use the interview to ascertain the student’s goals, background, and how they have been preparing for Berklee,” says Leiva. That doesn’t mean you need to have your entire college and post-college career mapped out, he says. But students should come across as focused, with some kind of clear goals.
GIVE THOUGHTFUL RESPONSES At schools like Berklee, admissions interviews are part of the overall process, says Leiva. “They count a ton,” he says, “in the way we process applicants and complete our overall assessment. They fill in the gaps that an audition doesn’t reveal.” For some students, says Leiva, the interview might make the difference, especially if an audition is borderline. “We have a minimum performance standard,” he says, “but not all students are here to pursue performance—some might want to be music engineers or producers.” For those students, especially, thoughtful interview responses matter.
Admissions officers want to know that you’ve given time and thought to your motivation. “’I love performing’ is a different answer than ‘I want to be a touring folk musician, run my own band and release albums every two years,’” says Leiva. Both students most certainly love performing—but only one of them has expressed a vision that goes beyond just playing for an adoring audience.
GO IN WITH YOUR EYES OPEN When I worked in admissions at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC, the interview process helped us get to know prospective students. But it also helped students determine whether the school was right for them. I knew the strengths and weaknesses of our programs and while I wouldn’t steer a student away from applying—unless they obviously weren’t ready, either because of their art portfolio or their GPA—I tried to be honest with them, especially if they were applying to a program where they didn’t seem like a natural fit. »
Find Your Music
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Bachelor of Arts in Music Double Major with Music
Bachelor of Music Education Bachelor of Music in Performance For Open House and Audition dates, go to: www.gettysburg.edu/music
www.gettysburg.edu/music
