What to Expect

Today's music students may be tomorrow's hot music sensations.

"You'll need to be limber, alert and creative first thing in the morning, as a typical day often starts with playing class," says Peter Wipf. He studied guitar at the Musicians Institute, a private music school in Hollywood. "This class would include playing single string melody, scales and improvisation."

"It required a great deal of discipline," recalls Lisa Dubba, a grad of a university music program. "You couldn't let your mood impair creativity and concentration."

For Dubba, playing courses were often followed by academic subjects, such as literature or music history, while Wipf usually headed for an ensemble course, followed by theory or ear training.

Learning to play in front of a large and varied audience was the most difficult hurdle for Dubba, who admits to being a bit shy. She also notes that she had to develop team spirit and creative cooperation when playing with others.

Wipf says his program focused on modern music, including jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, funk, reggae [and] heavy metal.

According to Wipf, written homework usually takes between 10 and 20 hours per week, while four hours per day should be devoted to practicing vocals or instruments.

"This is why you have to believe in what you're doing. It has to be more than just training for a career," says Dubba.

How to Prepare

Dubba found it extremely helpful to take part in high school chorus and band. She also joined the school's classical music club and listened to music of all genres on a regular basis.

Wipf agrees that a sampling of many different styles is crucial to a broad and deep preparation for musical studies. He suggests paying "attention to music theory and theoretical understanding of your instrument."

He also comments that listening to teachers and having faith in their guidance is very important. "They are out there in the music world, often performing themselves, and they know what it's about," he says.