Julliard, Oberlin and Eastman are some of the most prestigious music colleges in the world. They are extremely hard to get into and leave their students with some of the best careers in the music field. Meera Bhatia 12, is in the application process for these schools. 

Meera Bhatia, plays the oboe. She played for the Wind Symphony band and was in the Colorado Youth Symphony. She toured in Australia and New Zealand with the Colorado Youth Symphony. She quit after her sophomore year, so she could focus on her chamber group. 

“I started playing piano in third grade and started playing the oboe in sixth grade. I found the oboe intriguing because I loved the way it sounded,” Bhatia said, “I liked the idea of becoming better at it.” 

Meera uses a surplus of resources to better her oboe playing. She practices and extensive amount of hours a week. This practice is leading her to her applications for music school. 

“I think it is so important to use all the resources that are available to you. For me that is a variety options. For example, freshman and sophomore year I played in a lot of honor bands. During the summers, I go to different music festivals for 4-6 weeks to study with the teachers there and play with the orchestras. Even being in choir helps.” 

Most high school seniors have just finished their applications for college. However Meera’s application process has just begun.

“I am applying to four,” Bhatia said, “I am applying to Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, Juilliard and Colburn.”

The application process for music school is very extensive and requires an in depth look at the musician. The process contains multiple auditions and sight readings. 

“The process is very long, which most people don’t realize it. Basically I have to send in an application to every school I am applying to by December 1st,” Bhatia said, “In addition to an application for Juilliard and Colburn I have to send in what is called a pre-screens. Which is basically recordings of different musical requirements. If my pre-screens go through, I will be invited to a live audition in March. For Eastmond and Oberlin I have to send in my application, my resume, letters of recommendation, and all the typical school stuff. Then there are auditions in February. I should know by April 1st  if I got in”

Most students have a particular school in which they hope to get in to. However Meera wants to get accepted into every school that she applied to.

“I hope to get into all of them,” Bhatia said,“I want to be able to have plenty of options to choose from.”

After Meera graduates from college, she hopes to pursue a career in music. She is open to multiple different career options, as there are so many in the field.

“I will be graduating with a degree in Oboe Performance. I am open to a lot of things,” Bhatia said,“Right now I would love to play in a professional opera pit, and teach private lessons either through a college or my own studio.” 

Several students apply to music school every year; however,  the odds of getting in can be very slim. Even though it can be difficult to get in to, Meera is encouraging that people that are interested in music or pursuing a career in music to stick with it. 

“Practice a lot and believe in yourself. Be sure to take advantage of everything that is out there and available to you. It is important to talk to people that are in the career that you are interested in,” Bhatia said, “Once you connect yourself to the music community, you will find out what works for you and what you want to do.”