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Whether you live in the Midwestern United States or you want to experience something new with your college experience, you may be surprised to learn that the Midwest is home to some of the best music schools in the country. From Cleveland Institute of Music to Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, you can pursue your dreams and aspirations in the heartland of the nation. 

Internships offer aspiring professionals a gateway to real-world experience and the chance to turn passion into career potential. For music majors and budding career musicians, these short-term opportunities are more than a résumé booster—they’re a vital stepping stone to mastering your craft, connecting with industry leaders, and gaining insider knowledge of your chosen field.

Mario Williams, pursuing a music business major with a concentration in Commercial Songwriting, learned much on his musical journey. From the sports arena to the marketing department at Severance Records, even he says his path is not so straightforward.

Choosing a major in college or music school is difficult enough, but choosing more than one major – or even more than one degree – presents a whole new set of challenges. Understanding the differences between double majors and dual degree programs is essential for making the right decisions about your future. 

Learning how to create a portfolio for college admissions might seem like a daunting task. With a few helpful tips and tricks – and with an experienced admissions consultant  – you can improve your chances of being admitted to the right music school for your personal and professional goals. 

In my many years of teaching in elementary, high school, and in college, I found it best to explain to students they must learn — even master — music theory in three ways: in your head, on music manuscript paper, and on a melodic chordal instrument. Only then can you feel comfortable and say you really know and understand the areas of basic music theory.

Jaime García-Añoveros III is a lifelong violin player who, in his teenage years, began taking composition more seriously. Having played and performed for most of his life, music school seemed an important next step in his development as a composer and as an artist. 

In this blog, I’m highlighting some of the most important career paths in the music industry that allow musicians to use their musical skills and knowledge that do not involve live on-stage performance. And, if you’re considering your next steps, an experienced Music Industry Consultant can help you assess your options.

No matter which music major students plan to study, making a lasting first impression through the prescreening process is paramount to landing a “call back” for an audition. Though a video recording may seem simple enough, a successful prescreen is a highly nuanced production with sound, lighting, and videography that showcases your skills and abilities.

Just a few short years ago, Tanisha was a high school student in Dubai who dreamed of attending Berklee College of Music.  A classical pianist and self-produced singer-songwriter, she worked with Inside Music Schools to help her navigate the complex music school application process, further complicated as an international student.

What style of music comes to mind when you think of Texas? Most likely, you answered Country Western. However, the arts scene in Texas is far more diverse, leading to new and exciting opportunities, especially for aspiring music students. There’s no shortage of schools in the U.S. with excellent music programs, and the state of Texas is no exception.

While it’s crucial to know the basic requirements for both the Common Application and school-specific essays, it’s the elements of your writing that tell your story, that hit a funny bone or play on an emotional note, making your essay stand out. In all my years of consulting students on creating an effective and eye-catching essay, believe me when I say: Personality matters.