 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tim
Date: 1999-06-13 15:08
I am preparing to apply to graduate school and I am seeing that most schools require a certain gpa either 2.8 or 3.0. I myself have only a 2.7 gpa. Does that mean that I will have no chance of getting in somewhere? I would think that it is your playing ability and audition that would matter most. I would love some input. Thanks
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-06-13 16:44
Tim,
The GPA requirements are a guideline at many schools; if there's some reason why you didn't make a requirement, explain in a letter and talk to the admissions officer for graduate admissions and ask how "hard and fast" the rule is.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 1999-06-14 18:26
Tim wrote:
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I am preparing to apply to graduate school and I am seeing that most schools require a certain gpa either 2.8 or 3.0. I myself have only a 2.7 gpa. Does that mean that I will have no chance of getting in somewhere? I would think that it is your playing ability and audition that would matter most. I would love some input. Thanks
WARNING -- DEPRESSING NEWS AHEAD
Tim -
It all depends....
If you apply with a 2.7 GPA to schools that require a 3.0 average, or even a 2.8, probably half of them will reject your application without offering an audition, since you don't meet one of the set requirements. This is particularly true in the more prestigious schools, which have many more applicants than openings. The others will probably permit you to apply, and if you are a really exceptional performer, then that could make up the minor deficit in GPA.
On the other hand, a 2.7 from Princeton means more than a 2.7 from Kutztown State.
If you’re a junior, or even a graduate, could you take a couple of summer school courses, really bust your butt to get an A in each, and bring your average up to 2.8? It would be worth the effort.
That said, I think you need to take a step back and ask yourself why you want to go to grad school. If you’re thinking of an academic program, leading to an MA and a PhD, then quite frankly you should think again. A 2.7 GPA is a mix of Bs and Cs, and given that everyone gets an A in undergraduate music performing courses (band, orchestra, wind ensemble), that means that your non-performing GPA is probably about 2.5. That won’t hack it in an academic graduate program.
In an academic grad school program, you will be taking almost entirely non-performing courses. Also, a graduate academic program means taking all the history and analysis courses you avoided as an undergrad, plus lots of highly technical and difficult graduate level courses. Most graduate schools require you to maintain at least a 3.0 average.
If you want a graduate degree in performance, you might think that you can avoid the academic courses. Think again. An MM or a DMA degree in performance will be useful mostly for getting a college teaching position (and good luck finding one of those), and it will also mean taking plenty of theory, history and analysis courses.
There’s no harm in going to grad school, and it may be the right choice for you, but the job market for a music MA, or even a PhD, is pretty grim.
If you want to be a performer, you might be better off following the example of Philip Myers (principal horn in the New York Philharmonic). He rented a cabin in the middle of the forest and practiced 12 hours a day for two years, until he had gotten every aspect of his playing under perfect control. If that doesn’t seem appealing, come to New York and study with a top teacher, who will be able to tell you pretty quickly whether you have what it takes.
I’m sorry I can’t be more encouraging. Go home and practice. Go to grad school and practice. Get a job and practice. Keep making music, and the opportunities will eventually come along if you are prepared to take advantage of them.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Fred McKenzie
Date: 1999-06-14 19:57
Tim wrote:
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I am preparing to apply to graduate school and I am seeing that most schools require a certain gpa either 2.8 or 3.0. I myself have only a 2.7 gpa. Does that mean that I will have no chance of getting in somewhere?
Tim-
As someone mentioned, there are schools that have to turn away students that meet all requirements. However, there are probably others that will be glad to have you as long as your check doesn't bounce! Schools are in the business of education. You are a customer.
A GPA of 2.7 sounds awfully close to 2.8. You are likely to be given a chance, but will be on probation. You will probably be required to make at least the 3.0 GPA you should make anyway.
Have you taken the Graduate Record Exam? If so, and your score is high enough, it will carry a lot of weight towards convincing the school that they should give you a chance.
Fred
<A HREF="http://www.dreamnetstudios.com/music/mmb/index.htm">MMB</A>
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Author: Tim
Date: 1999-06-15 01:30
In response to Mr. Shaw. I am interested in a performing career. I also need and desire further courses in music. I want to be the best performer and musician I can be. Also, just so you know, I attend a liberal arts college which requires a wide variety of non-music classes. My gpa in the music education major is 2.95 while my overall is lower due to many of these other classes. Does this make any difference? Also, as a graduate to be, I will have many loans and bills that need to be paid. I don't have any extra money to rent a cabin and not make any money for two years. (as much as I would love to do that) I would also love to move to NY and study but that also requires money to get an apartment and to live on. In a graduate school I can receive the instruction I need to continue my progression as well as not worry about loans to pay for another two or three years.
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