
Among other factors contributing to my unannounced hiatus last month is my pursuit of grad school. [The text above is quite possibly my favorite excerpt from the lengthy application process.]
I began researching grad schools online in August, but my investigation was cut short by a very busy couple of months. Before I realized it, November was half over and I still had not decided where to pursue my Masters in music. After much procrastination, consternation, and deliberation, I selected five:
5. Ole Miss
Harding’s music department is establishing something of an informal alliance with the University of Mississippi. Several of our grads have migrated to Ole Miss, creating an invisible bond of sorts.
Pros: Lower cost of living in Mississippi and a better likelihood of landing operatic roles in a “smaller pond.”
Cons: I hate being hot. Additionally, Oxford is notthe greatesta metro for performance venues.
4. University of Missouri at Kansas City
A few music dept. grads have been accepted to the conservatory at UMKC in the past, though I get the feeling, from what I’ve heard, that Kansas City might be a bit out of my league right now.
Pros: It is a conservatory. [This is a big deal.] And I would not be hot.
Cons: As mentioned, I am out of my league. If I were accepted, I would be swimming, nay, treading water in a pretty big pond.
3. Bienen School of Music (Northwestern University)
I stumbled upon this school while investigating other institutions in Illinois and I got a good vibe from what I read. That’s about all the story there is.
Pros: I definitely would not be hot, and the Chicago metro is a great region for performance venues. And a great place altogether.
Cons: Pretty high cost of living and pretty big pond.
2. New England Conservatory
At the guidance of my advisors, it was suggested that I put in at least one application as a “long shot.” Enter NEC.
Pros: Of the five schools I have chosen, this one has the highest level of prestige and opportunities. And, of course, I would never be hot ever again.
Cons: If the unbelievable occurs and I am accepted, it would be a costly and intense few years.
1. University of Colorado at Boulder
My suitemate and I made the long pilgrimage across the Great American Desert to Boulder during Fall break to check out the school, and I must say I loved what I saw. My prior experiences in Colorado have been incredible and this one was no exception. Boulder is an amazing place with a legitimate music program.
Pros: Good performance opportunities, Public Ivy, and Colorado.
Cons: Expensive.
Hopefully all of my application materials have reached to their respective schools and I will hear from someone by the end of the term. Details TBA.









