People Over Programs

Episode Title: Dream Big, Work Hard, Play Loud: Tuition-Free Colleges Are Real

Hosted by: Dr. Salvatore Lombardi
Fine Arts Coordinator, Five Boroughs Consolidated Independent School District

[Intro Music: Warm, uplifting underscore fades in]

Voiceover Artist: Welcome to People Over Programs—the podcast that puts students at the center of the stage, where they belong. Brought to you by the Five Boroughs Consolidated Independent School District in partnership with Accoladi.com.

Dr. Lombardi: Hi everyone. I’m Dr. Salvatore Lombardi, Fine Arts Coordinator here in the Five Boroughs—and I’m going to level with you. I put on a sport coat for this episode. Not because I needed to. But because this topic is that important.

Today, we’re talking about dreams. Big ones. Like going to college. Becoming a performer. Or maybe even getting a music degree without your family going into debt.

If you’re the parent of a student in band, choir, orchestra, or theater—and especially if you’re wondering how in the world your child’s love for the arts turns into a future—this one’s for you.

You might think college is out of reach. But the truth is: More than a dozen elite universities and conservatories now offer tuition-free programs for families earning between $75,000 and $200,000 per year. Some even offer free rides for families under $75K.

Places like Juilliard. Eastman. Rice. Oberlin. Vanderbilt. Harvard. And they’re not just admitting the child with the flashiest solo. They’re admitting the ones who are well-rounded, consistent, and ready to learn.

That’s where you—and your child—come in.

So what do they look for? First, repertoire that shows growth. If your child is in 10th grade now, they should have a plan that shows what they performed in 7th, 8th, and 9th. Not just the hardest music now—but thoughtful progress over time.

Second, character. Volunteer work. Coaching younger students. Performing at church or in the community. These things matter. In fact, they matter a lot.

And third, balance. Admissions panels know nerves happen. So a student who plays a “simpler” lyrical piece with beauty and control? That’s memorable. And the best audition panels remember the student who left an impression—not just the one who played loudest.

So here’s what I want you to do. Go to Accoladi.com. Find the Repertoire Directory. Look at the timeline. Help your child plan backwards—so they can move forward.

And remember, you’re not alone. You’ve got teachers, directors, counselors, and yes—even your district Fine Arts office—rooting for you. We believe in your child. We believe in the power of music. And we believe dreams are worth dressing up for.

[Closing music swells]

Voiceover Artist: This has been People Over Programs, brought to you by the Five Boroughs Consolidated Independent School District in partnership with Accoladi.com. Subscribe, share, and visit Accoladi.com to learn more.

Vlog Script – “Conservatory or School of Music? Dr. K Breaks It Down”

Featuring: Dr. Hadassah Katzenberg, Director of Performing Arts, Valle del Crepúsculo School District

[Opening Scene – INT. HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA ROOM – DAY]

Music Cue: Energetic, upbeat instrumental track (pop-meets-classical mashup) starts.

CAMERA: Handheld walking shot entering through the orchestra room door. The camera glides past rows of music stands, a few students quietly warming up in the background — a flute trilling, a cello tuning — posters from past concerts lining the walls.

DR. KATZENBERG (on-camera, smiling, standing at the conductor’s podium): Welcome! We’re here in the Valle del Crepúsculo High School orchestra room — where big dreams get rehearsed, refined, and sometimes played a little too loud.

Today, I want to talk about a question I get from so many students: Should I go to a conservatory or a school of music? Let’s break it down together.

Music Cue: Light, friendly underscore.

CAMERA: Medium shot of DR. K speaking to camera, occasional cutaways to B-roll of students practicing, rehearsing, and performing.

DR. KATZENBERG: Think of a conservatory like musical boot camp — intense, focused, and almost entirely about performance. Your schedule will be packed with lessons, rehearsals, and concerts.

A school of music, on the other hand, is part of a larger university. You’ll still study music seriously, but you’ll also have the chance to explore other fields — maybe double major, join campus clubs, or take classes outside your major.

CAMERA: Split screen visual — left side shows a violinist practicing in a soundproof booth; right side shows a student sitting in a lecture hall with a guitar case by their desk.

Music Cue: Quirky bass-and-clap groove.

DR. KATZENBERG (walking slowly toward a music stand as she talks): Let’s talk money — because yes, it matters.

Some conservatories can be expensive, but they often offer significant scholarships.

Public university schools of music may be more affordable, especially for in-state students. And yes — FAFSA is accepted by most.

CAMERA: Pop-up text graphics appear: “Scholarships!”, “FAFSA!”, “Net Cost > Sticker Price.”

DR. KATZENBERG: Don’t get scared by the sticker price. Always compare the net cost — tuition minus scholarships and aid — before making a decision.

Music Cue: Playful pizzicato strings.

DR. KATZENBERG (smiling): Here’s a myth I want to bust: You do not need a professional-level instrument to audition. What matters most is how you sound and how prepared you are.

CAMERA: Cut to B-roll of a student confidently playing on a well-worn trumpet, then another student unpacking a pristine loaner instrument from a school case.

DR. KATZENBERG (V.O.): And if you do need an upgrade later, many schools have instrument loan programs or scholarships to help.

Music Cue: Warm, inspiring underscore.

CAMERA: Medium close-up of DR. K in front of a wall of framed performance photos.

DR. KATZENBERG: Say yes to every chance you get to make music — school concerts, summer programs, community ensembles. Go hear live performances. Talk to your teachers.

And remember — the “right” school isn’t about the name on the door. It’s about where you’ll grow the most, as both a musician and a person.

Music Cue: Light re-intro of upbeat theme.

CAMERA: DR. K holds up a tablet showing the Accoladi.com article “Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?”.

DR. KATZENBERG: If you want the full breakdown — everything from costs and scholarships to history and instrument tips — check out the article “Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?” on Accoladi.com. It’s clear, helpful, and written so you don’t need a theory degree to understand it.

[Closing Scene]

Music Cue: Theme swells.

CAMERA: Wide shot — DR. K picks up her viola, slings the case over her shoulder. Students in the background laugh as they pack up instruments.

DR. KATZENBERG (to camera): Your future in music is yours to shape. Whether it’s a conservatory, a school of music, or something in between — bring your passion, keep learning, and always keep playing.

Music fades to black.

[END]