Posts by Betty Kelly3

Christian Lee13 said:If you decide to enroll in the theory track at a preparatory program, say something like a specialized music academy prep course, you’ll be looking at ear training sessions twice a week along with piano twice a week. The heavy lifting is really all in the ear training; the piano is more of a secondary tool to help you get there. Once you move on to the high school level theory track, don't expect to be Mozart—your piano skills will basically be stuck at a fourth-grade level, and your ear training will sit somewhere around sixth grade.
When you transition into high school, you're essentially entering on equal footing with students who’ve already finished their standard middle school music programs. The only difference is that you'll be taking a much lighter version of the piano curriculum, what some might call a "Level B" track. It's just common sense, really; trying to cram six years of technical piano proficiency into a tiny window of time is a losing battle.

All those other instruments they offer in the prep program? They're actually much easier to pick up than the piano.
As for guitar, you're out of luck. There's such an overwhelming wave of little kids signing up for it in first grade that there's practically zero room left for anyone older.

So, what instrument are you taking lessons on privately? If your ear training is solid, you might even be able to challenge them with private proficiency exams.
Honestly, your best bet is to just swing by the administration office after 10:00 AM and have a straight conversation with the registrar or the principal.

I’ve been taking private guitar lessons since the start of seventh grade. My teacher focuses more on performance than theory, so I could probably pass the practical parts without an issue since I practice about four hours a day at home... I did ask him about theory, and he explained some concepts, but I know it's going to be tough trying to master six years of material in just two. Theory itself is incredibly vast and complex.
Also, once I finish the prep stage and get into high school, do I get to choose my instrument, or am I stuck with just the piano?
Thanks again for all the advice! 👍

Christian Lee13 said:Look, at 15, you can't just jump straight into the first year of a standard music conservatory program, but you can enroll in the two-year preparatory track, which basically serves as a bridge to the four-year high school level program. During that prep stage, you're dealing with things like ear training, choir, and your primary instrument. You could even specialize in ear training itself—that's the theory department—and you'll get piano as part of that. If you go the instrumental route, you've got options like percussion, double bass, harp, clarinet, trumpet, sax, horn, trombone, bassoon, or even solo vocals. Just a heads up, in those prep classes you can't pick flute, piano, violin, viola, cello, or guitar.

The enrollment timing works just like regular high schools here—it happens toward the end of June, though applications and freshman admissions usually kick off in early June (with auditions happening around June 9th).

Man, 😢... why won't they let me do guitar? It makes zero sense for me to spend my time learning something like the clarinet if I have no intention of playing it down the road.
Fine then, I'll just go with the theory track. Tell me, will I get more ear training hours that way? 😕
I'm fine with the actual playing part since I've been taking private lessons for two years already; I really want to focus on the academic side of music and get serious about it, because that's where my interest lies. Thanks for any advice.

Could someone give me some insight into what attending music school is actually like? I’m curious about the curriculum and how everything flows...
To be honest, my family is fully behind me enrolling, but I do wish they had asked if I even wanted to play anything when I was younger. Because of that, I'll probably be the oldest person in a class full of ten-year-olds, but at least I'm doing this because I actually want to, not because I'm being forced.
A few specific questions: 1. Roughly how much are the monthly tuition fees? 2. How many times a week are classes held, and are there any other little details you think I should know before diving in?
I’m looking at applying to the Juilliard School, so if anyone here has experience there, please drop some advice! I would truly appreciate it since enrollment starts in just nine days, and I really want to go in knowing what to expect. Thanks in advance 👍

Here’s my situation:
I’m 15 years old, and I’ve been wondering if it’s too late for me to enroll in music school.
I know I probably should have thought about this sooner, but the passion just hit me out of nowhere.
Specifically, I want to learn guitar, but I’d love to hear from anyone who can tell me—is starting at this age actually a smart move? If you have any solid advice, please reach out. Thanks! 😁