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 encouragement along the way.
That’s why so many families turn to the Platinum Tier at Inside Music Schools. It’s a comprehensive program that encompasses all aspects of the application process and is designed for those who want to move through the entire journey with confidence until they reach the finish line.
The Challenges Families Face
For many parents, researching schools is time-consuming and confusing. They’re not sure which programs are the best fit or what each school is really looking for. Students often feel overwhelmed by prescreening and portfolio requirements, audition expectations, and the sheer volume of work that needs to be completed on time. And in such a competitive field, no one wants to make a mistake that could cost them an acceptance.
A Long-term Partnership: The Platinum Tier Advantage
The Platinum Tier builds on the Silver and Gold services and adds a true long-term partnership with IMS. Families receive:
- Regular, ongoing, one-on-one consultation with IMS consultants and faculty experts
- Repeat mock auditions, assessments, and simulated interviews to track progress
- Guidance on building an artistic resume
- Advanced preparation for prescreening videos and composition/technology portfolios
- Application/essay reviews and scholarship information
- Support through May 1 of senior year (or the year prior to entering college) so nothing is left unfinished
It’s not just about getting a list of recommended schools or preparing for one audition. Platinum gives students all the tools, feedback, and guidance they need all along the way.
Why Families Choose Platinum
Parents consistently choose Platinum because it provides peace of mind. They know their student won’t miss critical deadlines or overlook an important detail. Students gain confidence as they prepare their auditions based on multiple rounds of faculty feedback and refine their applications with expert help. And the family feels supported at every turn, with IMS making the process less overwhelming, more exciting — and ultimately more successful!
What Success Looks Like
Families who commit early to the Platinum Tier see measurable results. Students enter auditions confident and well-prepared, with polished prescreening videos and compelling essays that truly reflect their artistry. Parents tell us they feel calm, informed, and supported—able to enjoy their student’s progress instead of worrying about what’s next. Many Platinum students receive multiple acceptances and scholarship offers, opening doors to schools they were not aware of or they once thought were out of reach.
“We were lucky enough to begin working with Steve & Karen two years ago on the process of preparing for music school admissions. Firstly, we had absolutely no idea what we were getting into, but the information provided by Steve & Karen was priceless. They explained everything in depth, not only to me, but more importantly, to my daughter. At the end of this, both Steve and Karen made it clear that if we had any issues, they would always be available to us. I can’t say thank you enough to both Steve & Karen for all of the help and guidance. This long road would not have been easy without you.”
—Chris A. (Parent, New Jersey)
Who Platinum is Right For
The Platinum Tier is especially valuable for:
- Families who don’t want to leave anything to chance
- Students aiming for top conservatories or universities
- Parents who want an experienced, trusted guide for the entire process
What Students Love About Platinum
Students in the Platinum Tier appreciate having a trusted mentor and a clear roadmap. They know exactly what to practice, when to record, and how to prepare for faculty interactions. Mock auditions build confidence, while constructive feedback helps them grow as musicians. Most importantly, students tell us they feel seen—supported for who they are and who they want to become as artists.
“IMS really helped me reach my goals by helping me get everything together in order for my decided instrument major and helping me with preparing for all of my auditions and interviews, and all of the essays I had to do. I could not have done it all without IMS.
The best part was just getting together and talking about everything I did, and seeing how I could apply it to my applications, and having fun with the conversation. I felt like I was really able to share my accomplishments with IMS, and they helped me turn my accomplishments into even bigger accomplishments, which made me feel really proud of my work, and IMS was able to get me to really let myself shine, and I can’t thank IMS enough for this.” — Danni Addock, (Student, New Jersey)
Why Timing Is Everything
The music admissions process moves fast—and the most successful applicants start early. Platinum services are designed to unfold over months, or even years, of strategic preparation: developing your repertoire, refining essays, organizing materials, and preparing for live or virtual auditions.
For U.S. students, this means beginning well before senior year to maximize every phase of the process.
For international students, early planning is even more critical due to additional visa, testing, I-20, and transcript requirements. Starting early ensures you can focus on your art—not just logistics.
For International Students
Applying to U.S. or international conservatories can be especially complex. Platinum students from outside the U.S. receive tailored support for every requirement—from understanding audition formats and scheduling time zone–friendly mock audition sessions to identifying programs that welcome global talent.
When to Start the Platinum Tier
We strongly recommend beginning the Platinum program as early as possible to get the full benefit of our comprehensive guidance and the many activities and services offered. For seniors or rising seniors, we advise starting Platinum services prior to the end of junior year so there’s enough time to complete every step of the admissions process thoroughly and with confidence.
Platinum Plus — For Hands-On Assistance
For families looking for a customized level of guidance and personalized support, the Platinum Plus Tier builds on everything offered in the Platinum Tier and adds more hands-on assistance. Students receive regular private video call sessions with an education-service specialist to ensure steady progress on applications, auditions, and other critical deadlines. Upon request, they can also experience a trial lesson with an experienced faculty member at a top conservatory or university, giving them firsthand insight from industry experts (availability cannot be guaranteed for specific faculty).
A Partner for the Journey
Applying to music schools doesn’t have to be stressful. With the Platinum Tier, families have a dedicated partner who ensures every detail is covered, every requirement is met, and every opportunity is maximized.
Talk with us today to find out if the Platinum Tier is the right fit for your student.
Karen Kerr
An accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and recruitment, Karen has always made her goal finding 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.