Two important questions.

[tubafatness]

Hello, all,
Within about a half a year, I am going to start looking at schools to audition for. I have the usual schools listed, but I am starting to look at some of the big name conservatories as well. I know that, with the budget I have to work with, any conservatory is off the list unless I get humongous scholarships, (by humongous, I mean a good majority of the tuition.) My question is, if there is the chance of me not even getting any money for school, is it worth my time and effort to go audition for these schools? I have had a hard time deciding on this issue. Now, for my second question, does anyone know how good of a school Cincinatti Conservatory is? I assume it's at least decent; it is, after all, a fairly big music conservatory. Specifically, I want to know what type of teacher Tim Northcut is. I've heard nothing but great things, but I want more than a couple of opinions. Oh, and sorry to rant, but I have another question to ask. I'm torn between possibly pursuing a degree in Music Ed. and a degree in Music Composition. I know that a bachelor's in Mus. Ed. would be more practical, but I think I would have more fun going for a Comp degree. I know that, with my career goal of being a college professor, I would have to get a Doctorate, regardless of the area of study. Thanks for reading this long post, and if you didn't, then that's fine, too. Any and all replies addressing these questions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks yet again,
Aaron "TF" Hynds

[windshieldbug]

What is it you want to teach at the college level?

[tubafatness]

I haven't decided yet. There's the rub; the area of study I pursue will depend on the type of professor I want to become. I am leaning more towards wanting to teach low brass and tuba, so in that case I would probably want a music ed degree. But, I haven't decided yet.
Thanks for the help!,
Aaron "TF" Hynds

[Alex F]

My question is, if there is the chance of me not even getting any money for school, is it worth my time and effort to go audition for these schools? I have had a hard time deciding on this issue.

If the school feels that you are "that good" and wants you bad enough, it will find a way to come up with the money, which will, most likely, include some combination of grants, loans, and personal/parental contributions. You and your teacher need to get together and honestly evaluate your talents and skills, and then go for it.

I wish you all the best.

[quinterbourne]

If you want to teach highschool (or earlier) get a music ed degree. If you want to teach college/university, then you should get a performance degree. Most colleges and universities hire based on playing ability (or based on "big names") instead of actual teaching ability.

[tubafatness]

bump

[quinterbourne]

I guess I wasn't very specific. I was referring to universities/colleges hiring the private instructors (studio teachers) based on playing ability. Usually, they will hire whomever plays in the local orchestra. They want to hire the big name (or big player) because that's what will attract students to study with said big name. At least, that's how it is in Canada.

However, it is usually quite likely that the "big name" will have a degree (of something or another) anyways, because that is usually the "prerequisite" to playing with the big name orchestra in the first place (usually you need a degree of some sort to be heard in the audition). If they have the choice between two big name players, one with a bachelor degree, and the other with a doctorate, yes they will usually choose the one with the bigger degree.

Now, of course, it's completely different with professors of music theory, history, skills, etc. In those cases, what's most impressive is all of the letters (BA, BM MA, MM, etc) after the name... as well as a couple of extra letters (Dr.) before the name.

[tbn.al]

I was fortunate to play along side Tim for a couple of years when he was a member of my church group in Atlanta. He is not only a super tubist, but more importantly a wonderful human being. I never took lessons from him, but my current tuba player did. He thinks Tim is the best and this guy also studied with Perantoni at ASU. I also play in a quintet with a Cincinnatti conservatory graduate and sit beside another in the tenor section in choir. They rave about the place. They are also two of the finest musicians I have ever met. Good luck with your degree quest where ever you wind up. It will probably be the most fun you will ever have.