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Insight on music and music education

How to Pay for College: Music Major’s Guide to Funding Music Education
By Miriam Huppert Key Takeaways: What music majors & their families need to know about paying for college. Table of Contents: The first thing I say to students and their families when they start building their college list is, “Don’t look at the price tag.” This is usually the moment that the parent in the room gives me a skeptical

Bienen School of Music: A Midwest Educational Gem
By Mark Small Located on the banks of scenic Lake Michigan, a dozen miles north of Chicago, lies the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. For decades, Bienen’s top-shelf programs have made it a prime destination for serious classical performers, composers, music educators, and scholars pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school began in 1895 as a conservatory that

Five Habits for Holiday Break That Give You an Edge in Music Admissions
Any holiday break, whether at Christmas and New Years or between semesters, such as spring break, is a time for rest, celebration, and recharging—but for music students aiming for top schools, it can also be an opportunity to get ahead. Building a few intentional habits during this downtime allows you to enter the new year with confidence and momentum for

Platinum Tier: A Top Choice for Parents and Students
Why the Platinum Tier is the Competitive Edge for Music College Admissions The music school admissions process can feel like an uphill climb for both parents and students. From auditions and interviews to essays and applications, every step matters—and the competition is intense. Parents want to know they’re giving their student every possible advantage, while students need structure, feedback, and

7 Things School Counselors Should Know About Music School Admissions
For school counselors in public, academic high schools or performing arts-focused high schools, guiding students through college applications is already a complex process. But when it comes to music school admissions, the complexity multiplies — and even the most experienced counselors can feel like they’re in unfamiliar territory. Unlike traditional college admissions, music programs have their own timelines, requirements, and

Eduard Treshchev: A Musical Journey from Russia to America
By Mark Small Sometimes it takes a while to recognize the path your life should follow and events and encounters with new people illuminate the way forward. Such was the case for Eduard Treshchev, whose journey began in Volgograd, Russia, and led him to study at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Eduard grew up in a musical family with

Inside Music Schools: The Go-To Partner for Educational Consultants with Music Students
Working with music college admissions consultants can help manage a challenging process.

Discover the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami
Working with music college admissions consultants can help manage a challenging process.

DIY Music School Admissions vs. Working with a Specialist
Working with music college admissions consultants can help manage a challenging process.

Scholarship Questions: What Music Majors Need to Know to Stand Out
College is expensive. Music school can be even more so — with added costs for lessons, instruments, competitions, and travel. For students pursuing a career in music, scholarships aren’t optional; they’re essential.

Using Social Media to Launch Your Music Brand
Most music students today are digital natives—navigating social media platforms with ease, creativity, and style. At Inside Music Schools, we see that as an incredible advantage. Socials aren’t just for fun—they’re a powerful tool to showcase your talent, tell your story, and connect with the broader music community.

Do You Need to Specialize? Finding Your Place in the Music Industry
There are a multitude of stories, biographies, articles, documentaries, and other forms of media that detail musicians who are considered “hyphenates.” What does it mean to be a multi-hyphenate musician?
