#orchesral

By: Kristen Thompson

Getting ready to audition at any music school usually involves interacting with the professor whose studio you’re aspiring to join. When communicating via email, you want to ensure to convey your own interest and professionalism while respecting this professor’s time. Keep in mind that most professors receive a large quantity of email per day, so don’t be disheartened if it takes a day or two to hear back! Here are some general tips to keep in mind when reaching out:

Add a subject line. Consider something direct like “Prospective Student Question” or “Audition Requirements Question” to set your message apart. Remember - this professor likely has many messages in their inbox, and you want yours to catch their eye.

Use a proper greeting. Beginning your message with “Dear Professor XYZ” or “Dear Dr. ABC” conveys respect and sounds professional. Even if you have a previous relationship with this professor, avoid using “Hey” or “Hi” in your greeting. Remember, this is an email to a professional, NOT a text message to a friend!

Be concise, but thorough in your message. No need to add lots of extra words to your message. Be warm and polite, but get to the point! If this is your first interaction with this professor, it’s ok to be a bit more introductory in your opening.

There is no need to add resume items to your message unless this is asked for. Include this information as part of your application instead.

Use a proper signature. Thank the professor for their time, and consider signing with something cheery and concise such as “Sincerely” or “Thanks again!”. Add your first and last name following your closing.

Before sending, PROOFREAD! Then, proofread again! Run spell check, have a parent or friend look at your message, and thenpress send.

Remember as well that your email communication is a reflection of yourself and might be this professors first interaction with you as a prospective student. A few additional email tips before you send:

Consider if your email address is appropriate for the professional world. If it’s the same email you’ve had since middle school (i.e. [email protected]), it might be time to upgrade to something more mature.

Double check that you are sending your question to the correct person. Most universities have an admissions person (or department!). No need to fill the clarinet professor’s inbox with questions about your application. It’s likely that they won’t be able to help you!

Also double check that your question isn’t one that’s addressed in the prospective student FAQ’s.

SAMPLE MESSAGE:

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Audition Requirements Question

Dear Professor Smith,

I hope this finds you well! I am a prospective student for admission to ABC University next fall and am looking forward to meeting you at my audition.

I had a question about the audition requirements: I play a lot of (insert secondary instrument) and was wondering if it would be permissible to perform a solo on it as part of my audition?

Thanks so much for your time!

All the best,