pre-college gap

[berniano]

Hi guys!

Haven't been on here for a while (well, reading, but not posting), since audition season.

I have some general questions for those "who have gone before".....

Ok, so i auditioned, chose a school (for undergrad), wrapped up my senior high school recital two wks ago, and have now started practicing some random pieces to continue building my rep this summer.

What's been your exerience during in the summer between high school and conservatory/university (musicwise)? When should I expect to find out who my teacher is to be---at orientation, or before??? I've already tried bugging the music department, to not much avail, so I thought I'd see what the process was like to those of you who already gone through it all. And when I get to school, do you think my teacher will want to start pieces from scratch, or continue what i've been learning-- or should I not worry, does it vary from teacher to teacher, school to school? Any exercises or etudes that would be good to have completed b4 school starts???

So, whoever has some thoughts on this, please let me know  And thanks!!

Berniano

[quantum]

I remember taking a break from music in the summer before starting undergrad.  Getting myself rested before embarking on full time studies in music.  But what I remember even more is the amount of paperwork, forms, and administrative details I had to take care of just in order to start school.  

Regarding getting news about who is your teacher.  I never found any consistency in the manner this was reported.  University admin folks are very busy, and I found the best way to get info you really need is to show up in person.  It is often not enough to talk to the front desk people, you need to get inside the office of the person who may know the answer, look them in the eye and ask.  You may also get results by talking to the piano teachers, or the head of the piano department.  Go all the way up to the chair or dean if you feel the need.  You may get info from them that they would otherwise not be willing to disclose in any official correspondence.  It is also a good idea to become friendly and on good terms with such people, they can help you in time of crisis.  

Regarding your rep.  It depends on the teacher.  My advice would be to talk to the teacher before hand.

Check if there is a student organization for music students.  These people would have first hand experience with such issues.  Contact a rep and have a meeting.