 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: charlie_star_uk
Date: 2006-04-13 14:31
Hi!
I am an English clarinettist and am seriously considering an M.M. course in America starting in September 2007.
I am looking at Yale school of Music, studying with David Schifrin (who it is hard to get recordings of here). I am also looking at studying with Yehuda Gilad who teaches at University of Southern California and at the Colburn School of Music. Does anybody have any information on there instituions? Both Ylae and Colburn pay all your fees and Colburn even provides accomodation and a food allowance! It does not mention orchestral activities ont he website... is it a loarge or small college? it appears very small.....
Any help greatly appreciated.
charlie x
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Author: Scotti
Date: 2006-04-13 16:20
My understanding is that there is an orchestra at Colburn, in fact possibly conducted by Yehuda Gilad. This year was the first round of auditions for the school, and they were extremely selective in their audition process. They selected three clarinetists (I believe) and you can expect them to keep the numbers down as much as possible, probably taking only one on most years, like Curtis.
It is a very small school, but I think that can only work to a clarinetist's advantage. The location in Los Angelos will provide all the opportunities needed for experiences outside the school.
As for Yale, it's always been a great school, but it will only get better with the recent financial windfall that will provide free tuition for students. My understanding was that even this year, shortly after the announcement of full tuition was made, the number of students auditioning rose dramatically.
I think the world of both teachers and schools, but if you are set on studying in the US, you may also want to look elseware. The level of competition to get in is unbelievable right now.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-04-13 19:17
I've been at a Yehuda Gilad master class and think he's the finest teacher I've ever seen.
He said he wouldn't take a student who didn't have a sense of humor. If you're lucky enough to get an audition to study with him, try to let things flow, and don't hold in the laughter.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Anon
Date: 2006-04-13 20:27
I worked with Yehuda for 2 years - he's a fabulous teacher!!! Can't say enough good things about him and his teaching style!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-04-13 20:29
BornAgainClarinetist wrote:
> It's going to replace curtis very easily in the next ten years
> if not sooner.
I don't know about "easy" ... first the LA SO has to become the equivalent in people's minds of the Philadelphia SO, and then Colburn has to become the "farm team" for the LA SO. That might take a bit longer than 10 years ...
But, then again, maybe not ... Curtis only has about 80 years on Colburn.
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Author: mbyerly
Date: 2006-04-14 04:12
The Colburn School conservatory is very small and just held auditions for its new winds program. I believe that the winds program is scheduled to expand for 2007-8 (so there will be 1-2 new clarinet openings at that time). The school has had strings and piano programs for a couple years now. There is an orchestra, conducted by Yehuda Gilad.
Keep in mind that Colburn does not offer an MM degree or rigorous academic classes for graduate students. It does offer an Artist Diploma and Professional Studies Certificate. USC, just a couple miles down the road, does offer an MM. Of course, Yehuda would be an amazing teacher at either school.
Michael Byerly
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Author: Wes
Date: 2006-04-14 05:03
About ten years ago, I played oboe for three years in a community type orchestra at USC which was held in conjunction with the Colburn school. At the time, it was typical of a good community orchestra used mainly, I thought, as a training orchestra for the music PHd student conductors at USC. Since then, the programs at Colburn seem to have gotten more organized and at a higher level. It appears to be a fine school with some very competent professors.
I recall playing a concert in Korea town with the orchestra the night the Los Angeles riots broke out in Korea town, which has nothing to do with the school.
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Author: DHsu87
Date: 2006-04-14 05:30
I know that the USC clarinet has around 16 clarinetists this year because I talked to a graduate clarinetist when I was at USC for my audition. There are two orchestras and one wind ensemble. Placement seating is based on rotation so everyone gets a chance to play. I have also heard that the clarinet section is very supportive of each other and that they are not cut-throat competitors, even though all of them are great players.
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Author: thechosenone
Date: 2006-04-14 14:28
according to the website, there was 2 openings for clarinet for fall 2006.
http://colburnschool.edu/degree_adm_apl.htm
The requirements are pretty insane, more stringent than any other Undergrad school. Nielsen, Corigliano, or Copland for a 18 or 17-year old? Pick the poison.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2006-04-14 14:37
Yes, it is an Israeli name, as is Eban, Galper(by proxy), and Ettlinger. Many others have passed through that country on the way to performance and teaching roles.
Is the tuition free? Curtis is. Money is a biggie . Yale is now free, I understand.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-04-14 20:07
Bradley wrote:
> They don't care about big names- they care about
> actual educations, because no degree will win you an audition.
That's a self-contradictory statement - did you mean they "don't" care about actual education? That's true ... but graduating from a big name and auditioning for the associated orchestra often allows you to skip the cattle-call audition.
Gilad has agreat reputation; but going to Colburn isn't required to get his teaching.
I wish Colburn success, but I don't think they'll "replace" anything - they'll add if they're successful.
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Author: bufclar
Date: 2006-04-15 01:19
Lets all calm down about Gilad and colburn. There are many fine teachers in this country and others. I think it's ridiculous to pinpoint Gilad as the best teacher out there right now. Yes he is good ( I have played for him a couple of times). He is one of Mitchel Lurie's top students but with other teachers that were top students of Marcellus, Wright, Forrest, Combs, Gilliotti, etc I really think it's impossible to pick one and say they are the best. You can't replace Curtis or Julliard or NEC or anywhere else. Hopefully Colburn will do very well but come on...it's in LA. The LA phil is not that great of an orchestra and the new concert hall there is really bad. It's a studio town and while being a big place, it can not offer you things that other big citys can offer including top notch opera, ballet, and a true "city" experience. Hype, Hype, Hype as always. I'm not saying it wont be a good school to study at but it and LA can never be Chicago, New York, Boston, or Philly. Sorry.
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Author: Phil O'Connor
Date: 2006-04-15 12:03
BufClar- you are making some very disparaging generalizations about Los Angeles here- and our community of fine instrumentalists. You are of course entitled to your opinions, and I wish you well- but how can you say that Los Angeles can't offer you what Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia or New York have to offer- have you lived in all of those cities (and performed regularly in all of them???)? If so- why move around so much?????? Opportunity is what you make of it- any where you go to college, and what you do after completion of studies. Yes- there are fine teachers all over the globe!Studying with the right one, at the right time for each individual is what you make of the situation. This thread began by someone asking for more information about what may prove to be a unique institution to study music at.
Let's get back on topic-
1- If you can get into either USC, or Colburn school for clarinet studies- consider yourself fortunate- but not OVER PRIVLEDGED- You will need to work VERY hard- to be able to make a living performing, teaching, or marketing the clarinet.
2- If you do NOT get in to one of those schools- there are many other FINE choices all over the globe- it is more important for you to go practice as hard as you can- and continually improve your abilities. Find the right teacher for YOU.
3 - and this is MOST important!!!! It does not matter one bit where you go to school, as long as you learn how to play VERY WELL......................
BTW- have you been to a concert at , or performed in Disney Hall? The Philharmonic sounds very good in their new home- and it is a better hall to play in than the majority of concert halls around the globe (at least the ones that I have experienced.) I find it to be a pleasurable place to perform-
and say with great pride that Los Angeles has A LOT to offer as far as cultural circumstances would be concerned. Perhaps things have improved since you last experienced what LA has to offer.
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Author: charlie_star_uk
Date: 2006-04-15 13:09
Hi!
thank you so much for all the responses....
i can understand that colburn is not the only good institution and Gilad not the only fantastic teacher. i guess that the probability of getting a place is low....
so can anyone tell me the top thought of establishments and teachers in the US? I came up with those names by talking to an American student at my college in London. Any information is helpful as it is difficult to know the reputation of teachers and schools when you do not live in the States.
Thank you
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-04-15 14:22
"He is one of Mitchel Lurie's top students"
I didn't know that, but now it is interesting (I guess for me but not really for most people) that not so few Israelis were students of Mitchel Lurie. Including Yehuda Gilad, I know three of the top classical players here who have studeid with him.
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Author: Mike Blinn
Date: 2006-04-15 15:21
I live a few miles from Yale University, one of the world's foremost institution of learning. It rates with Harvard , Oxford, La Sorbonne, and others. A diploma from Yale is priceless. It is where Bill Clinton met Hillary.
Yale is located in New Haven, Connecticut, a mid-sized city in the richest state of the nation. Lots of culture and the proximity to New York City (about two hours by train) make it a great town for college students. The climate ranges from extreme winter weather (two foot deep snow falls, O degree Farenheit temperature) to dry summers with temperatures reaching 100. The seasons are very pronounced and life is easy.
Colburn and the University of California are located in southern California, America's Cote d'Azur. the Riviera if you will. It is over 3000 miles west from Connecticut and has one of the greatest climates in the world. It is a place of extreme beauty, where nature is the best show. A west coast sunset is an invitation to a party, and you will spend much time outdoor. However, a diploma from this state school will not carry the same cachet as a Yale diploma.
Two great choices, that's for sure. Good luck,
Mike Blinn
Middletown, Connecticut
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Author: Morrie Backun
Date: 2006-04-15 16:17
Hello everyone,
I had the opportunity to give a guest masterclass at the Colburn school a few months ago for students of Colburn, USC, UCLA and the general Clarinet community in Los Angeles. I can say that the level of playing was some of the best that I have ever heard at any educational institution, and I have had the opportunity to give classes at many of the most well known schools. I would also say that in my opinion, the level of professional playing in Los Angeles is amongst the highest in the world. It is also exceptionally diverse with orchestral, studio and freelance players all working in close proximity.
Yehuda is a wonderful and creative teacher and the rapport with his students is exceptional. Having said that, his expectations are very high. I heard the students playing the most difficult orchestral repertoire including Midsummer, Ginastera, Brahms, Beethoven, etc. with absolutely stunning precision and musicality. The solo playing was equally impressive. I know of well respected working professionals who have gone to see Yehuda to improve their playing and teaching.
There are several other great schools and teachers all over the world and a lot depends on how the student and teacher interact. If possible, try to take a lesson with the teachers that you are considering. (often difficult) If possible talk to some of the students at the various institutions to find out what it is like to study with the teacher and at the school you are interested in.
Since Colburn is a completely "funded education" the competition for placement is very keen. Many schools offer varying degrees of financial assistance depending on need, talent and a variety of other factors. The teachers should be able to give you information on the programs available where they teach.
Morrie Backun
Backun Musical Services
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Author: charlie_star_uk
Date: 2006-04-15 18:40
Thank you again! i am not really after a qualification to carry weight... i just want the best education so that when i do auditions and competitions i perform well! so i guess my choice is down to the professor i would be learning with and the quality of orchestral and chamber music..as well as masterclasses etc.
yes, setting up lessons would be good but so hard when i am in the uk with little funding.....
any american grad students who feel they could help me with any info please get in touch
many thanks
charlie x
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Author: tarynone
Date: 2007-01-14 20:10
In response to bufclarinet on Disney hall:
Hey, easy there! If I were you, I would be careful about what you say about Los Angeles, unless you have lived there or spent a good amount of time there. I don't think you mentioned whether you did or not, or whether you have watched or performed in Disney hall.
I've heard good things about the hall from a wind player's perspective, (easier to project than the Dorothy Chandler), but mixed opinions from a string perspective. From the audience perspecitve, I always try to sit in the "terrace" sections (either to the left or right of the orchestra). Surprisingly, the sound is great even though you are viewing the orchestra from one if its sides. An even bigger plus, though, is that you get to see the front side of the conductor rather than his back side. Note: I wouldn't sit in the "choir loft", the section directly behind the orchestra because the sound is not best there.
Post Edited (2009-10-31 00:52)
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Author: bufclar
Date: 2007-01-14 21:01
I have to say sorry about my previous post...it was a bad day.
I was born in Los Angeles and have spent a lot of time there on and off. I just really don't like Los Angeles at all. I hope my remarks did not reflect a bad opinion of the musicians in the city as I believe it is chalked full of incredible players and artists of every medium. For me being from the west coast, I have found the experience of studying, performing and living in places not on the west coast very enriching. The west coast is beautiful and the climate is fabulous I agree. It's hard for me to articulate but for me there is just something exciting and profoundly different about the energy and lifestyle of places like Chicago, New York, Boston etc. Different does not mean better and maybe I only feel this way because I'm from L.A. but I just find it to be a totally different world once you get past the Rockies.
I'm also glad to hear some positive remarks about Disney Hall because when it first opened, it seemed to get alot of negative comments.
And as far as Gilad goes, he is one of the finer teachers around and has had many good students. With that being said, so have many other teachers around the country and world. There is no "one" teacher but I would put him in a list of about ten or so that I think would be incredible to work with.
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Author: Fontalvo
Date: 2007-01-15 19:06
Look at SMU---Dallas. The teacher started teaching a couple years ago there. Last year alone two of his students won jobs. Good, considering only about 6-7 clarinets on a given year go there. Look for more to come in the future. Keep it in mind. REALLY REALLY GOOD TEACHER.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Author: Sarah Elbaz
Date: 2007-01-16 17:34
Charlie,
You live in the UK. You have around you teachers and artists such as :Antony Pay in the UK, Michel Arrigon on Paris, Trio di Clarone in Germay
and so many wonderful teachers and great preformers....why don't you stay in Europe and enjoy all the wonderful oportunities you can get there?
Sarah
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Author: charlie_star_uk
Date: 2007-01-16 18:16
Hi,
That mail was posted a while ago, and I have since decided to stay here in the UK. The reason for going to the States was out of a respect for the high level of technique there, the detailed tuition of technique which my mind relates to well and because it is prob the last chance in my life where I have few enough commitments to travel so far for a year or so... It would also mean that I would have to raise the money through funding which would mean being able to give up my teaching work, enabling me to concentrate on studies... It was a thought through decision but one I decided against for many reasons.
I agree that there are many great teachers and performers in Europe.
Charlie
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