Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition

Julie McGough
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Performing Arts

Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition is a podcast hosted by Julie McGough that helps flutists, parents, and music teachers navigate the college audition and application process with clarity and confidence. Each episode takes listeners inside college flute studios at leading conservatories and universities around the world. Through in-depth interviews with flute faculty and their current students, Julie explores what makes each studio unique—teaching styles, studio culture, expectations, and what professors are truly looking for in auditions. The podcast also features mini-episodes focused on every stage of the college application journey, including choosing schools that are a good match, creating realistic preparation timelines, audition strategies, scholarships, and making the final college decision. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, supporting a student, or teaching the next generation of flutists, Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition offers real insight, practical guidance, and an inside look at finding the college flute studio that is the perfect match.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    CMU Student Episode with Gillian Derer and Ingrid McDuffee

    The conversation features a discussion with two flute students from Carnegie Mellon University, Ingrid McDuffee and Gillian Derer. They share their backgrounds, experiences at CMU, and insights into the audition process and studio culture. The conversation also covers the campus environment and the supportive community within the flute studio. The conversation revolves around the supportive and inspirational environment of the flute studio at CMU, the role of the pianist Vahan, the academic and musical experiences at CMU, and recommendations for visitors to Pittsburgh. Takeaways Flute Studio CultureCampus Environment Supportive and Inspirational Studio EnvironmentRole of Pianist VahanAcademic and Musical Experiences at CMURecommendations for Visitors to Pittsburgh Chapters 00:00 Audition Process and Studio Culture25:11 Supportive and Inspirational Studio Environment37:39 Role of Pianist Vahan45:28 Recommendations for Visitors to Pittsburgh

    47 min

  2. Apr 22

    Linda Chesis - Manhattan School of Music

    Linda Chesis, professor of flute at Manhattan School of Music, shares insights into her career, teaching philosophy, and the opportunities available to students at the school. She discusses her experiences studying in Paris, transitioning from orchestra to soloist, and the diverse performance ensembles and courses offered at the school. Linda also highlights the importance of time management, audition techniques, and the success stories of her former students. The conversation covers career paths, graduate programs, and audition tips for musicians. It explores job opportunities, alternative career paths, different graduate programs, the audition process, and preparation tips. It also provides insights into professional conduct and etiquette during auditions. Takeaways Diverse performance ensembles and courses are available at Manhattan School of Music, providing students with a well-rounded musical education.Linda Chesis emphasizes the importance of time management, recording techniques, and peer teaching in preparing students for professional opportunities. Exploring alternative career paths is important for musicians.Professional conduct and preparation are crucial for successful auditions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background06:02 Teaching and Chamber Music12:58 Practice Room Situation and Time Management17:58 Courses and Pedagogy Class24:05 Degrees and Cross Registration34:58 Success Stories of Former Students48:32 Graduate Programs and Auditions01:00:26 Audition Day Tips

    1h 3m

  3. Mar 10

    After the Auditions: Acceptances, Waiting Lists and Rejections

    Just received your college audition results? Here’s how to handle the news like a pro. Julie McGough discusses how to handle rejections, waiting lists, and acceptances with grace and ease.

    12 min

  4. Mar 2

    Alberto Almarza - Carnegie Mellon University

    In this episode, Julie McGough interviews Alberto Almarza, flute professor at Carnegie Mellon University. They discuss the flute studio at Carnegie Mellon University, the studio's full time staff pianist, opportunities for flutists at CMU, studio culture, and discuss the future of the versatile musician and tips for students applying for music programs.

    1h 16m

  5. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Welcome

    Welcome to Music School Matchmaker! In this short introduction, Julie McGough introduces listeners to Music School Matchmaker and what you can expect in future episodes.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition is a podcast hosted by Julie McGough that helps flutists, parents, and music teachers navigate the college audition and application process with clarity and confidence. Each episode takes listeners inside college flute studios at leading conservatories and universities around the world. Through in-depth interviews with flute faculty and their current students, Julie explores what makes each studio unique—teaching styles, studio culture, expectations, and what professors are truly looking for in auditions. The podcast also features mini-episodes focused on every stage of the college application journey, including choosing schools that are a good match, creating realistic preparation timelines, audition strategies, scholarships, and making the final college decision. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, supporting a student, or teaching the next generation of flutists, Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition offers real insight, practical guidance, and an inside look at finding the college flute studio that is the perfect match.

Information