String Insiders

Some photos I never posted post-graduation… it’s so crazy to think about everything that’s happened since I graduated in May 2023! I’m now in full-time admissions work and learning so much about how the process works (and sharing what I’m learning with you 😁)

Want to learn more secrets about getting into music school? Come to the Online Solo Strings Intensive 💪🏼 Jan 3-20, 2025, fully online with amazing faculty, private lessons, open studio classes, and sessions on getting into school. Plus a virtual college fair!

Link in bio for more info :)

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My thoughts on your junior/senior year timeline ⬇️

It’s so easy to get burned out on repertoire and the reason is simple: music isn’t meant to be played for 2 minutes and then cut off! You focus a lot of energy and time working on a small bit of music and you think that the jury is just looking for technical perfection (not quite true, but we have to get into that another time…)

It is hard to avoid burnout but if you plan out your timeline and follow my tips, you might avoid some of it!

Potential timeline starting fall of junior year 👀

🍁September - October: start collecting a list of schools you might be interested in. Make a spreadsheet! Talk to your teacher about what they think. Make a list of potential categories you’ll have to have ready (concerto, Bach, etc.)

🍁November - January: ask for trial lessons, if you know of teachers you want, or start researching teachers. Attend a program like the Online Solo Strings Intensive to meet teachers in January (announcement coming soon)! Research pieces you’d want to work on that fit into the categories.

🍁February - March: Start your big concerto - this gives you 8 months to work on it. Apply to summer programs where potential teachers will be (the Online Solo Strings Intensive is also in the summer!)

🍁April - May: School visits in person if you can.

🍁June-August: If you’re able, attend a summer program where teachers are. This can be a low-cost program like the Online Solo Strings Intensive! If you can’t, then just give yourself a break and set up a practice routine after your break is done. I would start your Bach during this time.

🍁September: senior year starts! Double check that the audition requirements haven’t changed for your instrument.

🍁October: start any repertoire that will only be for live auditions. You can also wait until December to do this, depending on what the music is. Ask teachers to be your recommenders. Contact any final teachers about trial lessons.

🍁November: record prescreenings and don’t wait until the last minute! Write your essays and complete your application.

🍁December: submit your application! Start to prepare for live auditions 😵

Share your thoughts below!