That big scary word.

March 20, 2006 at 10:47 PM

Wow, what a lesson! It really put things in perspective for me. To begin with, Mr. Neal and I talked about college- this was the first time we'd ever even mentioned it. I guess it only then dawned on me how soon that will come. I mean, it's been sitting in the back of my mind for a few years, and I've casually checked out the odd college, but now I will actually have to start seriously looking and planning. Mr. Neal first asked me what I wanted to do after highschool. Just to make sure. I told him I wanted to go to music school, and the conversation proceeded from there. First, I asked him if that was a possibility for me. He said it most definately was; I will have no problems getting into the music school of my choice. I mentioned that I would like to go to a university, because I'd like to be a well-rounded person. Mr. Neal was very pleases and said he had thought of the same thing for me; a strong liberal arts education and music. He did the same thing and wouldn't have had it any other way. He mentioned that a double major would be ideal, if I wanted. Mr. Neal went on to say that it doesn't really matter how good of a violinist you are- it's not unlikely that I'd be jobless, at least for a period. He knows many violinists that are far better than he and can't get a job as a musician. I said I was willing to take that risk, but wouldn't it be difficult to do a double major?
"Heck yeah!"
But he thinks I could do it. I'm contemplating an English/Music major now. I enjoy writing and that would open up various venues should my career as a musician go awry. Anyways, Mr. Neal pointed out that music school in this country tend to be a gip- they suck the money out of you and don't really show you how to live as a professional. He said it's very important that I find an excellent teacher, wherever I end up going. His first choice for me was U of Michigan, which I was very happy to hear- it was my first choice. He also mentioned various schools that I hadn't looked into, such as U of Wisconsin, CIM...I should get the list from him so that I can look into them. He also mentioned Yale and Curtis, because they're the only two schools (that he knows of) that are full-scholarships only. He said Yale wasn't a good place for undergrads (he went there, so he should know) because they really discourage music major undergrads. He said Curtis was a conservatory with a seperate university, which wasn't what we were thinking of, so skip that one, and he wasn't really pleased with it anyways. He said to start looking at audition requirements, and we'll start solo Bach as soon as we've finished the Kabalevsky.
Next, we worked through the second movement of the Kabalevsky, the end of which is a nightmare. He made me sing. A lot. Which I hate. He said I better get used to it if I want to go to music school. *curls up and dies* We also discussed exercises. Physical exercises. I *coughhaven'tbeendoinganythingcough* and that isn't good. I'm supposed to start swimming and lifting heavy books to strengthen my wrists (my most vulnerable part). My least favorite things to do.
Lastly, we discussed violin cleaning. He said not to polish it. But my fingerboard does need cleaning. He gave me explicit instructions for cleaning it with alchohol, pretty much revolving around the idea "It falls on the body and you are dead". I'll work with that some Saturday...

SO to wrap things up, I guess I'm finally having to prepare for that big scary word: COLLEGE. I've been around college campuses all my life, since my Dad's a professor. It's nothing new to me. But also, being homeschooled all my life, I've never had to worry about money, class, teachers...anything. I did everything myself. It'll be very interesting to look back in six years, when I graduate college, and think about how much I've had to do to get that diploma! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a violin to practice.

~natasha

From Pieter Viljoen
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 12:01 AM

If you want to consider Curtis or places of that high calibur, then you have to be on a very high level. If you want a strong liberal arts education and good music, consider Indiana, or USC. Both are very good schools, but you'll have to be on a very high level.

From Colleen R
Posted on March 20, 2006 at 11:48 PM

Ah yes college... haha... coming up on us isnt it?!
But I vote CIM!! definately, right syd ;) .. and take from Mr. Preucil! That would be amazing... mine and sydney's dream! hehe... but you and syd could both totally do it- and then i'll go visit you guys there :)
I mean, you could go to all the cleveland orch concerts and watch rehearsals and wow it would just be amazing.. and to be able to take from the concertmaster(mr.P) would be incredible!
But I have no doubt you'll be great no matter where you end up!!

From Natasha Marsalli
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 1:38 AM

I'm not considering Curtis. I'm leaning towards Uof M.
What exactly is CIM? *blushes* My teacher mentioned it, but I don't know what it stands for or where it is...

From Linda Lerskier
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 2:03 AM

CIM= Cleveland Institute of Music

From Colleen R
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 1:56 AM

Haha its okay!
CIM= Cleveland Institute of Music
in cleveland ohio. And its like connected with Case western university, so when you graduate you like get a diploma from each. Bu you can definately take different classes other than music at case western! And CIM is an amazing music school, and well the cleveland orchestra is one of the worlds best! So you would get to see them rehearse and their concerts all the time :) And they have great teachers, like Mr. Preucil, who of course is cleveland orch's concertmaster. Some v.com people on here take from him. And then a few of us highschoolers take from his mom haha...

But yeah- you should DEFINAITELy seriously consider it.. sydney is too, and well you two could go there together since i wont be able to... so like i said, i'll just have to visit :)
I can get you more info if you want, just let me know!

From Colleen R
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 2:08 AM

gosh, evil linda beat me too it again! hehe

From Amy F.
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 3:27 AM

Just to add a CIM person's perspective, actually you don't graduate from CIM with a Case diploma unless you sign up for a double degree program through Case, so if you want two degrees then you should apply to both schools for their dual-degree program.

From Kerah Williams
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 3:31 AM

Hi Natasha--

I've been thinking about this since I read this last entry (well really since I read your 'review' of Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg's performance in Florida a couple of months ago) and I think that a career as a journalist specializing in music reviews would be ideal for you. A career as a musician could also turn out very well, but I love your writing. I always enjoy reading your blog--your writing style is very engaging and professional, yet entertaining, funny and approachable at the same time. Since you play violin, you know exactly what you are talking about when you comment on classical music performances. That experience really shows in your writing.

Just some more thoughts to add to the melting pot of college options. : )

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 3:44 AM

I'm glad your teacher is giving you good advice. This is an important decision, so listen to advice from lots of people, including current students, recent grads, other teachers, people who have tried to earn a living as a violinist, and students' parents. This topic has been discussed in detail many times on this site, and people with different viewpoints have contributed a lot. There is a lot of wisdom here. I strongly recommend that you look for and read these discussions. Don't feel intimidated. Just read different viewpoints, ask questions, and you'll find what seems best for you. I haven't heard you play, but even if you're very good, I doubt that it will be "no problem" to get into any good music school.

I like the idea of a double major as a safety net. However, I thing jobs for English majors are almost as scarce as jobs for violin majors. You don't need to choose a major yet. It would probably be good to take some courses in different fields and see what you like. Writing can be an important aspect of jobs in many fields, including science, one of my fields.

Now for something easy: I, too, have weak wrists -- no, very weak wrists. There are some really good exercises that you can do with free weights, and they really help. Ask someone at the gym, or write to me, and i'll try to explain them.

From Colleen R
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 3:52 AM

Haha thanks Amy... I'll I really know is just bits and pieces from lex. She did like dance and other classes at case alot w/ music, of course, at cim.
I agree w/ kerah, you are also an amazing writer. However you are also an incredible musician, so definately persue music- and i say an english double major, or minor, would be perfect!! :)
I'm excited for you already haha!! :D

From Colleen R
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 4:05 AM

okay i might just get a record of number of times commenting here... hehe!
but i forgot something... Athletic stuff!! AH i LOVE it!! like i was an avid runner and athlete before i became obsessed w/ violin.. so i still have that w/ me... working out is incredible, it gives you so much more energy too!!! And lifting weights for your arms help w/ violin too!! (and weak wrists) lol... youve just got to get into it, and then you'll become addicted and love it...! And swimming is an amazing exercise :) Its nice you can just swim laps and reflect on life hehe...

From Natasha Marsalli
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 12:26 PM

Thanks, everyone, for all your insights. I actually was considering music journalism for several years, and I may end up doing that. I really love writing, ergo the English major/minor, and because that leads to so many other fields, I'm heavily considering that. Of course, my Freshman/Soph. years of college will most likely be structured mainly on core courses anyways, so I can look around and decide then.
Thank you all again!

From K. Elizabeth Smith
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 1:04 PM

A few more suggestions, to widen your search:

Oberlin College in Ohio. They have a world-famous conservatory, and it is possible to be enrolled in both the college and the conservatory. The college is a first-rate liberal arts school on par with schools such as Swarthmore and Amherst.

Swarthmore College near Philadelphia doesn't have a performance department, but they will subsidize your study with a top teacher in the city, and Philadelphia has some of the best violin teachers anywhere. You would get an excellent education, and their is a train to downtown Philadelphia right on campus.

I have been told that Boston University has an excellent violin department and a good English/Journalism. I know they give great merit scholarships. I've known kids with your particular combination of talents and interests who chose BU. Also, Boston is a fabulous music city.

From Sydney Menees
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 3:51 PM

How weird! At my lesson yesterday my teacher and I were talking about the same thing! Of course, we couldn't talk in too much detail because--well--we are in Germany and I've only had her for four lessons.

I do agree with pretty much all the responses up here. I think that CIM is one of the most prestigious music schools out there, but you do what's in your best intrest. I also second everyone by saying that you ARE an AMAZING writer (why I wanted you to critique my letter to Gayle). So, from my point of view, it's up to you!

From Sydney Menees
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 3:55 PM

PS - Ker, nice to see you on here! The roommates reunite...well, except for Vic, but she plays viola. Hehe.

From Patty Rutins
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 4:27 PM

Your major won't necessarily be in the field you end up working in, and that's okay too. For instance, I have a music degree from Williams, a liberal arts college, and for a living I'm a web developer. My husband has a degree in Ancient Military History, and until recently he was a computer systems administrator and consultant. Now finally he's using a little bit of his history interest, but he's still doing mostly business management for our strategy game publishing company.

A good liberal arts education will prepare you for many different fields, and will prepare you to adapt to whatever you decide to do in the future. Sure, a performance degree will help you break into performing, and a journalism degree will look good when applying for music critic positions. But if you later decide that you want to do something else, having a music/journalism degree won't prevent you from starting a yarn store, or taking a job as an internet marketing manager. Once you've got a few years of job experience under your belt, your degree is just a piece of paper -- it's the learning skills and experiences you had during college that are far more valuable.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 8:29 PM

I agree with Patty about the value of a good liberal arts education. This is one of the few times in life that you have the opportunity to learn about things that interest you and things that you didn't know you're interested in. Also you'll get a broad view of things and learn new ways to approach things. A college education should give you more than a trade school. However, if you may want to do some writing as part of your career, it might be better to major in journalism rather than English.

From Jenna Potts
Posted on March 21, 2006 at 9:38 PM

Colleen mentioned exercise...you'll get that at CIM! :-) I travel aprox 4-6 miles on an average day...

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That big scary word.

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