Glossary

Audition: A performance evaluation used by colleges, conservatories, and music programs to assess a student’s musical ability. It’s often required for admission into music majors.

College Conservatory: A specialized school (often part of a university or independent) that offers intense, performance-focused training for musicians, dancers, and actors—such as Juilliard or the Shepherd School at Rice.

College of Liberal Arts: A university division that focuses on a broad education, including humanities, sciences, and arts. Many schools offer music degrees within their liberal arts program (e.g., Harvard, Stanford).

Cost of Attendance (COA): The full yearly cost of college, including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses.

CSS Profile: A financial aid form required by many private colleges in addition to the FAFSA. It helps determine how much a family can pay and what grants/scholarships the student may receive.

Demonstrated Financial Need: The difference between a college’s cost and what a family can reasonably contribute. Many top schools commit to meeting 100% of this need through grants, not loans.

External Scholarships: Scholarships from organizations outside the college (e.g., Rotary Club, church groups, arts foundations) that help cover college costs.

FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a government form used to apply for federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Federal Work-Study: A program that allows college students to earn money through part-time jobs on campus to help pay for college expenses.

First-Generation College Student: A student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. Many schools offer extra support for these students.

Full Cost-of-Attendance: When a college not only covers tuition, but also room, board, books, and other expenses through financial aid or scholarships.

Full Tuition: When a student’s tuition fees are completely covered by grants or scholarships, either through school programs or external funding.

Grants: Money for college that does not need to be repaid, often based on financial need.

Loan-Free Financial Aid: A financial aid package that replaces loans with scholarships or grants so students graduate without debt.

Music Major: A student who is earning a college degree in music—such as performance, music education, composition, or musicology.

Music Portfolio: A collection of performance videos, awards, programs, and teacher recommendations that represent a student’s musical achievements—used during the college application and audition process.

Performance Degree: A music degree focused on developing high-level skill on an instrument or voice, preparing students for professional careers on stage.

Room and Board: The cost of housing (dorm room or apartment) and food during college.

Scholarship: Financial support given to students based on talent, academics, financial need, or other achievements—does not have to be repaid.

Title I Campus: A public school that receives extra federal funding because a large percentage of its students come from low-income households.

Tuition-Free Program: A college financial aid model where students do not pay tuition—typically based on family income levels and/or academic merit.

Work Ethic: A student's discipline, responsibility, and persistence in practicing, studying, and showing up prepared—crucial for success in competitive music programs.