Testimonials
What people are saying about us
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Inside Music Schools was invaluable for our daughter’s music school application process. Applying to music school is a whole different beast than regular college admissions, so it’s important to understand the process. Steve and Karen provided excellent advice, especially since they have backgrounds from working at top music schools - Berklee and University of Miami. They took the time to get to know our daughter and what she was looking for in a music school. Inside Music Schools is pricy, but if you can swing the cost, it really is helpful. The most valuable part was the mock audition. My daughter was able to do a mock audition before faculty from one of her top music school choices. The faculty took time with her and gave her great advice on song selections, style, etc. so that she was better prepared for her audition. Our daughter was admitted to 2 out of her 3 top choices (including one that we thought was a reach and we believe it’s because of her audition). We think Inside Music Schools helped our daughter get into her dream school. After our daughter was admitted, Steve and Karen then took the time to go through the pros and cons of her two top choices and provide their knowledge and expertise to help her in her decision. Highly recommend working with Inside Music Schools.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steve and Karen were fantastic. They were personally invested in guiding us through a very unfamiliar process, and were always available when we needed advice. We were much more confident going into audition season because we had their guidance.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 my daughter. They walked us through every step of the resume/application/pre-audition/audition/interview processes. They provided us with information on differences in schools and conservatories. The mock auditions and interviews from current professors were invaluable. Karen and Steve made themselves available at all times and were always flexible with scheduling. Finally, they sat down with the family and talked over each school that was available to us and offered straight forward opinions. Their opinions were unbiased and non-directive which allowed our daughter to organically reach her own decision. At the end of this both Steve and Karen made it clear 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. For those wondering our daughter chose Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins UniversityPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steven was extremely instrumental in guiding my daughter through the unbelievably daunting and competitive task of applying to her dream schools for professional voice! He spent many long hours with us including several late nights navigating the applications, resumes and keeping spirits up when the going got rough! His numerous contacts were also crucial in the process for building confidence for the actual auditions. Thank you Steve for your wisdom and guidance and helping us stay sane through the blood, sweat and tears and ultimately getting accepted into her dream school!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In a short time we reached out goals.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was anxious and overwhelmed when my daughter decided to apply to music schools, but after working with Steve over her senior year, I cannot say enough how grateful I am to Steve! He kept us on track with a list of schools that fit my daughter and helped us to stay focused with mock auditions, interviews, essays, and other requirements that I was absolutely not familiar with. I watched as my daughter gained confidence and maturity in herself and her music! We ended up thrilled with her decision to study music and she got into her first choice college with a generous scholarship! The guidance from Insidemusicschools and Steve was what helped us to reach our goals.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As we embarked on a journey of college application to music schools, we quickly realized this process to be much different from the usual. With so much information and misinformation, we were at a loss on the right steps, decisions, and deadlines. Fortunately, we came across IMS and spoke with Steve Lipman. From the first email and many phone calls, we knew to trust his knowledge, experience, and professionalism. Steve walked us thru every step with a detailed schedule, kept everything on track with constant follow-ups and extensive explanation as to why each step is important. Working with IMS and Steve Lipman was one of the best decisions we made. Our daughter was accepted to her choice school and we couldn’t ask for better results.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked as an occasional coach for Mr. Lipman at Inside Music Schools for several years now, and he never ceases to amaze me with the incredible quality of coaching and guidance he provides the students and clients along their journey. I have consistently seen many of the students I have coached in the Berklee hallways the year following coaching them, though I am not surprised given the excellent preparation and dedication with which I’ve seen them work with IMS.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had no idea how to support my daughter's quest for the right music school. Now I know the best way to support her. Call Steve Lipman. He guided us through a process that is quite different from academic applications. He put her in touch with faculty and staff and really helped her discover the programs that are best for her aspirations. She was focused on one particular music school and Steve opened her eyes to more possibilities so she can make the most educated choice. My only. and sole, regret is that we did not start with Steve early in her Junior year of High School. Steve makes this process one that I could support as a parent and let her show her maturity in getting her objectives done for applications. This was a great experience and really the only path I would recommend to the music school application and selection process.
Mark F. – parent – Keller, TX
Steve and the whole team did an excellent job of preparing our son for his application and interview for Berklee College of Music! Steve’s detailed knowledge of the interview process, combined with his ability to provide real interview questions and presentation materials was invaluable to our son gaining early acceptance into Berklee, and receiving a generous merit scholarship from the school! We couldn’t be more thankful for IMS helping us navigate the unfamiliar world of music school acceptance successfully!
Lee M. – parent – Corte Madera, CA
I wanted to write you and close the loop on Mila’s college plan. First of all, thank you for everything you and your team did for her. You are really buttoned up and always well-prepared, I was impressed with the service you provided, and noted how sensitive and insightful you are with these kids.
Marsha B. – parent – Los Angeles, CA
Steve and Karen’s advice was invaluable and their support came at a pivotal time for us. They were more than generous with their time and our sessions with them demystified the process and helped my daughter solidify her college list. Additionally, they arranged for a few Zoom sessions for her with a professor whose feedback and support gave us confidence that we were on the right track. I recommend them highly.
Pam W. – parent – Menlo Park, CA
Thanks to Inside Music Schools’ expert guidance, our daughter is now thriving as a first-year student at her top-choice music school, surrounded by like-minded peers who share her passions. She’s not one to exaggerate or sugarcoat, so when people ask her how college is going and she responds with a genuine, enthusiastic “I love it,” I know she truly means it. I am deeply grateful to Inside Music Schools for their wisdom, encouragement, and support in helping my daughter achieve her college dreams.
Megan A. – parent – Prince Edward Island, Canada
We had amazing results with the support and guidance of Steve’s consulting. We came to Steve with specific needs and they tailored a program that fit our requirements exactly. His knowledge and belief in my son gave us the confidence to reach for our goals. We ultimately had the success we desired and acceptance into the schools we applied to! Thank you for everything.
Vanessa C. – parent – New York, NY
Cem G. — student — Athens, Greece
When I met Steve, I had no idea about the music education system in the US. I am from a different nation so the education system that I see so far, is very different from the US education system. I had to have guidance, help to organize my future studies, and to find the right school for me. I wanted to be a composer. Composition is a very special major and in this major, faculty is very important. Thanks to Steve, I got the best information about all of the music schools in the US. He helped in every step: choosing the right school, application process, audition practice, final decision. I am so happy right now that I worked with Steve through this period of time. He is not just my adviser, but also my friend now.
Lucy Jane G. – student – Eugene, OR
Steve and Karen provided accountability, useful advice, and support– all of which helped me gain acceptance as a graduate student in New England Conservatory’s Contemporary Musical Arts program. I was able to put my best foot forward as an applicant with help from Inside Music Schools, even when I felt like a complete underdog. I especially valued the audition prep and feedback from professors at music programs in advance of completing my application. I am so thrilled to be following my music conservatory dreams in Boston this fall.
Jaime G. – student – Chicago, IL
As a family with no professional musicians, approaching the conservatory application process was a daunting task. IMS and its team of experts helped us organize the often confusing requirements and deadlines of different schools. Steve also put me in touch with industry leaders and department chairs at major universities, which helped me craft a compelling portfolio and resume. Always a quick email away, Steve continues to be an insightful and encouraging mentor as I enter the collegiate and professional worlds. I am grateful to Inside Music Schools for their immense help over these past few years. Due in large part to IMS’s aid, I will be attending Columbia University and double-majoring in music composition and philosophy.
Lanham S. – student – Chevy Chase, MD
I cannot thank you both enough for your help and guidance in this process, I couldn’t have felt better prepared for what was an incredibly challenging multi faceted journey. I was pleased to have as many great opportunities to choose between as I did and after a lot of back and forth I’m very excited to be taking the next steps of my career at NYU! Thanks again for all the help.
Mila M. – student – Corte Madera, CA
I am heading to USC to move in on August 20th! Something I could not have done without you and the IMS team. Thank you for everything- I can’t believe I am starting a music career from the school I never guessed I could be accepted into.
Shele Sondheim – Songwriter and Producer; President & CEO of CSM Words and Music – Los Angeles, CA
Steve was one of the most important influences at Berklee College of Music in my growth and development as a person and as a talent. He is a consummate professional and deeply caring individual, knowledgeable about all the music schools, colleges and universities. He is a master at the whole admissions process like no other source. He’s your best call going forward.
Tom Stein – Professor, Berklee College of Music; Global Music, Entertainment & Media Industry Executive
It would be difficult to find anyone more knowledgeable about the world of contemporary music education and career preparation for professional musicians than Steve Lipman. As long time Vice President for Student Affairs at Berklee College with primary responsibility for enrollment management, Steve oversaw an increase of enrollment of several hundred percent over more than a decade. His depth of understanding and vision/foresight in the profession are virtually unmatched anywhere, and Steve continues to be a driving force in our industry with his more recent activities for SLA Contemporary Music Education Consultants. With Steve on your team you can rest assured that you are working with the best of the best.
Metro A. Narcisi III – Former Westerly Public Schools Band Director – Westerly, RI
Bob Sinicrope – President Jazz Education Network and Director of Jazz Studies, Milton Academy – Milton, MA
Steve is a consummate professional in all areas of popular music education. The depth and extent of what he offers is astounding. Not only is he seemingly connected to everyone in the field; he deftly and tirelessly helps you navigate through the process of getting you to the right person, school or group. He provides a wealth of knowledge, total commitment, and incredible skills and is a pleasure to work with.
Nancy Chou – College Consultant at EduElite – USA & China
Steve’s depth of music education knowledge is invaluable – he was able to distill for us the key differences between each collegiate program as well as the nuances in what each program looks for in an applicant. He takes a holistic view of the student in terms of musical interests, general interests, and character which results in a very thoughtful approach to the application process and results.
Emile D. Menasche – Editor-in-Chief, In Tune Magazine – White Plains, NY
Steve is always at the top of my list when I need information on music education. Not only does he deliver valuable insight of his own, but he always seems to know others who can answer my questions, and has been incredibly helpful in putting me in touch with them. During some of my many interviews with department chairs and professors at the country’s top music programs, the phrase “You should talk to Steve Lipman” has come up more than once.
Caleb Chapman – President, Chapman Music Institute – Salt Lake City, UT
Steve has been an incredible asset to our program over the last five years. His advice to me, and to the students directly, has resulted in the placement of many of our musicians in top programs nationally, including Juilliard, Berklee, USC, Miami, the New School, and North Texas. Steve knows this space better than anyone!
