The Scholarship Roadmap: Recent Episodes

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Today, I’m excited to welcome Sophomore double bassist Alyssa Peterson. Alyssa spent her freshman year and New England Conservatory, and, created a podcast, Something to Consider: College Edition.

Alyssa speaks candidly about how she built her school list, the stress of the audition experience, and how her freshman year turned out in the 2019-2020 Academic Year. She digs into how she assessed which school would be best for her and what she looked for in her potential studio teachers.

We Cover:

• How she built her school list and what helped her make her decision.
• How emotional the college search can be.
• The importance of the physical environment of a school.
• Alyssa’s desire for independence in the college experience.
• The challenges of the transition to college.
• How music school is more than only playing your instrument.
• Alyssa’s experience at New England Conservatory and the importance of building a community.
• Alyssa’s financial experience in college.
• How teachers told Alyssa she shouldn’t pursue music.
• Alyssa’s advice to high school students looking at music schools.

Links Mentioned:

• Listen to Alyssa's Podcast, Something to Consider: College Edition.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I’m excited to have Emma Reading on today to discuss music admissions. Emma is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Lawrence University.

Last month Emma and I participated in a panel hosted by Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, and I really appreciated Emma’s insights and know you will get a lot out of them as well.

If you’d like to get in touch with Emma after our conversation, I know she’d love to hear from you.

We Cover:

• Lawrence’s degree programs and educational philosophy.
• How Lawrence breaks up aural theory into separate classes for dictation and sight-singing and how improvisation is incorporated into music theory.
• Why you should judge a school by its category, like “conservatory.”
• How your musical profile helps you to stand out in the general admissions process.
• The connection between student musicians and commitment and how that can affect you in the admissions process.
• Why merit aid isn’t only tied to your audition score.
• How merit aid can cover up to 50% of tuition.
• What is a musical resume? Does Lawrence care about non-ensemble experiences?
• How playing a second instrument can affect your musical profile positively, especially in music education.
• How your personal statement and essay factor into your admissions at Lawrence.
• The importance of the interview process.
• Emma’s advice for students putting a tremendous amount of pressure on themselves.

Links Mentioned:

• Contact Emma.
• Lawrence Conservatory

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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A brief solo show on non-audition topics

I Cover:

• Interviews
• Music Theory
• What defines a good fit from your perspective and from the school's.
• The benefits of participating in groups during the last leg of the music admissions process.

Links Mentioned:

• Register for the workshop on December 19th.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I'm excited to have Dr. Brenda Brenner on to discuss music admissions and how you can position yourself to not only get admitted to a music school but receive scholarships to help you afford an education.

Dr. Brenner is the Eugene O'Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean (Interim) and Associate Professor of Music (Music Education) at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Last month Brenda and I participated in a panel hosted by Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, and I really appreciated Brenda's insights and know you will get a lot out of them as well.

We Cover:

• Brenda’s roles at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
• The type of student who thrives at IU.
• The importance of asking the school and faculty questions and how Brenda prefers to hear from students directly.
• What to ask when you do contact the school or faculty.
• Connecting with current students at IU to learn as much as possible about the program to see if it’s a good fit for them.
• Brenda’s policy on sample lessons.
• The relationship between scholarship and the studio teacher.
• A detailed look at how admission and the scholarship process is works at IU. The Jacobs School looks at every one of the thousands of applications individually.
• The separate interview process for music education majors.
• How demonstrating a genuine interest in the school, teacher and program can play a difference in scholarship allocation.
• The gamble of asking how many openings are in a particular studio.
• How Brenda leads with honesty in scholarship discussions.
• The importance of the student taking the lead in music admissions, not the parent.
• The biggest mistake a student can make in music admissions.
• How to approach your auditions psychologically and maintain a healthy perspective on the outcome.

Links Mentioned:

• Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
• Scholarship Information at Jacobs School

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I'm welcoming Dr. Sharon Davis Gratto on to discuss music school admissions. We will dig deep into what a music school looks for in a student, what skills are needed to pursue a degree and career in music, how your music profile can help you afford college, and much more.

Dr. Gratto is Professor of Music, the 1st woman to hold the Graul Endowed Chair in Arts and Languages, and Director of the World Music Choir at the University of Dayton, in Dayton, OH.

At the University of Dayton, Dr. Gratto has taught courses and supervised student teachers in the Music Education degree program taught Eurhythmics for Music Therapy majors and directs the World Music Choir.

She has performed as a free-lance flutist in the Washington, D.C. area and sung professionally in church music positions, with the Washington Bach Consort, and with the Washington Opera, Summer Opera Theatre at Catholic University, Washington Concert Opera, the Wolf Trap Opera.

Dr. Gratto also spent 10 years in radio broadcasting.

Dr. Gratto has been instrumental in organizing the Dayton Funk Symposium & Dance Party which brings together scholars, teachers, students and performing artists to explore and experience the innovative African American Funk music movement that put Dayton, Ohio on the map in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to its identification as the World Capital of Funk.

In my high school years, while Sharon was a professor at Gettysburg College, she invited me to audit written and aural theory collegiate level courses and was kind enough to write a letter of recommendation for my undergraduate applications.

We Cover:

• Dr. Gratto’s background and professional journey.
• Why she chose Oberlin College for her undergraduate degree.
• Why you should limit the number of schools you apply to and how it could affect your admissions to all of the schools.
• Sharon’s challenging audition experience and how it helped her find the right school.
• How she found a program for her Master’s Degree that offered her a full-tuition stipend and an assistantship.
• How a student should find mentors who can help to guide them through the music admissions process.
• Why following your school music teacher’s career path is something students try to do but isn’t a good idea.
• Why finding a school that allows you to explore the range of possibilities in music.
• Why it’s essential to align with the right type of music program.
• How collegiate-level music involvement as a major or non-major can be a boon to your post-school applications in the professional world.
• The transformation of higher ed music programs to focus more on current music.
• Pairing community college and a University experience to make college more affordable.
• Developing a list of needs and wants for your learning environment.
• How the University of Dayton determines how much merit scholarship is awarded to a candidate.
• Talent scholarships are awarded to majors and non-majors alike.
• Why Sharon believes in a broad-based degree as opposed to a conservatory training only.
• How everyone should have to take an entrepreneurship course. Especially performers.
• A student’s story and how not aligning with a program that invested in them cost them in the future.
• The problem with performance certificates and how they can affect your future.
• Looking to the future of music and the myriad of opportunities that Covid has presented.

Links Mentioned:

• University of Dayton Music Department

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I’m excited to have Darryl Jones on to discuss college admissions. Darryl is Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Coordinator for Multicultural Admission & Intercollegiate Athletics Liaison at Gettysburg College.

Darryl also serves as the regional representative for New York City, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

Darryl is also heavily involved in music. He is a member of ASCAP, a bandleader, keyboardist, independent producer, and a heck of a cook.

So, if you hear anything that interests you today about Gettysburg College, get in touch with Darryl. He has been supportive of my students and is a tremendous resource in college admissions.

We Cover:

• Darryl’s role at Gettysburg.
• Darryl views a student with musical ability and how it affects their admission to the College and their financial aid package.
• How Gettysburg College is one of the few Division III schools with a marching band.
• How Darryl loves to hear from students directly and why it can help them in the admissions process.
• The relationship between student musicians and achievement in their professional lives.
• We get into the weeds about what is and isn’t weighed in an admissions decision.
• How the day of audition works at Sunderman Conservatory at Gettysburg College. Hint: it’s holistic.
• How the college coordinates between departments to craft a financial aid offer and who carries the weight in their decision.
• How an interview affects a student’s application and admissions.
• Crafting a compelling essay and personal statement and why Darryl reads the essay before looking at a transcript.
• Darryl’s catchphrase: “It’s ok to be open-minded and undecided (regarding your major).”

Links Mentioned:

• Sunderman Conservatory at Gettysburg College

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Here are 3 tips that I extracted from a week of interviews with Music School Admissions faculty and staff from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Lawrence Conservatory at Lawrence University, Sunderman Conservatory at Gettysburg College, and the University of Dayton.

Watch the video version.

If you have any topics you’d like me to cover, you can always get in touch with me.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Ryan is the principal trumpet of the Alabama Symphony, host of the podcast, That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation, and writes fantastic blogs on both of his websites www.ryanbeach.com and www.thatsnotspit.com.

Ryan won the International Trumpet Guild conference solo and orchestral excerpt competitions in 2011, the second trumpet player in conference history to win both competitions in the same conference. He also won the Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Competition in 2012. He’s only the second American to do so in its history.

I highly recommend getting in touch with Ryan if you're seeking insights into performance preparation, life as a professional musician, or any other topic. He is generous with his time and expertise.

We Cover:

• Ryan’s musical family and upbringing.
• The moment where Ryan decided that music was what he wanted to do with his life.
• The importance of having a mentor and support in the college prep process.
• How the person who sold Ryan his C Trumpet ended up contacting his future undergrad studio teacher, setting the stage for Ryan’s music school experience.
• How Ryan auditioned very late in the college admissions process and still landed a scholarship that helped him to afford college.
• How Ryan chose a graduate program that aligned with his career goals.
• How attending Masterclass Series introduced Ryan to music school faculty and helped his admissions process months later.
• How Ryan would build his college audition repertoire list.
• How he learns a new composition and the importance of building good habits from the first practice session.
• Finding purpose in practice.
• Developing a blueprint/concept for the composition you are preparing through a teacher and using that input to develop your own voice.
• Injecting variables into your performance preparation and how that can help your audition.
• Framing your expectations so you are focusing on your personal growth as opposed to an arbitrary goal.
• 3 of Ryan’s favorite recordings.

Links Mentioned:

• John Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court
• Sinatra at the Sands with Count Basie Orchestra.
• Incubus: Morning View
• Carlos Kleiber conducts Strauss, Rosenkavalier.
• Porcupine Tree: The Incident.
• Ryan on Hard Work vs. Talent.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I’m excited to have violinist, Dr. Lynn Kuo, on to discuss performance preparation, repertoire selection, avoiding injury, and much more.

Lynn’s Violin 2.0 Bootcamp is coming up soon, so if you like what you hear today, I encourage you to find out more at Lynn's Website.

Lynn is Assistant Concertmaster of the National Ballet of Canada and is Founder/CEO of Violin with Dr. Lynn, serving as an online educator for violinists motivated to become stronger, more fearless performers. And in Winter 2020 was the Visiting Assistant Professor of Violin at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

As a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician, Lynn has performed worldwide and has given numerous world premieres of acoustic and electroacoustic solo and chamber works written by international composers.

Lynn holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto, having dedicated her research to holistic health and injury prevention in orchestral string musicians.

Lynn’s self-produced album LOVE: Innocence, Passion, Obsession is available wherever you listen to music.

I highly recommend checking out Lynn’s social media channels, where she regularly posts violin tutorials on a plethora of topics and features Lynn’s other interests: karate and salsa dancing.

We Cover:

• How Lynn’s parents tried to convince her to go into law instead of music.
• Why Lynn received 3 degrees from the same institution.
• Assessing career and earning potential in music.
• Her belief in how you can forge your own path no matter where you go to school.
• How a summer program experience was central to her school choice.
• How not all great teachers have a digital footprint.
• What to pay attention to when receiving feedback from a teacher.
• The importance of a mentor in the music school preparation process.
• How to choose the repertoire for your audition.
• The first step Lynn takes when she is preparing a new composition.
• Reverse engineering your audition preparation.
• The non-traditional settings where Lynn has performed mock auditions.
• Tapering before an audition.
• Lynn’s day-of audition strategy.
• Avoiding injury.
• Developing a career as a soloist and collaborator.
• The importance of maintaining visibility.
• Lynn’s Violin Bootcamp 2.0.
• Her favorite classical and salsa music.

Links Mentioned:

• Lynn's Violin Bootcamp 2.0
• Lynn's Instagram
• Lynn's YouTube Channel
• Mahler 5 conducted by Claudio Abbado

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I’m excited to have my colleague, drummer, Tom Hipskind on to discuss performance preparation, the difference between finding a good school and trying to get into a famous school, transitioning into the professional world, how he prepared for his audition for Hamilton, and much more.

Just before Covid hit, Tom finished up a 3.5 year run as the drummer for Hamilton (Chicago production). Tom has also performed with Mark O’Connor, Diane Delin, Steve Cole, and many more. Tom is an in-demand drum teacher. Tom is also a core member of The Mix, advertised as the most versatile party in the world!

Tom creates custom drum tracks out of his home studio for a wide range of styles. and I encourage you to check out his blog where he writes about topics ranging from Neal Peart (drummer for Rush), how to get theatre work, awareness in performance, and my personal favorite, “Do People Really Notice?”

We Cover:

• Neal Peart’s influence on Tom as a kid and how that stoked his curiosity.
• How he quit lessons when he was young and then returned to instruction later in high school.
• How he was guided as a student to understand there are many different paths within the music industry.
• Tom’s higher education experience began in Junior College.
• How Tom’s Dad wanted him to make sure he had “something to fall back on.”
• How music school helped Tom to realize that he was not only capable of creating a career in the music industry but his peers would support him in doing so.
• How his college instructor influenced him as a musician and helped him realize the 3 areas he wanted to pursue professionally.
• What to focus on when you’re considering a music school.
• What happened during Tom’s first lesson with his college drum instructor.
• How the film Jiro Dreams of Sushi spoke to Tom in regards to “taste” in music.
• Approaching a musical theatre drum chart.
• How Tom prepared for his Hamilton audition and what surprised the musical team about his audition.
• Quantitative and qualitative practice.
• Handling high-pressure performance settings.

Links Mentioned:

• Tom's Website and Blog
• Talking Drums with Tom Hipskind Video.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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I’m excited to have my colleague Chuck Webb on to discuss performance preparation, transitioning into the professional world, developing skills to diversify your offerings, and much more.

Chuck’s (abbreviated) performance credits include work with Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, David Sanborn, and many others. Chuck has recorded on hundreds of commercial jingles and soundtracks and has played countless musicals in the Chicago area and on the road.

Chuck is also on the faculty of Columbia College Chicago's music department, serving as coordinator of bass studies, bass instructor, ensemble director, and coordinator of the Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music ensemble program.

Chuck has composed for film, TV, and writes and performs in his jazz/funk/soul/fusion group ‘Guru Tonic.’

We Cover:

• Growing up in a non-musical family.
• How Jermaine Jackson (Jackson 5) got Chuck interested in playing bass.
• How Chuck changed his major while in music school to music merchandising and how that helped him manage his own career.
• How Chuck's time in music school helped him to realize that everything starts with an individual’s idea and you don’t have to wait for someone to tell you to start
• Chuck’s intern experience at CBS Records, how he got the opportunity, and how it showed him what he didn’t want to do in his career.
• How Chuck transitioned into the professional world, worked at Guitar Center, then as an insurance claims adjuster.
• How Chuck’s relationship with his music theory professor ended up getting him involved in the commercial music scene in Chicago and kickstarted his early career.
• How Chuck didn’t let inexperience dictate whether or not he went for a gig.
• Building your body of work and using it to procure more work.
• How your social media channels influence your ability to get work.
• How to get involved in different musical scenes in one city.
• How Chuck got involved with jazz great, Ramsey Lewis and prepared to perform his enormous catalog.
• What it’s like performing with Aretha Franklin and how Chuck drew on all of his sight-reading and aural skills to make the gig work.
• How Chuck developed his educational programs by observing how his kids learned.
• Qualities Chuck sees in successful students

Links Mentioned:

• Chuck's Website
• Chuck's group, Guru Tonic
• Chuck's Instagram Page

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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I’m excited to have my colleague Dr. Patricia Weitzel on to discuss the topic of finding the right fit studio teacher in college.

Patricia is the Lecturer of Double Bass at Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. She has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, teacher, and clinician worldwide.

Recent engagements include teaching at the Sphinx Performance Academy at The Juilliard School, participation in the Chineke! Orchestra European tour and performed at the 62nd Grammy Awards Ceremony with Lizzo.

As a member of the 2019 Global Leaders Program Cohort and one of the Sphinx Organization’s Mpower Artist Grant recipients, she was involved in developing initiatives that offer opportunities for music education to underserved youth.

We Cover:

• How acclimating to a new culture and language helped Patricia to embrace the process.
• How Patricia’s undergrad teacher helped her find her path to the U.S. and, subsequently, her Master’s and Doctoral Degree.
• What qualities to look for in a teacher.
• Why a student should not only take a trial lesson but observe a lesson too.
• The relationship between scholarship and enthusiasm.
• How to advocate for yourself to potentially gain more scholarship.

Links Mentioned:

• Patricia's former teacher, Marcos Machado.
• Patricia's teacher, Volkan Orhon.
• Patricia's Facebook Page.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book A Call With Me (no commitment, no charge.)

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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I’m excited to have my colleague Andrea Priester Houde on to discuss the topic of finding the right fit studio teacher in college.

Andrea is an Associate Professor of Viola at West Virginia University and the String Area Coordinator. She serves on the artist faculty of the Interlochen Arts Camp and the Master Players Festival and is a board member of the American Viola Society.

Her solo album, The American Viola, features early and contemporary American works, including the historic world premiere of the first American viola composition, composed by Benjamin Cutter and the first composition for viola by an American woman composed by Blanche Blood.

If you’re interested in getting to know Andrea a great way to do so is by participating in her summer programs, Viola Days and the WVU Viola Bootcamp, both at West Virginia University.

We Cover:

• How summer festivals introduced Andrea to the world outside of her own and helped shape her musicianship and career.
• How a mentor in high school ended up becoming her principal teacher in college.
• How Andrea figured out that music was the right path for her. She didn’t figure this out until college.
• The importance of trusting your teacher.
• Recognizing that your professional contacts are made as a student.
• What traits to look for in a teacher that is right for you.
• The differences between looking for a teacher in undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
• How to ask a potential teacher a question during a trial lesson.
• What qualities Andrea looks for in a student.
• How a studio affects a student’s education.
• The power of constructive criticism and how Andrea teaches her students to deliver it.
• Common mistakes in auditions.
• Andrea’s hands-on approach to audition preparation for prospective students.
• How Andrea has created Summer opportunities and communities through her Viola boot camps and Workshops.

Links Mentioned:

• WVU Viola Bootcamp

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, I’m excited to have my former classmate Dr. Chris Bowmaster, clarinet professor, music fundamentals instructor, and recruiter at Marietta College (in Ohio); and Chris is a clarinet repair specialist/performing artist for Rice Clarinet Works. We will discuss the topic of finding the right fit studio teacher in college and much more.

After Chris graduated from West Virginia University, he won an audition to play Second and E-flat clarinets with the Orquesta Sinfōnica Sinaloa de las Artes (OSSLA) in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Chris returned to the US in 2008, where he received his Master’s Degree from Kent State and returned to WVU, where he pursued a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Clarinet Performance.

Chris’s performance credits include Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, the Warren Western Reserve Opera Company, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

A few months ago when Chris saw me conducting a first round of interviews on the topic, “What Can I do With A music degree” I got a text saying, “yes, thank you for getting this info out there!”

Enjoy this conversation with Dr. Chris Bowmaster.

We Cover:

• Creating processes for learning.
• The importance of developing a system of preparation.
• What made Chris pursue a career in music
• How goals can change and why that’s a good thing
• Finding the right balance so you can improve throughout your career.
• How Chris used his skills to create new opportunities for himself in Clarinet Repair and mouthpiece design.
• Why Chris worked with the same teacher for two degrees.
• Chris’s work as a music recruiter at Marietta College.
• The importance of finding the right student for the program.
• The first question Chris asks a potential student.
• The role of a studio teacher in the scholarship process.
• How to negotiate a scholarship.

Links Mentioned:

• Dr. Chris Bowmaster's Marietta College Profile

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, in part 2 of 5 of the series, Who Should I Study With, in Music School, I'm chatting with Rob Kassinger.

Rob is a bassist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Double Bass at DePaul University School of Music.

In the jazz world, Rob has also performed with Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Burrell, the Woody Herman band, Conte Candoli, Charlie Rouse, Teddy Edwards, Harold Land, and Bobby Lewis.

Rob is also a world-class bass guitarist.

In today’s discussion, we speak about:

•Rob’s background

•what to for in a teacher

•common audition mistakes, and much more.

Enjoy this conversation with Rob Kassinger.

Links:

• listen to Rob perform.
• Rob at DePaul University
• Rob at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:

• Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Book a Call

Theme Music:

‘Elegua’ from Axiom Asunder by The Majestic Jazz Orchestra

Composed by Buzz Jones.

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Today, in part 1 of 5 of the series, Who Should I Study With, in Music School, I'm chatting with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier.

Renee is a violinist based in Chicago and performs with Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Elgin Symphony, and the Chicago Philharmonic.

Renee is the String Area Coordinator, Co-director of the Chamber Music Program, and Violin Instructor at North Park University in Chicago.

Renee hosts The Mind Over Finger Podcast, currently in its 3rd season, focuses on Mindful Music-Making, Efficient Practice, and Building a Purposeful Career.

Renee is currently enrolling in the 2nd round of her program Music Mastery Experience.

The 3-month experience open to professionals, student musicians, and passionate amateurs begins September 21st, and in it, you’ll discover how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, make them habits, and get RESULTS!

If you'd want more, then read my blog post and watch my video on this topic.

Download my free guide on how to choose the right teacher in music school.

In Today's Episode we cover:

• The importance of Renee finding the right teachers in her education.
• Developing a practicing system and awareness
• Why practicing slowly isn’t enough
• Renee’s mini Music Mastery Experience lesson.
• Comfort and Effectiveness in your performance.
• Reverse Engineering your audition preparation
• Chunking, mapping, and learning - deep practice model. Memorization.
• Spotlight Performing
• Why finding the right teacher can be tricky.
• Your relationship with constructive criticism.
• How to be teachable.
• Communicating with your teacher.
• An incredibly heart-warming story from Renee’s collegiate studies.
• Trust your own work and show them who you are.

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:* Website * Apple Podcasts * Instagram * Facebook * YouTube

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Today, in part 4 of 4 of the series, What Can I Do With A Music Degree? I'm chatting with Corey Richardson. Soundslice syncs audio, and music notation into a single, elegant interface. Corey and I have played 100s of shows together in the Chicago theatre scene.

In this episode we cover:

•Corey’s experience in a music start-up

•Moving to locations that support your goals

•Meeting his business partner through twitter

•Pursuing multiple interests

•Assessing your pool of interests before college

•Not knowing what is available in the music industry because you don’t know that job exists.

•How a class in Corey’s college experience prepared him for his first job after college.

•How school can build your network through your school contacts

•Breaking into a new music scene.

•Listen and watch the unedited interview.

Links Mentioned:•Soundslice

•Corey’s Soundslice Channel

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap: •Website

•Apple Podcasts

•Instagram

•Facebook

•YouTube

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Today, in part 2 of 4 of What Can I Do With A Music Degree? I’m chatting with percussionist and co-founder of MalletLab, Eric Rucker. Eric is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and entrepreneur. Eric is the co-founder of MalletLab, a complete resource for mallet percussion, and just completed its digital intensive in June 2020.

Eric attended West Virginia University from 2002-2006 where he received degrees in Music Education.

In this episode we cover:

•How Eric didn’t know what life would look like after college.

•Why a Music Degree?

•Shouldn’t I “Fall Back” on a Music Ed degree?

•Live in the Future and build what’s missing.

•Realigning after music school

•You don’t have to choose what you’re going to for the rest of your life.

•Diversifying your skillset

•Listen and Watch the unedited interview.

Links Mentioned:•MalletLab

•Eric on Mode Marimbas

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:•Website

•Apple Podcasts

•Instagram

•Facebook

•YouTube

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Today, I'm chatting with Cellist and Collaborator, Tahirah Whittington. Tahirah is based in Chicago and before the pandemic hit she was on the National tour of Dear Evan Hansen. During quarantine, she has recorded for John Legend and her chamber group D-Composed.

Show Notes:Today, in part 1 of 4 of What Can I Do With A Music Degree? I'm chatting with Cellist and Collaborator, Tahirah Whittington. Tahirah is based in Chicago and before the pandemic hit she was on the National tour of Dear Evan Hansen. During quarantine, she has recorded for John Legend and her chamber group D-Composed.

In this episode we cover:

•Tahirah’s background

•How to pick the right teacher in music school.

•The environment of the school and its surroundings

•What can you do with a music degree?

•The importance of being open to opportunities and what it can do for your career.

•Music teaches you that you will never know everything.

•You have a voice in your education

•Listen and Watch the Unedited Interview.

Links Mentioned:•Tahirah’s Website

•D-Composed

•Tahirah recording with John Legend

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap:•Website

•Apple Podcasts

•Instagram

•Facebook

•YouTube

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Today, in part 3 of 4 of What Can I Do With A Music Degree? I'm chatting with Yoo Soo Kim.

Yoo Soo is a songwriter, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Chicago. Yoo Soo’s current project is good son, his former band was Hemmingbirds.

Yoo Soo recently scored a film “Ode To Passion” which is available on Amazon. His work has been featured on the Super Bowl, PGA Tour, Toyota, Reese’s, Dell, and more.

I’m also fortunate to call Yoo Soo a friend and collaborator. He’s worked with my band Molehill and I collaborate with him on his project, good son.

In this episode we cover:

•The influence of a high school music program
•The importance of guidance in high school
•Not knowing the “options” of a music degree
•Benefits of music degree for Yoo Soo’s future work
•What is a music producer?
•How to approach a program to make sure you get the right fit.\
•What did Yoo Soo do immediately after he graduated.
•How Yoo Soo broke into music licensing.
•How to connect with people who can help you succeed.
•Following what you like, despite outside commentary.
•Listen and Watch the unedited interview.

Links Mentioned:•Yoo Soo’s Website

•Yoo Soo’s discography

Connect with The Scholarship Roadmap: •Website

•Apple Podcasts

•Instagram

•Facebook

•YouTube

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I designed this program for student musicians, parents, and anyone seeking clarity in the college music school preparation process.

This podcast features the voices of professional musicians, musician entrepreneurs, and student musicians.

You’ll be introduced to my guests' stories and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a musician in today’s fast-changing music industry.

As always get in touch with me at trevor@thescholarshiproadmap.com

and book a free 1:1 consultation to discuss your musical future.

download your free guide to 4 things to consider when you're looking into music schools.