Posted by Steve Dedman on April 15, 2001 at 12:55:59:
In Reply to: Re: Tuba Colleges posted by Tim C on April 15, 2001 at 01:50:24:
Getting into state schools is easy. Staying in a high-profile studio is the hard part. That's another thing to look at - the size of the studio. Tuba teachers don't like to be burnt out any more than tuba students do. If a studio has 25 or more players, you can bet your horn that several won't be back the next year, some of them excellent players who didn't have the discipline required to stay. High demand teachers won't have their time wasted by a dilletante. Also, in a studio that size, there is the chance that you will get some of your lessons with a grad. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but you need to take that into consideration, and make sure that you fit with that person as well as the prof.
A large studio will offer more competition and that can be a bonus in some ways, but a drawback in others. In a smaller studio you have a better chance at a top ensemble, and the learning curve that comes with it.
IMHO, a studio of 15-20 is an excellent size - big enough for some competition, small enough to have a shot at a top ensemble without acquiring that sickly, pasty-white practice room pallor.