A free resource for high school musicians
Everything you need to develop strong practice habits and navigate the college music audition process.
Most musicians aren't taught how to practice. They're taught how to play, and then told to go do more of it. These fundamentals apply regardless of your instrument or level.
Running through pieces from start to finish feels productive but rarely is. Learn the difference between performing and practicing, and why it matters.
Read moreSlow practice, chunking, mental practice: Fundamental practice techniques. Here's how to actually use them.
Read moreScheduling, environment, tracking progress. A shorter daily practice beats a long weekend practice almost every time.
Read moreEvery musician hits walls. Most are caused by the same few problems. How to diagnose what's actually happening and what to do about it.
Read moreSimulating pressure, structuring run-throughs versus drilling, and managing nerves before they arrive. What to do in the final weeks/days before a performance.
Read moreThe college music application process is unlike any other. This guide walks through every stage, from building your school list to what happens after you hear back.
Conservatories, university programs, liberal arts schools with music. There are many different types of music programs. What each path looks like and what it prioritizes.
Reach, match, and safety, and what they actually mean for music programs. What to look for beyond rankings and reputation.
How to choose what to play, when to lock it in, and how to structure your preparation over the months leading up to auditions.
What they are, which schools require them, how to record well, and how to think about them separately from the live audition.
Logistics, nerves, what actually happens in the room, and how to recover when something goes wrong.
Teacher relationships, campus visits, and what questions to ask that most applicants don't think to ask.
Decisions, waitlists, financial aid, and how to evaluate your options when you have them, or when you don't.