Grad Schools: Any Suggestions?

[noriegatuba]

I am looking for certain specifics in choosing a grad school. I am graduating in May `09 with a BM and understand that the possibility of pro-performance is slim to none. I'd like to continue into grad school and seek a MM or even a MMEd. if it meant I could qualify for an assistantship; any specialization would do really (I'll even do marching tech work if I can get into a paid grad school). I would like to stay in Texas but if my travels take me out of state, no biggie.

I'd like to continue studies under a tubist that emphasizes orchestral playing with clean attacks and that their program has either a symphony orchestra or a community orchestra that I can participate it. I've studied under Dan Sipes and if anybody has ever heard him play or listened to his pedagogy, they'd quickly point me in the right direction. I prefer smaller programs for more individualized attention (if that helps any) and attendance cost is important to me.

I have some schools in mind but nothing serious yet. Thanks for any suggestions!

[Todd S. Malicoate]

...their program has either a symphony orchestra or a community orchestra that I can participate it.

I'm assuming you mean an orchestra outside of the school's orchestra (which, of course, all schools offering a graduate degree would have at least one of...you would, of course, have to "win" the audition to play in the school's orchestra).

Having a local orchestra that you can jump into is a nice idea (and a nice resume builder), but not very practical. Maybe you haven't heard, but tuba orchestral jobs are a little hard to come by right now.

I'll give my own recommendation, for what it's worth...Kansas has Scott Watson, as good a teacher as you'll find anywhere no matter your emphasis of study. Lots of assistantship possibilities, but they do expect you to work for what you get. There's plenty of playing opportunities, and the school isn't so big you'll feel like just a number. The academics are extremely challenging, which is a blessing and a curse...an advanced degree from there is highly respected in the academic community but a student with an emphasis on performance might dislike the extra effort required for course work.

[noriegatuba]

Try Hardin Simmons University in Abilene

I like the idea of Hardin Simmons...hadn't thought about them. Size of the program and name recognition isn't important to me, so that's a possibility.

[noriegatuba]

I hate to say it, but with your conditions at present, your possibilities for graduate schools are slim pickins. However, there are plenty of excellent grad schools out there. After all, you're there to get an education and to learn from a great teacher. So, it might be a more realistic to base your search on finding the right teacher instead of the town. You'll only be there far a few years.

You might have a better chance of starting a brass quintet and learning that genre as best you can (and you'll probably make better money at it).

Point taken, thanks

[noriegatuba]

http://www.music.txstate.edu/prospectiv ... duate.html

A little closer to you....

Ken F.
Ebay Seller ID: kenball3

They're on my shortlist, thanks