Non-Traditional Doctoral Candidate?

[eupho]

So I was a "non-traditional" Masters Candidate(Wind Conducting) at age 50. Are there Euphonium/Tuba studios who would consider a Doctoral Candidate at age 65?

[pgym]

As long as you're paying and not expecting a free ride, SOMEONE's gonna admit you.

[bort]

Are they even allowed to not consider you based only on your age?

I think the better question would be what your goals and motivations are for pursuing the degree. But based on age, I don't think they can discriminate against you.

[UDELBR]

I'm getting a DMA in my late 50s. Ain't no thing if you can keep up with the playing, the coursework, etc.

[Michael Bush]

Having been involved in such admissions decisions (not in music, but I bet it applies at least in some places) more mature students are among the most welcome, not only because their cost of attendance typically goes straight to the bottom line (which is not of no importance) but also because faculty purely love the seriousness with which such students take their work. Your mileage may vary, but that has been my experience.

[Mark E. Chachich]

To Michael Bush's and UncleBeer's comments, +1

Mark

[eupho]

Thanks for the responses so far, they are very much appreciated and are encouraging.

[bort]

FWIW, I am 35 years old and in a PhD program (non-music). Most of the students are probably 25-30, a few are 45-50, and I've met a few in my classes (in other programs) who were in their 60s. So basically, ages all over the place.

Oh, and my father in law finished his PhD when he was around 55 or 60(?).

Basically, if you want to do it, I think its a great idea. I am glad I went to grad school, and glad that I waited a while after undergrad to decide exactly what I wanted to do.

[dwaskew]

As was suggested by others: if you can handle the playing requirements, keep up with courses, erc., then in my mind, there is no issue. Recognize that many/most of the teachers are younger than you and there may be some adjustment time for both you and teacher in dealing with that. Depends more on teacher than anything, I guess.
One of the things I now have a long conversation with potential applicants about is: why are you persuing the degree?--the DMA is primarily aimed at prepping for a possible career in academia. To be blunt, there just aren't that many jobs in that field, nowadays; if the reasons for pursuing are purely for that, then don't do it. If there are good, personal reasons you have, that will keep disillusion at bay in the midst of it all, and you fully understand why you are doing this, then go for it.

[Arthur]

Michael is right on, I am a department chair (non music) at a rather snooty university (they keep me around for comic relief). When we get together to do the admissions we love non traditional students as generally their maturity has a big impact on their outcomes.

[Three Valves]

Age??

I thought that by "non-traditional" you meant....

a; Someone that has not died their hair pink or purple

b; No tattoos

c; No bone in their nose/ears

[bort]

d; Republican

[bigboymusic]

I'm 46 looking at going back, and I have had nothing but positive comments from schools. As long as they don't expect me to march, I'm good......

For me, as per DA's statement, it is purely for me. I always wanted it, and I am in a position very soon that I can do it. when I'm done, I will make more money, but not much.

[Slamson]

I agree with pgmy's post that as long as you're willing to pay the freight, someone will let you in a program, but I'm afraid that it's true that there are places where non-traditional students are "discouraged". W/O naming names, I have a colleague who is a very accomplished player, a veteran of several well-known orchestras, who wanted to finish his DMA at a certain school in order to apply for a college gig. He was flat-out told that he was too old to be pursuing the degree. So he's happily playing (and teaching) out of the country now...

I wonder if they would have turned down Pablo Casals when he was, say, 80?

It took me a long time to finish my degree. I was lucky to have mentors who were patient, understanding, and good friends. I believe that's a lot more important than the names on the buildings.

[eupho]

Can you PM me with a hint?