Competition should not be used as a factor in deciding which music school to attend. Only how far a you want to take your playing should be your concern. What you have to offer as a horn player means more than winning or losing.
As for choosing a school, Teacher then... location, location, location. Scholarships exist, so if you are a prepared student and have put in the practice, you may not have to pay for school. So why not try to go to the best? Do not settle with staying at home just because of money either. Get out of the house. Even a hour away from home will get you into a apartment and out of the family unit so you can understand and learn about yourself as a horn player. Learning about yourself outside the family unit may even be more important than anything else in this day and age. FInd a teacher with a defined system of musical (horn) development, strict routine, strong and objective listening abilities (very important) with a established institution backing them, these things will put you in a position to succeed with your goals. Many schools have grad assistants teaching theory and other undergrad courses. Find a school that limits this practice severely. Some larger universities have grad students even teaching horn students. This is not a bad thing unless you are a performance major, which you said you are pursuing. Just so you know... Here is a basic list of some of the best schools in the USA, also, two lists based on styles of horn playing. All VERY well rounded teachers, but these styles do exist. Five in no order, 1. Julliard, all the teachers at Julliard are some of the best horn teachers and players in the world. A great place for the most serious music students. Too bad David Jolley does not teach there....as David is far and away one of the best teachers in the world. Julie Landsman, Ranier Deintins, Jerome Ashby, David Wakefield, Bill Purvis, superstar faculty. 2. Curtis Institute, same comment as above. 3. Then, in no order, all the other New York area schools, Eastman, Manhattan school of music, Mannes, Yale, Hartt, all the SUNY schools. David Jolley teaches at many and he is by far one of the best teachers in the world. Many of the teachers at Julliard teach at these schools. Eric Ralske teaches at Manhattan. Many other variables.... 4. all the top Texas Schools. Some of the best Brass programs in the world, hands down. Besides the great horn departments, the brass rock there. check them out to learn more. 5. There are many Universities and schools throughout the country with amazing teachers and programs, promoting a well rounded player. Find a teacher you like. I teach at one. Colorado State University, Fort Collins. the above are, in the American, Met opera, LA studios, Pit, Broadway, ballet, chamber music specialists typical sound ( Bill Purvis also teaches at Julliard and Yale, he is a more European and a very well rounded type player/teacher) or other teachers. Below, are the more European, Chicago style of playing (still well rounded, no extremes),in no particular order. 1.Northwestern University in the Chicago area. Gail Williams is a great teacher and her students always impress me with their level of musicianship and attitude. 2. Boston University, Eric Ruske is one of the best horn teachers/players in the world. 3. NEC, New England Conservatory, Boston. Jamie Summerville is a great player and I hear a great teacher. 4. San Fransisco Conservatory of music, Bob Ward is leading the horns, a great teacher. SFC has been known in the past as a great place for getting your Masters. 5. There are many universities and schools in the USA with great programs catered to developing this Chicago/euro sound and well rounded sounding horn players. Again, I teach at one, CSU, Fort Collins There is not just one path to the beauty of becoming a concert artist. Have fun more than anything because if you are blessed with good horn playing skills, it is a fun life. No need suffering like most other professions. There are many bitter and pissy musicians out there too, but you can manifest your own destiny and happiness offering in music. All the best, Matthew __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
