual DMA. This is a world of "who you know", you know :>)
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Author: maskedridersean
Date: 2010-08-08 00:53
generally university teaching and professional playing are two different paths, and while not always mutually exclusive the players and schools unofficially separate themselves to one or the other. Each of your programs are well regarded programs with many successful players and teachers, but they are also large programs. If you are not "top banana" you may miss out on the chance to play in the top chamber groups or get the TA positions that would subsidize the cost. Keep in mind that opportunity to play is one of the biggest factors in your choice. Too small a school and there won't be enough other quality graduate students to form chamber groups, too many and you could be edged out.
Another BIG factor is who you will be studying with. If you don't like a professor...or they don't like you, you will not get much out of the experience. Also the big schools each have several professors and how they split the students is important. One may get first choice and the other gets the left overs. So those freelance opportunities may only be available to one professor's students. The problem is some times you won't find out who you will study with until after you choose a school. *yikes*
Lastly, I only have an undergraduate and teach private lessons. Some of the doctoral students that were at my school while I did my undergrad teach in the same area. I have 1 degree, they have 3. We make the same amount of money per student.
If you want to perform, I think a masters degree then an artist diploma would serve you better. If you want to teach, a DMA is becoming the minimum requirement.
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Author: ClarineTEX
Date: 2010-08-09 23:22
Thanks for the helpful replies!
RE: professional contacts... I guess that's why I feel a large school would serve my interests better. Both of my degrees will be from UNT, a very large school and I've found my niche so far in both playing opportunity and contacts and honestly would feel comfortable in another large program. My main mitigating concerns are, of course: cost and professor compatibility. I'm attracted to large cities simply because they seem to offer more opportunities to defray the cost in case a TF position doesn't materialize. Professor compatibility is subjective and at the front of my mind.
Any other suggestions for places to contact/visit? I'm trying to get one or two more schools to check up on before submitting applications.
Thanks again to all.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2010-08-10 01:46
You might try McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Several excellent teachers are there and I believe they have some money for doctoral students. The Montreal Symphony is great and it's a bit of a nice cultural experience compared to the metroplex.
Texas Tech is also a place worth looking at. David Shea is an incredible teacher and the area is big enough to have teaching and playing opportunities. They also have two full time TA's.
I did my Bachelors at Texas Tech and my Masters at McGill and am doing my DMA at UNT in the fall. I'm sure we'll meet each other soon enough and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about those schools.
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