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Double Bass College Auditions

#83
To the people accepted at BU:
Do whatever you have to do to find out what studio you are in before accepting. Get it in writing if you can. My first day there they told me that I was in the Jim Orleans' studio when I was supposed to be with Barker and nobody in the administration was willing to help at all. Now they have a new professor there who is also not BSO affiliated.
Maybe these are things that don't matter to you but don't move to Boston thinking you'll be with Ed and then find out you aren't.
 
#84
Okay, so far...

UNT to study with Mr. Bradetich
Eastman to study with Mr. VanDemark
UW to study with Mr. Lieberman

And just out today - IU (I'm assuming to study with Mr. Hurst 'cause of the bow compatibility, but the letter doesn't specify. Either studio is fine by me.)
 
#87
The best thing you can do if you want to know your studio at BU is to get in contact with the teacher you want to study with and keep calling the School of Music Admissions office until you can get a clearer picture of your situation. The acceptance process at the school is run pretty differently than most institutions, but from my personal experience and others', persistence is your best bet.
 
#88
I've narrowed it down to Indiana University (probably Hurst's studio), U of Maryland (Tony Manzo's studio), or Peabody (just got my acceptance, and it is unclear which studio I will be in, so I can't make my decision until I know for sure).
Congrats to everyone else as they get their acceptances!
 
#89
Ahh, me being a young bassist, is reading in envy at all your acceptances.

Anyone by any chance has a recording of their auditions which they are willing to share? Just so I can gauge the standards in which I need to play at :)

Congrats to everyone!
 
#94
So.. i've been following this thread but haven't really posted anything yet :hiding:. I've narrowed things down to either NEC in Don Palma's studio, or Boston Conservatory in Ben Levy's studio. I know a little about Mr. Levy but not much about Mr. Palma. Has anybody studied with either of them/ would be willing to give me some input on the matter. Thanks! Congratulations to everybody else who got into college :D
 
#95
x18karatharmony said:
So.. i've been following this thread but haven't really posted anything yet :hiding:. I've narrowed things down to either NEC in Don Palma's studio, or Boston Conservatory in Ben Levy's studio. I know a little about Mr. Levy but not much about Mr. Palma. Has anybody studied with either of them/ would be willing to give me some input on the matter. Thanks! Congratulations to everybody else who got into college :D
Click to expand...

I've never worked with either personally, but everybody I know who has worked with Ben Levy has really liked him. Since it looks like you live in Boston now, I'd ask both teachers for a trial lesson to help you decide. Since you are already accepted to their studios, I can't imagine they'd hesitate to give you a lesson. Congrats and good luck with the decision.
 
#96
18 Karat, Don Palma is a fantastic teacher, you really can't go wrong studying with him. I spent three semesters studying with him at Yale, and got so much out of it. He is a great player/teacher and excels at every aspect of bass playing/teaching: orchestral playing, solo playing, chamber music, contemporary music, "period" style, etc etc. He's also a very good conductor, and all around brilliant guy.

I don't know Ben Levy, but considering he recently won his job in BSO, he must be on top of his stuff.

If you're still on the fence after taking lessons with both guys, compare the schools. You will be spending a LOT of time there. Look into the orchestral programs (who are the resident conductors/frequent guest conductors? what kind of rep typically gets performed?) academic situation, overall environment, etc. Good luck!
 

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