BY: JAY LESLIE
Fifteen to twenty minutes. That’s the typical amount of time any aspiring music major has to help admissions interviewers determine if they are a good fit for their college and their music program.
In that short window, students must articulate their passion, convey their musical identity, and demonstrate how they will contribute to the program. The pressure is immense, and many students struggle with what to say, how to say it, and how to make a memorable impression. Fortunately, preparation through a simulated interview can make all the difference.
The Importance of a Simulated Interview Experience
While talent and musical ability play a significant role in college music admissions interviews, schools also seek students who demonstrate clear communication skills, artistic vision, knowledge about the institution, and a deep understanding of their musical journey. Without preparation, even the most talented musicians can struggle to effectively convey their passion and potential. This is where a simulated interview can make all the difference.
What is a Simulated Interview?
A simulated interview is a structured practice session designed to replicate the experience of a real college admissions and/or music interview. Unlike practicing casual interviews with family or friends, a simulated interview immerses students in the actual conditions they will face, helping them refine their responses, manage anxiety, and develop confidence.
Inside Music Schools (IMS) offers a unique approach to simulated interviews, providing students with expert guidance from seasoned admissions experts who have conducted thousands of admissions interviews and understand what music colleges are looking for. Upon completion of a simulated interview experience, IMS experts offer valuable feedback along with a recording of the sessions. This helps students see for themselves how they can improve, sharpen their answers, and approach upcoming interviews strategically. The entire process is designed to highlight their strengths and ensure students present themselves in the best possible light. In some cases these practice interview sessions are repeated once or more.
4 Key Advantages of Completing a Simulated Interview
- Build Confidence by Practicing Under Real Conditions
Stepping into an interview without preparation can feel daunting. A simulated interview helps students familiarize themselves with the process, allowing them to practice in an environment that mirrors the real experience. The more comfortable they become in a high-stakes setting, the more naturally they can express themselves when the actual interview arrives. - Refine Answers by Knowing What Interviewers Look For
Many students struggle with articulating their goals, inspirations, and musical journey. Through a simulated interview, they receive insights into how their responses might be perceived by the interviewer, ensuring they present their story in a compelling and authentic way. - Receive Expert Feedback From Admissions Professionals
Students often wonder if they are saying the right things or striking the right tone. With professional feedback, they gain clarity on how to improve their responses, body language, and overall presence, giving them a competitive edge in the admissions process. IMS experts cover everything from even before entering the interview room through your final goodbyes. - Reduce Anxiety by Feeling More Prepared
The unknown can be intimidating. By experiencing a simulated interview beforehand, students can significantly reduce their stress levels. Knowing what to expect—and having practiced their responses—enables them to approach the real interview with a sense of readiness and calmness
How a Simulated Interview Works at Inside Music Schools
IMS offers a high-caliber simulated interview experience tailored specifically for music students. While every session is customized to meet individual needs, students can expect the following elements:
College Music Admissions Experts
All simulated interviews at IMS are conducted virtually by experts Steve Lipman and Karen Kerr. With deep histories and experience in college music admissions, Steve and Karen provide insights into what interviewers are truly looking for. They understand the nuances of different music programs and can help students navigate the interview process effectively.
Common Interview Questions You’ll Be Asked
While every school has its own approach, students can expect to answer a variety of questions designed to assess their musical background, aspirations, and fit within the program. IMS helps students determine which questions they are most likely to encounter based on the schools they’re applying to and their specific musical path. More importantly, IMS guides students in crafting responses that not only highlight their technical abilities and achievements but also showcase their artistic identity, personal story, and potential contributions to the college community and the music department.
Through targeted coaching, students learn how to present their passion and vision in a way that resonates with interviewers, ensuring their answers feel authentic, engaging, and memorable. By working with experienced music professionals, students gain insights into what admissions officers and faculty truly seek in prospective students and develop responses that reflect their individuality while aligning with the expectations of the colleges and top-tier music programs.
Smart Questions to Ask Faculty
A great interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s also about asking the right ones. Schools appreciate students who show curiosity and initiative. IMS’s simulated interview gives students the opportunity to practice authentically engaging with interviewers, asking them questions, and leveraging the interview to learn what they need to know as a student seeking acceptance into a particular program.
Practical Tips to Practice During a Simulated Interview
In many ways, a college interview is one of the most critical performances a music major will have. Through the simulated interview process, IMS experts provide practical feedback from maintaining eye contact and confident body language to avoiding rambling or over-explaining while also thinking aloud and engaging naturally with faculty. Even entering and exiting the interview leaves an impression with interviewers, all of which IMS will go over.
Get a Simulated Interview with Top Music Professionals and Faculty
Preparing for a college or music interview doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With IMS’s simulated interview experience, students gain the tools and confidence needed to make a lasting impression on college representatives. Working with experienced professionals, they refine their answers, practice their delivery, and enter their interviews feeling prepared and self-assured.
Don’t leave your interview performance to chance—talk with IMS experts today and take the next step toward your dream music program.
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.