By Karen Kerr
At Inside Music Schools (IMS), we believe that extraordinary musical talent deserves extraordinary guidance—regardless of circumstance.
Music schools are looking for artists with voice, discipline, and potential. But navigating the college admissions process for music programs is complex, time-intensive, and often inaccessible to students who lack specialized support. That’s where IMS steps in with community service.
Through long-standing partnerships with schools and community organizations, IMS extends its admissions expertise to students whose talent has been recognized by educators and mentors, but who may not otherwise have access to this level of individualized guidance.
Partnering With Schools and Community Programs
Rather than operating in isolation, IMS currently works in close collaboration with two arts organizations to identify students who would benefit most from additional music-specific admissions support.
- Boston Arts Academy has partnered with IMS for two years to nominate select students for individualized college admissions guidance.
- Atlantic Music Project similarly works with IMS to identify promising young musicians each year to receive targeted content webinars.
Once a student or student cohort is selected, IMS integrates directly with the school’s existing counseling team, the student and the family themselves —adding deep expertise in music college admissions while respecting and reinforcing the student’s broader academic planning.
A Closer Look: Brian Washington Lands a Full Scholarship to Berklee College of Music
One such student is Brian Washington, a jazz and rock drummer nominated through the Boston Arts Academy.
Working closely with IMS, Brian received tailored support that included:
- Strategic preparation for music school auditions
- Guidance on comparing conservatories and university-based music programs
- Thoughtful school selection aligned with both artistic goals and academic fit
Brian applied to multiple programs and ultimately earned a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he is now continuing his studies.
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His success reflects not just talent, but what’s possible when expertise, preparation, and opportunity align to result in success.
What IMS Provides
Students selected through these partnerships receive a customized level of support comparable to IMS’s Gold-tier services, adapted to their individual needs and circumstances. This may include:
- Long-term planning for music school readiness
- Audition preparation and portfolio review and strategy
- Insight into the differences between conservatories, music schools, and university programs
- One-on-one guidance throughout the application process
- Or group webinar and information sessions
All services are delivered in coordination with school counselors and educators, ensuring a unified and student-centered approach.
A Commitment to the Future of Music
IMS’s community service work is rooted in a simple belief:
The future of music is stronger when access to guidance is not limited to privilege alone.
By partnering with schools and organizations that nurture emerging talent, IMS is proud to play a role in expanding access to high-level music admissions expertise—and in supporting the next generation of artists as they take their place on the world’s stages.
Karen Kerr
An accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and recruitment, Karen has always made her goal to find the best-fit school for student musicians. Most recently, she served as the Director of Admission and Recruitment at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she was responsible for recruitment, auditions/interviews, and admissions of all undergraduate and graduate applicants. Prior to joining the Frost School, she was part of the admissions staff at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance where she reviewed applications at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.