For musicians, the journey to higher education often involves more than just submitting an application and auditioning.
Interviews have become an increasingly crucial component of the music school admissions process, potentially making or breaking a student’s chances of acceptance.
While not every music school requires an interview, many do, and certain majors, such as music composition and music production, tend to incorporate interviews more universally.
Even in cases where a formal interview isn’t scheduled, many schools integrate interview-like questions into the audition process itself.
This trend underscores the importance of being prepared for a potential interview scenario.
Having coached hundreds of students myself through college interviews, I will share with you the critical elements of a successful music school interview.
This includes body language & content preparation, as well as asking the right questions and anticipating common inquiries.
The Power of Body Language In Interviews
When it comes to interviews, what you don’t say can be just as important as what you do say.
Your body language communicates volumes about your confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Here are some key aspects to focus on:
Posture
Sit up straight through your interview, and have at least a decent posture.
This projects confidence and helps you feel more alert and engaged.
Avoid slouching or leaning back too casually, as this can come across as disinterested or unprofessional.
Eye Contact
Maintain focused eye contact with your interviewer(s). This demonstrates attentiveness and engagement.
However, be natural about it – constant, unblinking eye contact can be unsettling.
If there are multiple interviewers, make sure to address each of them visually when speaking.
Appropriate Attire
While music college interviews typically don’t require formal attire, it’s important to dress appropriately.
For men, a button-down shirt paired with neat trousers is usually suitable.
Women might opt for a blouse with slacks or a casual-but-nice dress. The key is to look put-together and respectful of the occasion without being overly formal.
Avoid Distractions
Be mindful of nervous habits like fidgeting, playing with your hair, or tapping your feet.
These can distract you and your interviewers and may convey nervousness or lack of focus. Practice being still and composed during mock interviews with friends or family.
Smile and Show Enthusiasm
A genuine smile and an overall enthusiastic demeanor can go a long way in making a positive impression.
Music is your passion!
Let that shine through in your facial expressions and overall energy.
Remember, your body language should complement and reinforce your verbal responses.
Consistency between what you’re saying and how you’re presenting yourself physically will make your interview more compelling and authentic.
Crafting Detailed and Specific Answers
While the content of your answers doesn’t necessarily need to be groundbreaking or entirely unique, it should be detailed and specific to the program you’re applying to.
Generic responses can make you blend in with other applicants, whereas thoughtful, well-researched answers can set you apart. Here’s how to ensure your responses hit the mark:
Research the Program
Before your interview, thoroughly research the school and the specific program you’re applying to. Understand their philosophy, curriculum, notable faculty members, and any unique opportunities they offer.
Demonstrating genuine interest, and that the school is a good fit for you, is key here. That’s why research is particularly important.
Provide Specific Examples
When answering questions, don’t just make broad statements.
Back up your points with specific examples from your own experiences or observations about the school.
For instance, instead of saying, “I’m interested in your school because of its great reputation,” you might say, “I’m particularly drawn to your program’s emphasis on contemporary composition. The Annual New Music Festival looks particularly interesting to me, as I would like to write music that gets programmed in college.”
Remember, the goal is to show that you’ve done your homework and have a clear understanding of how the program aligns with your musical aspirations.
Your answers should reflect thoughtful consideration of the school’s offerings and your own goals.
Always Ask Questions!
One of the most crucial parts of any interview comes when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”
This is not just a formality – it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your genuine interest in the program and to gather important information.
Always have questions prepared.
Here’s why this is important and how to approach it:
Show Your Interest
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re engaged and have given serious consideration to the program.
It demonstrates that you’re not just passively going through the application process but are actively seeking to understand if this is the right fit for you.
Gather Valuable Information
This is your chance to learn more about aspects of the program that might not be readily available on the website or in brochures.
The answers you receive can help you make a more informed decision if you’re accepted.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Well-crafted questions can also showcase your existing knowledge about the program and your broader understanding of the music industry.
Some questions you can ask:
“Can you tell me more about the performance opportunities available for [your instrument/voice type]?
“I noticed you have a study abroad program in [location]. Can you tell me more about it?”
“Are there opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, such as working with students in other programs at the school?”
Remember to listen actively to the answers and, when appropriate, ask follow-up questions.
This will turn the interview into more of a dialogue and allow you to demonstrate your ability to engage in meaningful conversations about music and education.
Preparing for Common Interview Questions
While each interview is unique, some questions pop up in college interviews time and time again.
Being prepared for these can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview. Here are some common questions and tips on how to approach them:
“Why are you interested in our school?”
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the program and explain how it aligns with your goals.
Mention specific aspects of the curriculum, faculty members you’re excited to potentially work with, or unique opportunities the school offers.
“Tell us about yourself and your musical background.”
Prepare a concise narrative that highlights key aspects of your musical journey.
This should include when you started, what you have been working on the last couple of years, summer programs you have attended, and anything else of note.
It should also be concise – no longer than 1 minute.
“What are your career goals in music?”
It’s good to show some career realism here. Just saying “I want to be a rock star” won’t sound good to an admissions committee (even if that is actually what you dream of being!).
Once way you can show realism is by outlining a future plan.
Perhaps your future plan is to become a music producer. How might that happen?
You can discuss it by a combination of college study, attaining a master’s degree, securing studio internships, and other relevant experiences.
Or, maybe you want to perform in an orchestra. Same thing – detail for us how you envision, at a very high level, the steps you might think it will take to get there.
That will help you stand out from other students, who most often say very generic answers to this question.
“Who are your musical influences?”
This question allows you to show off some music knowledge!
Discuss not just who influences you, but why, and how their influence manifests in your own musicianship.
It doesn’t really matter as much who you say.
What matters more is what you say about them.
Be genuine, and always provide specific examples, tying your answers back to your musical goals and the program you’re applying to.
Conclusion
Mastering the music school interview is an essential skill for aspiring musicians navigating the competitive world of higher education in music.
By focusing on strong body language, providing detailed and specific answers, asking thoughtful questions, and preparing for common interview topics, you can present yourself as a confident, engaged, and promising candidate.
