Choosing a College? 5 Things You Need to Know

By Anne Sullivan  

Are you a high school junior or senior getting ready to seriously consider a college choice? Maybe you’re not quite at that stage yet, but you’re starting to think ahead and dream about it a little. Possibly you’re the parent or the teacher of a talented young harpist and looking for all the guidance and information you can get.  

I’ve been through all of those stages - excited student harpist, parent of a talented young musician and teacher of many such - and I know the process can be stressful. I have found, though, that considering your choices is much easier when you have a few specific items to compare. Below is my list of the five most important things you need to know about any college, university or conservatory you are considering. 

1. The teacher. Who is the harp teacher you would study with? You can learn a lot about the teacher by knowing who else they have taught and what those students are doing now. It can be helpful to know what technique method they teach and if it’s not the one you use now, if you would have to switch. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s definitely worth considering.
2. Facilities. The burning question for every harpist is where will I keep my harp? You wnat your harp harp to be stored in a safe, secure room that is climate controlled; a closet won’t do. You will also want to know about practice facilities. Or, if you choose not to bring your harp, does the school have harps that students can use? And of course, it’s important to ask who will move your harp, if necessary, for school-related performances.
3. Study options. At a university or college, you may be able to choose whether you study harp as your major, as a minor or simply take lessons for credit. Either way, you will have numerous academic courses that will be required for you. At a conservatory, your music studies will be the primary focus, with less emphasis on the academic courses.The options vary widely between institutions, so do your research.
4. Playing opportunities. Most schools have some ensemble playing as a requirement for music majors and non-majors alike. You will want to weigh the requirements and look at the choices too. Are there ensembles you could play in, such as orchestra, chamber groups, etc.? What are the opportunities and requirements for solo playing? Will you be able to pursue playing work in the community outside the university? 
5. Scholarships. What are the possibilities for music or harp-related scholarships? Don’t be shy about asking this question. Oftentimes, the harp instructor at the college can be helpful in advocating for extra funds for a student they particularly want to accept. Making a living as a harpist can mean a few lean years after you graduate from college before you get established, so do your best to avoid student debt. 

One other thing: don’t be afraid to ask if you can be in touch with current or former students from the school. You can learn a lot from them that you won’t learn from anyone else.