Choose the teacher, not the school!

ajanik07

It is not at all about the program. It is about the instruction you get from your teacher and the experience and inspiration you gain from your fellow students that you respect and admire along the way. I recently graduated from a conservatory and I can honestly tell you my experience was unbelievable and educational because I had the fortune of studying with some of the greatest teachers out there (Sean Jones, Roy Poper, Marcus Belgrave) and learn from some amazing students as well!
_________________
Aaron Janik
Trumpeter
Composer
Educator

trpt.hick · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:16 am Post subject:

True, the private teacher is probably the most important factor in selecting a school. But, it is also very important to be at a school that has good ensembles to play in, adequate theory and history professors, and decent practice spaces. If you plan on going on to graduate school or applying for professional music jobs, the reputation of the school is also a factor.

Dave Hickman

gbshelbymi · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 12:13 pm Post subject:

I absolutely agree, but that's not the way I did it!

I chose the program, Wayne State University (jazz studies) and got two GREAT teachers in the bargain, Johnny Trudell (Motown's Funk Brothers amongst many other accomplishments), and Gordon Stump (first call session player in Detroit for decades). Gordon's a member here, BTW.
_________________
Greg
---------------------
Getzen 3850 Custom - Kanstul 1525 Flugelhorn - Getzen Severinsen Eterna LB - 70s Bach 180ML37 - 70s Bach CL 229 25C - CarolBrass Pocket - 40 Conn 80A etc.

wtltrumpet · New Member Joined: 31 Aug 2014 Posts: 6

It's worth noting that you want to be in an area where you can at least get some sustainable work in the field. There are advantages, I think, to going to a school in the middle of nowhere with a KILLER program and a KILLER teacher, but if there's one stop sign and no real music scene, you're in a glorified think tank. Just one man's opinion, though.