CHAPTER 1: MAJORING IN MUSIC: STARTING AND PERSISTING
What Well-Rounded Musical Training Looks Like
The Important Role of the Teacher
Sustaining the Love of Music
Quality Practicing: Learning a Skill for Life
Resilience
CHAPTER 2: A GENERAL TIMELINE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO WANT TO MAJOR IN MUSIC
Freshman and Sophomore Years
Junior Year
Senior Year
CHAPTER 3: UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS AND MUSIC DEGREES
Types of Institutions
Types of Degree Programs
Types of Majors
Doubling Up
Minors
CHAPTER 4: DECIDING WHERE TO APPLY: LISTS AND STRATEGIES
Starting a List
Asking the Right Questions
Safety, Match, and Reach Schools
Music Major Application Matrix
Applying to Music Schools Outside the U.S.
CHAPTER 5: THE APPLICATION
The Application Form
The Application Fee and Fee Waivers
Transcripts
Recommendations
Essay/Personal Statement
Supplemental Forms and Materials
Transfer Applicants
Summary
CHAPTER 6: ORGANIZING AND PRACTICING FOR PERFORMANCE AUDITIONS
Organizing the Repertoire Lists
Practicing for the Auditions
Mental Practice
CHAPTER 7: TOOLS FOR SUCCESSFUL AUDITIONS
Managing Nerves
The Centering Process
Mock Auditions
Mental Performance
Building Confidence
CHAPTER 8: THE AUDITION DAY: BEFORE AND AFTER
Organizing Audition Travel
The Days Leading Up to the Audition
Types of Auditions
Post-Audition Self-Evaluation
Post-Audition Recovery and Rewards
CHAPTER 9: ADMISSION DECISIONS
The Offer of Admission
Denial of Admission
Waitlist Whys and Hows
CHAPTER 10: FINANCIAL AID
Online Resources
Types of Aid
Understanding Financial Aid Packages
Making an Appeal
Other Ways to Help Pay for College
CHAPTER 11: MUSIC CAREERS: MOTIVATION AND SUCCESS
APPENDICES
1. Sample Email Requesting a Trial Lesson
2. Campus Visit Pros and Cons List
3. Lists of Post-Secondary Programs and Majors
4. Application Materials Organizer
5. Sample Application Fee Waiver Request
6. The College Essay/Personal Statement: Purpose and Prompts
7. Sample Résumé
8. Sample Repertoire Lists
9. Prescreening Recording: A How-To for Applicants
10. Audition Repertoire List Examples
11. Audition Information for Repertoire Binder
12. Master List of Audition Repertoire
13. Sample Emails Declining an Offer of Admission
14. Sample Waitlist Status Emails
15. Sample Email Appealing Financial Aid Package
16. The Music Industry: Careers in Music
Author Biographies
