Trial lessons with college or conservatory faculty can yield critical information for students planning on pursuing music at the college level. It can be difficult, however, to know how to arrange these lessons and maximize their benefits. This article will provide general information about the process of having a trial lesson.
When to Have Trial Lessons
Most professors will only offer trial lessons to seniors, usually in the summer before senior year and during the fall semester. Once professors begin listening to prescreens and hearing live auditions, usually between December and March, they are typically unable to offer trial lessons. Similarly, professors usually will not hear younger students, though there may be exceptions.
Another good time to have a trial lesson is after you have been accepted to a school, usually in April of senior year. Some professors may have a brief window during this time period to meet with potential new students.
Requesting a Lesson
These days, the most common method of requesting a trial lesson is via email. Most conservatories and universities publish the email addresses of faculty on their websites. If an email address is not readily available, a call to the admissions office can either provide you with the email or give you an alternate way to contact the professor.
In your email, you should first ensure you are respectful, beginning with Dear Professor [Last Name]. Introduce yourself, including where you are from, your current teacher, and list any precollege, youth symphony, or similar programs you participate in. Make sure you specify when you are seeking admission and to what degree, such as stating, “I plan to apply to [XYZ College/Conservatory] in fall 2024 for a bachelor’s degree in music.” If you are planning on visiting the school during a certain time, you can also state that; however, it is best to be flexible with your availability. You can also offer to pay the professor at their normal rate, though some people prefer not to bring up payment until a lesson is arranged.
In general, avoid using the phrase “trial lesson,” as some professors seem to find this terminology offensive. Simply ask to schedule a lesson or ask if you can play for the professor.
Whatever you do, do not involve your parents in this correspondence! Parents should not be the ones asking for lessons or contacting professors on your behalf.
While it may seem to you that having a lesson with multiple teachers at a university or conservatory is fine, some professors find this problematic. Institutional politics are a real thing and need to be considered. Ideally, you should identify one professor at each university or conservatory and only ask for a trial lesson with that individual.
During peak times, it is not uncommon for it to take weeks or even months for a response. Make sure you reach out far in advance – the summer before your senior year is an excellent time to contact professors.
Making Your Request Stand Out
Professors, especially those at top schools, may receive hundreds of requests for lessons. You need your request to stand out. There are several ways you can accomplish this. The first is to attach a bio or resume that outlines some of your recent activities. You should also consider linking to one or more video clips of your playing so that the professor can determine if your level is a good fit.
The second option is to have someone who is familiar with the professor contact them on your behalf. While this is not always possible, when it is, it can be extremely helpful. Teachers, orchestra conductors, chamber music coaches, and program staff are all likely to have some connections and may be able to facilitate a lesson for you. If some does reach out on your behalf, still follow up with an email request, making sure to cite your mutual connection.
After the Lesson Logistics
Directly after the lesson, it is important to offer to pay. Make sure you have multiple methods of payment available, including old fashioned checks if possible. The professor may have told you beforehand if payment is required, how much, and how to make a payment. Sometimes professors will choose to waive payments, but you should always expect to pay for their time. In some cases, CMPI may be able to arrange to prepay for a lesson.
Within a day or two of the lesson, write a short thank-you email or card and send it to the professor, thanking them for their time and indicating something specific you gained from meeting them or learned during the lesson.
The Value of the Trial Lesson
Trial lessons are a trial for both you and the teacher. You want to see if the teacher’s style and personality are a good fit for you, while the teacher wants to determine if you would be a good fit for their studio.
Trial lessons can benefit you in the admissions process as well. They tend to give the teacher a longer period of time to evaluate your playing and learning abilities, perhaps with less pressure than an audition.
Most importantly, however, trial lessons give you the opportunity to demonstrate growth. Make sure you make careful notes after your lesson about what the professor said and take that feedback to both your teacher and the practice room. Demonstrating that you listened and improved your playing between the lesson and your final audition can be very important during the admissions process.
Trial lessons, while valuable, are not always possible. If you are unable to take a trial lesson, it likely will not affect your admission to the school. There are teachers, however, who will not accept a student who has not had any contact with them at all. If a lesson is not possible, at least reach out by email to express your interest in the teacher and their studio.
Other Options for Assessing Teachers
Trial lessons are not the only option for learning about teachers. Another great method for meeting teachers is to attend one or more summer programs with teachers who interest you. You may be able to get lessons during the summer, or you can observe their teaching and playing. Masterclasses are another potential opportunity for trying out a teacher and you should take every opportunity you get to play on them.
In some cases, professors simply do not offer trial lessons. If this is the case, talk to their students, watch videos of their masterclasses, and, if permitted, sit in on a studio class or masterclass. Some teachers will also agree to speak with you on the telephone, participate in a Zoom lesson, or correspond by email.
Trial Lessons as a Barometer
Remember that trial lessons are an introduction to each other. Sometimes trial lessons demonstrate that you either click with a teacher or that a teacher is simply not a good fit. On the other hand, teachers and students tend to be on their best behavior, and the lesson may or may not be a good representation of what the student-teacher relationship would be like long term. If you are not sure, it is important to continue your due diligence by talking to current or former students, watching masterclasses, and learning as much as possible about the teacher and program as you can.
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