Why Is Applying to College for Music So Hard? 7 Common Application Process Challenges

A student looks stressed while many people are presenting tasks to her.
Applying to college is one of the most exciting and stressful times in a teenager’s life. Although technology has made certain processes more convenient, it has done very little to quell the confusion and anxiety that accompanies the complex college application process. For aspiring music majors, the processes become even more challenging, often leading to aggravation – or even a reduced chance of acceptance. 

From College to Career: Navigating Life After Music School

For most professional musicians, a music school degree is an obvious and ideal path toward working in the field they love. Specialized courses and private instruction mold students into industry-ready players, producers, composers, song writers, audio engineers, and business people. Each musician faces unique challenges after graduating from music college and the opportunity to mold a work-life unique to their musical strengths, interests, and goals. 

Music Specialization: “Jack of All Trades” or “Master Of One?”

Various music instruments
Students and parents ask me whether fanning out or focusing is better — and I’m here to say, well, it’s not that simple. What you should and want to concentrate on really depends on where you see yourself in five, ten or thirty years down the road. There’s a place for all these kinds of musicians as long as you remember one thing — you must be great at something to carve a space for yourself in what is a notoriously competitive career landscape.

Music Major to Music Major: Best Advice for College Freshmen

A group of students stand in front of a calendar while working together.
As you prepare to leave high school behind and study at music school, numerous possibilities await you. At first, it may seem daunting when you think about how to juggle multiple responsibilities, like classes and student clubs while pursuing the best opportunities. Sometimes hearing nuggets of wisdom from peers who have been in your shoes can help you to manage your time and expectations while you prepare for this next exciting chapter.