College application season can be a stressful time, especially when it involves conservatory auditions. For parents guiding their young musicians through this process, it can feel like déjà vu, yet viewed from a different perspective. This guide, originally crafted as a series of columns, serves as a comprehensive index to help parents understand and navigate the conservatory audition journey. It aims to provide support and insights as you assist your child in taking this significant step in their musical career.
This series, developed from weekly parenting columns on Violinist.com, addresses various aspects of the conservatory audition year. While not exhaustive, the topics listed offer a robust starting point. Consider this your initial roadmap to understanding the complexities and emotional rollercoaster of audition season. Your questions and suggested topics are welcome, and you can reach out through the contact link associated with this article or leave comments below.
Here’s an overview of the topics covered in this series:
- Part 1: Take Your Vitamins
- Part 2: Strategies
- Part 3: Trial Lessons
- Part 4: Rejection
- Part 5: Reach, Match, Safety
- Part 6: Other Parents
- Part 7: Location, Location, Location
- Part 8: I Flunked My Prescreens–Now What?
- Part 9: Talent Loves Company
- Part 10: Being Good At Being Uncomfortable
- Part 11: Winter, Audition-Style
- Part 12: Going Solo
- Part 13: Luck
- Part 14: Social Media
- Part 15: After the Audition
- Part 16: On Cockeyed Optimism
- Part 17: How Do You Pay For It?
- Part 18: Cost of Attendance
- Part 19: How Do you Pay for It? (Reprise)
- Part 20: On Waiting
- Part 21: Waitlisted, Now What?
- Part 22: Appealing Financial Aid
- Part 23: Letting Go
- Part 24: Commencement
This collection of articles is designed to support parents through every phase of the conservatory audition process, from initial preparations to understanding financial implications and beyond. It acknowledges the emotional aspects, offering advice on handling rejection, managing expectations, and supporting your student’s journey towards higher music education. By exploring these resources, parents can gain valuable perspectives and practical tips to effectively assist their aspiring conservatory musicians.
