Grad Schools

[jlangham]

Im a rising senior at the University of Alabama shopping around for graduate schools. Any programs under the radar that i might want to check out?

[joenibley]

Let me first say that at the graduate level, you'll want to figure out what is important to you in a program. Some questions to ask yourself might include:

-thinking about what you want to do when you're done with school, and whether or not the teacher at a given school has done what you want to do or can help you get there.
-location of the program (maybe proximity to top tier professional orchestras, etc)
-funding, if that's important

After you've prioritized your list, I would look at literally every school out there, trying to see what different programs are like--who the professor is and what they are like, what the ensembles are like, what the studio is like (size, unity), etc. Contact as many of the professors there with these kinds of questions. Once you've whittled your list down, and if you've got the resources, try to visit as many of the campuses as you are able. That will give you a much better read on what things are like and how you might enjoy being there full-time.

With that being said, I just graduated from the masters program at the University of Michigan and had a very positive experience. Professor Campbell not only knows how to play the trumpet, but he's a great teacher that can help you if you're willing to work. He pushes hard, but his students traditionally do well after leaving school; his main goal is to have his students win jobs. The ensembles at Michigan are top-notch as well (particularly the Symphony Band, under the direction of Michael Haithcock), and they all perform the big literature consistently.

Another school, in your neck of the woods: Southern Mississippi. I've known Jason Bergman for a number of years from our time as undergraduates, and he's doing really great things at Southern Miss. He got his masters and DMA at Michigan, and were it not for my close friendship with him and his family I would have looked harder at USM for my DMA. Dr. Bergman is one of the kindest people I've ever met, but he also pushes his students very hard and is an excellent teacher.

Next year I'll be attending Florida State as a DMA student. Dr. Moore has had a lot of success as a teacher there and is also very well-respected and connected. His students traditionally do well in competitions and auditions. While I'm sad to leave Michigan, I'm excited to work with Dr. Moore (I think the weather will be a welcome change as well!). Prof. Campbell and Dr. Moore are somewhat different pedagogically, but they are both very good at what they do.

With all three of these--and many other teachers out there--if you are willing to work they will do everything they can to help you achieve your goals. Feel free to PM me with any other questions you may have.

[aadak18]

My advice would be to be very serious with yourself as to what you need to get to the next level. Find a teacher that teaches that, and go to that school. Do not choose a school based on name or on how the students tend to do in competitions and such.

[jenawight]

I totally agree. Make sure you take some lessons with the instructors before you decide. There's nothing worse than a situation where you don't get along with the teacher/don't agree with their methods.

[8compton]

What are your thoughts on schools where some very good professional players are now teaching? IE UCLA (Jens Lindeman) and Univ of Illinois (Ron Romn)? Do you go to the school to get these guys exposure hoping they are good teachers?

[christiwans]

If you are interested in the Bill Adam vein of trumpet pedagogy, I would highly recommend Karl Sievers at the University of Oklahoma. He's a total genius. Also, I know there will be several openings for MM students next year, because ALL FIVE of us will be graduating (god willing).
_________________
Christi Wans
DMA (in progress), MM Trumpet Performance, University of Oklahoma
BM Trumpet Performance/Music Education, Central Washington University

[okeyjeff]