Each year, CMPI continues to grow and enhance its specially designed curriculum for senior fellows to help them successfully matriculate into a college or conservatory music program. As any of our alumni fellows can attest to, the process is challenging, time-consuming, confusing, and potentially problematic without careful guidance. CMPI steps in to make the application process as seamless and simple as it possibly can be.
Senior fellows started off the year with an individual meeting with their student navigator. This check-in verified the list of schools they planned to apply to, made sure they had their repertoire planned for auditions, and answered any questions or concerns the fellow or family had about the application process. Senior fellows also receive special funding to help support their recording and audition travel.
For the cohort of 13 senior fellows in 2026-7, CMPI has once again partnered with college counselor – and bassoonist – Heather McCowen of College App Study Hall. Ms. McCowen met all the seniors at orientation and set them up with a new online portal to help manage deadlines, provide information on each college, and keep track of necessary materials. She also hosts a Slack channel where they can ask questions daily and consult with other fellows.
In addition, Ms. McCowen is midway through a five-part virtual workshop series for fellows and their families, specifically addressing the music admissions process. The first workshop introduced the Common App and other application portals, and addressed the Common App essay. Next, fellows and families learned about other supplemental essays and other components of the admission process, such as music resumes and repertoire lists. The remaining sessions include one on financial aid to assist with completion of the FAFSA and CSS profile, another to check in on prescreening recordings, and one in the spring on appealing financial and merit aid.
Of course, applications and financial forms are critically important, but even more important is being prepared for your audition. To help students prepare musically, CMPI offers all senior fellows the following opportunities:
- Studio Classes: early opportunities in September to try out repertoire in front of peers
- Mock Auditions: a month or two before the start of auditions, fellows perform their auditions for professionals in the field, separated into groups by instrument family
- Recording Sessions: each fellow is able to sign up for a 90-minute session recorded by a sound engineer
Throughout the year, both student navigators and Ms. McCowen are available for assistance with any and all aspects of the application process. Additional individualized elements, such as an Eastman visit day, are also available to fellows who choose to participate.
This year’s class of 13 fellows is one of the largest and strongest yet, and we cannot wait to see them successfully navigate through the admissions process. Stay tuned to hear their final college results in May or June of 2027.
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