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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. 

Practice. It’s the quintessential labor of any artist who wishes to hone their skills and advance their abilities, but in my decades of experience counseling music students, I’ve found almost everyone struggles at some point to develop the routine that works best for them. That’s because there isn’t only one way to practice.

Passion for music extends far beyond passion for live performance. Many interweaving non-performance roles in the music industry make live performances and music releases possible. There are vital music industry jobs that don’t involve performing on stage, but still immerse the music lover into the center of the bustling music business.

Our goal at Inside Music Schools is to help students and parents navigate the college admissions process successfully. A large part of this is gaining an understanding of common words and phrases you might come across on a website or hear from admissions counselors. So, we’ve compiled a glossary of some of the most common terms.

I’ll never forget walking into my first cafe in New York City. Coming from Texas, everything felt like it was at lightning speed. I remember standing in the corner, my nerves on edge, waiting for a safe moment to enter the chaos. Over the next few days I would be auditioning at The New School, Manhattan School of Music, and The Juilliard School.

For Mila Mincy, even at 8 years old, singing “just felt right.” With a firm resolve that music was her true means of self-expression and the encouragement of her extraordinary parents, Mila vigorously pursued her passion. She immersed herself in a variety of styles and took advantage of every opportunity inside and outside of the classroom. Ultimately, it was pop music and vocal performance that captured her focus. Next stop: turning that passion into a music career.