College Music Major

You may already be familiar with the complex music admissions process since you contacted College Music Major for help.

We call it The Maze, and you may have already felt frustrated or confused trying to figure it out by yourself.

Top music schools are super competitive; you can't risk not knowing what you're doing. Getting it right is important, or it could hurt your (child's) chances of getting accepted.

Independent educational consultants (IEC) like Dr. Fish and his team at College Music Major help ensure the success of your admissions efforts, increasing your chances of acceptance at top schools.  Here's how. We:

• Expert Guidance: possess specialized knowledge and experience in navigating the complex college admissions landscape.
• Personalized Approach: provide individualized attention, tailoring their guidance to match each student's unique needs and aspirations.
• Comprehensive Support: We can assist with every aspect of the college admissions process, from selecting the best-fit schools to preparing applications and auditioning.
• Objective Advice: offer impartial advice, free from the biases that may exist within schools or communities.
• Access to Resources: have access to a wide range of resources and insider knowledge about specific institutions.
• Reduce Uncertainty & Stress: guide families through each step of the process, alleviating uncertainties and reducing stress.
• Increase Opportunities: can help students identify and pursue opportunities that align with their academic and extracurricular interests.
• Maximizing Potential: assist students in effectively showcasing their strengths and achievements, increasing their chances of acceptance to their desired colleges.

There are significant advantages of working with an IEC with expertise in music. A music IEC:

• Specialized Guidance: understands music programs' unique requirements and expectations, providing tailored advice and support.
• Knowledge of Programs: is familiar with various music schools and programs, helping students find the best fit based on their interests, skills, and career goals.
• Audition Preparation: can offer valuable guidance and resources to help students prepare for music school auditions, including repertoire selection, performance coaching, and audition strategy.
• Portfolio Development: assist students in creating a compelling portfolio or audition recording that showcases their musical talent and potential to admissions committees.
• Scholarship Opportunities: can help students identify and pursue scholarship opportunities specific to music education, potentially reducing the financial burden of attending music school.
• Optimize Applications & Essays: make sure your applications and essays are persuasive for music schools.
• Networking: often have connections within the music industry and academia, providing students with opportunities for mentorship, internships, and professional development.
• Long-Term Planning: can offer guidance on career paths, performance opportunities, and further education in music, helping students achieve their long-term goals in the field.

Yes, College Music Major has two main competitors. Dr. Fish was the senior consultant and COO for one of them and that firm split of from the third. So, it's a small world. 🙂

College Music Major offers significant advantages to the families who we work with:

• Unrivaled Experience: Dr. Fish isn't just a former admissions employee or music student. He holds a Ph.D. in music from the University of Michigan, one of the most prestigious music schools in the country.  He is also a former music professor and college administrator. It gives him firsthand experience navigating the challenges of music education, providing valuable insights and empathy to his clients.
• Insider Knowledge: With his background in music academia, he also possesses a direct understanding of music programs, audition requirements, faculty expectations, and industry trends, offering students a competitive edge.
• Network of Contacts: Dr. Fish and College Music Major have connections with music educators and industry professionals, and alumni networks, which can open doors to opportunities such as masterclasses, internships, and performance opportunities for their clients.
• Personalized Approach: They tailor their guidance to each student's individual talents, interests, and aspirations, ensuring that their advice is relevant and effective in helping students achieve their goals in music.
• Audition Preparation: Drawing from their own experience and expertise, College Music Major can provide comprehensive support in audition preparation, including repertoire selection, performance coaching, and mock auditions to help students excel in their auditions.
• Success Stories: College Music Major may have a track record of successfully guiding students to gain admission to top music schools and conservatories, providing evidence of their effectiveness as an IEC specializing in music education.
• Passion for Music: Their genuine passion for music education and advocacy for aspiring musicians can inspire and motivate their clients, fostering a supportive and encouraging relationship throughout the college admissions process.

There are several reasons why IECs don't publish their prices:

• 1. Customized Services: IECs usually provide personalized services tailored to each client's needs. Since the scope and depth of assistance can vary widely from student to student, it's challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all pricing structure.

  2. Competitive Advantage: Consultants maintain a competitive advantage by not publicly disclosing their prices. This allows them to negotiate fees based on each client's specific requirements and the level of service they require.

  3. Flexibility: Not having set prices gives consultants flexibility based on factors such as the complexity of the student's situation, the timeline for services, and the consultant's expertise.

  4. Perception of Value: Some consultants believe that by not openly displaying their prices, they can control the perception of the value of their services. They may feel that potential clients are more likely to appreciate the value of their expertise when they directly communicate about pricing.

  5. Industry Norms: In educational consulting, it's common practice for consultants not to publish their prices. This norm may have developed over time, and consultants may follow it to align with industry standards.

 The vast majority of IECs are hardworking and reputable.

Still, here are a few things that might give you pause if you run across them:

• FOMO: inviting you to join a waitlist or using other techniques to instill a fear of missing out.
• Zip code intel: Asking for your zip code or occupation to help gauge your income and, thus, how much to charge you for services.
• Lack of accreditation: not being a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association or the National Association of College Admission Counseling.